Does the Ford Cortina fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Ford Cortina records 9.56 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.10 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−9.54, 95% interval −10.67 to −8.42). It ranks 586 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Ford Cortina by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Ford Cortina is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 196 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 196 | 3.37 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 131 | 2.25 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 78 | 1.34 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 5,818 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Ford Cortina by postcode area · Ford Cortina body, chassis and structure failures · Ford Cortina brakes failures · Ford Cortina lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Ford Cortina noise, emissions and leaks failures · Ford Cortina seat belts and airbags failures · Ford Cortina steering failures · Ford Cortina tyres failures · Ford Cortina visibility failures