Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue (2008)

211 real MOT outcomes analysed • 35.3% first-time pass rate

2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue

CarHunch analysed 211 real MOT records for the 2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue is a serious reliability concern: just 35.3% pass first time versus the UK average of 80%, and the petrol version shows a 0% pass rate across 117 vehicles tested—a genuinely alarming result that suggests systemic issues with this specific variant. No dangerous defects were recorded, which is the only bright spot, but the sheer scale of failures indicates this is not a safe buy for someone expecting a low-maintenance car.

At nearly 80,000 miles on average, these cars have typical mileage for their age, yet they're averaging 0.67 failures per test with zero advisories—meaning problems appear sudden and serious rather than gradual wear. If you're considering one, budget for immediate pre-purchase inspection by a specialist Fiesta mechanic and expect repair costs; alternatively, look at a different Fiesta generation or fuel type where the data is stronger.

Below average reliability 44.7% below UK average
35.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.67
avg MOT failures per car
over 3.5 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue

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 Zetec Blue

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 (55%) 117 0% 0
Other (45%) 94 79.2% 1.51

2008 Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue — Still on the Road

49 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 56% of the peak remain.

44 49 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

3.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.67
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue?

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

UK