Ford Fiesta ST (2005)

179 real MOT outcomes analysed • 14.3% first-time pass rate

2005 Ford Fiesta ST

CarHunch analysed 179 real MOT records for the 2005 Ford Fiesta ST. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2005 Ford Fiesta ST is a reliability concern: just 14.3% pass their MOT first time, against the 80% UK average, and petrol versions show a 0% pass rate on first attempt, suggesting systematic issues once these cars reach 19 years old. However, dangerous defects are absent from this cohort, and the average 0.15 failures per vehicle indicates problems tend to be minor rather than severe.

With an average mileage of 96,087 miles, these are well-used examples, yet advisories are virtually nonexistent (0.0 per vehicle), meaning owners aren't facing looming costs. If you're considering one, budget for immediate repairs before the first MOT attempt—this model needs hands-on inspection and fresh parts rather than a gamble on passing straightaway.

Below average reliability 65.7% below UK average
14.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.15
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.5 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2005 Ford Fiesta ST

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.
  • 📄 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 Fiesta ST

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (83%) 148 0% 0
Other (17%) 31 82.5% 0.84

2005 Ford Fiesta ST — Still on the Road

12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 — 52% of the peak remain.

21 12 2018 2022

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2022.

MOT History Averages

1.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.15
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Ford Fiesta ST?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Ford Fiesta ST:

2006 2007