Does the Ford Explorer fail the MOT on noise, emissions and leaks more than it should?
The Ford Explorer records 5.81 noise, emissions and leaks failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 8.89 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−3.08, 95% interval −3.98 to −2.17). It ranks 609 of 678 models on noise, emissions and leaks (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on noise, emissions and leaks · check a Ford Explorer by registration
What exactly fails on noise, emissions and leaks?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Ford Explorer is “Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer”, recorded 63 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer | 63 | 1.51 |
| Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction | 55 | 1.32 |
| Emissions levels exceed default limits | 48 | 1.15 |
| Emissions test unable to be completed | 34 | 0.82 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,162 (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 Explorer in Norway · Ford Explorer in the Netherlands · Ford Explorer by postcode area · Ford Explorer body, chassis and structure failures · Ford Explorer brakes failures · Ford Explorer vehicle identification failures · Ford Explorer lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Ford Explorer seat belts and airbags failures · Ford Explorer steering failures · Ford Explorer suspension failures · Ford Explorer tyres failures · Ford Explorer visibility failures