Ford Escort (2001)
2001 Ford Escort
CarHunch analysed 18,009 real MOT records for the 2001 Ford Escort. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2001 Ford Escort passes its MOT just 68.1% of the time—well below the UK average of 80%—and one in four has had a dangerous defect logged, making it a notably unreliable proposition by modern standards. Petrol and diesel versions are similarly problematic, both hovering around 68–69% pass rates, so fuel choice won't save you here.
These Escorts average over 91,000 miles, which is reasonable for their age, but they're racking up 4 failures and nearly 15 advisories per test, pointing to cumulative wear on tired components rather than one critical weak spot. If you're considering one, budget for regular maintenance and have a trusted mechanic inspect it thoroughly before purchase—the numbers suggest you'll be spending on repairs.
What to check before buying a 2001 Ford Escort
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 25.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Escort
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (85%) | 15,319 | 67.9% | 4.12 |
| Petrol (15%) | 2,651 | 69.2% | 3.62 |
| LPG (0%) | 37 | 70.4% | 3.3 |
| Electric (0%) | 2 | 81.8% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2001 Ford Escort vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2001 Ford Escort vehicles fall between 72,663 and 113,357 miles.
2001 Ford Escort — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 367 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 (5% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2024.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2001 Ford Escort
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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64.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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61.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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52.9%
Oil leak
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39%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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37.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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37.2%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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34.9%
Brake load sensing valve linkage seized
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33.3%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2001. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Ford Escort?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.