Ford

Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 (2009)

852 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.6% first-time pass rate

2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82

CarHunch analysed 852 real MOT records for the 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 2009 Fiesta Zetec 82 is a significant reliability concern: it posts a first-time MOT pass rate of just 66.3%, well below the UK average of 80%, and the petrol variants are virtually failing outright at 0.9% pass rate—though the "Other" fuel type (likely LPG or hybrid conversions) passes at 83.4%, suggesting the petrol engines have real durability issues. The good news is that no vehicles in this cohort have ever recorded a dangerous defect, and with an average of just 1.09 failures per test and zero advisories, problems tend to be fixable rather than safety-critical.

At nearly 81,000 miles median, these cars are well-used for their age, so wear is expected—but the high failure rate suggests mechanical vulnerability rather than simple aging. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically targets the petrol engine's cooling system and head gasket, as these are the likely culprits behind the consistent test failures on this variant.

The 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (83.6%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

First-time pass
83.6%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
0%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.09
Over 6.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
81k
Middle half: 65k–100k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

These stats describe 852 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 852 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82

Based on MOT data from 852 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Other (79%) 674 83.4% 1.37
Petrol (21%) 177 84.4% 0.02

Colour Breakdown

Based on 977 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 30%
293
Red 24.2%
236
Black 20.1%
196
Silver 14.4%
141
White 9%
88
Green 2.4%
23

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

80,760
typical
64,680
low mileage
100,468
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 vehicles fall between 64,680 and 100,468 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 64,680 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
64,680–100,468 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82s sit.
Over 135,631 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82 — Still on the Road

Most 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec 82s are still being driven.

439 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 70% of the peak remain.

377 439 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.09
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Ford Fiesta Zetec 82: All Fiesta Zetec 82 years → Which year to buy? →
2008

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Average reliability — agree?