1996 Ford Mustang: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Ford Mustang first registered in 1996: we looked at the 194 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 194 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1996 Ford Mustang MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Ford Mustang MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes29% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension22% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres16% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Steering10% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Ford Mustang
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Ford Mustang?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Ford Mustang compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 109 | Tyres 21% |
| 2022 | 5,384 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 6,040 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 3,169 | Tyres 19% |
| 2019 | 3,619 | Tyres 20% |
| 2018 | 6,227 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 5,628 | Tyres 23% |
| 2016 | 7,630 | Tyres 24% |
| 2015 | 1,035 | Tyres 21% |
| 2014 | 325 | Lights and electrics 12% |
| 2013 | 333 | Lights and electrics 12% |
| 2012 | 292 | Tyres 15% |
| 2011 | 250 | Lights and electrics 18% |
| 2010 | 319 | Suspension 16% |
| 2009 | 285 | Suspension 22% |
| 2008 | 651 | Suspension 21% |
| 2007 | 875 | Suspension 22% |
| 2006 | 829 | Suspension 23% |
| 2005 | 997 | Suspension 24% |
| 2004 | 186 | Brakes 25% |
| 2003 | 148 | Brakes 24% |
| 2001 | 128 | Brakes 23% |
| 2000 | 154 | Suspension 31% |
| 1999 | 144 | Suspension 24% |
| 1997 | 108 | Brakes 26% |
| 1995 | 204 | Brakes 40% |
| 1994 | 195 | Brakes 35% |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1972 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ford Mustang cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score