The Real Reason Ford Pumas Fail Their MOT
When a Ford Puma fails its MOT, it's rarely for the reasons you might expect from a car of its age. Instead of common issues like lighting or even rust, it's the suspension that proves to be the most common Achilles' heel. National DVSA MOT data reveals that suspension defects are responsible for a significant 31% of all failures recorded for this model, a figure far higher than any other category.
Beneath the Surface: The Puma's Failure Profile
Digging into the numbers, issues with the Puma's suspension stand out. This category alone makes up almost a third of all defects reported across the MOT tests we've tracked for the model. Following this, brakes account for 22% of failures, with lighting and electrical issues representing 17%. Corrosion and bodywork defects contribute another 16%, showing these are also significant but secondary concerns. Emissions and exhaust issues, by contrast, are a relatively minor cause of failure, at just 4%.
Age and the MOT Test
These figures combine data from every age and model-year of the Ford Puma we hold records for. When new, the Puma performs strongly. Its first MOT pass rate, typically at around three years old, stands at an impressive 90.6%. However, as the vehicles age, this figure drops to an average pass rate of 64.1% across all subsequent tests. This suggests that while initial reliability is good, wear and tear, particularly on components like the suspension, begins to take its toll over time.
How we worked this out
Our analysis draws on tens of millions of national DVSA MOT test records, covering every age and variant of the Ford Puma with enough data for meaningful analysis. We look at the actual failure categories listed by test centres across the UK, allowing us to build a comprehensive picture of where models genuinely fall short. It's important to remember that an MOT test only covers the car as it's presented on the day; it can't predict future failures or account for poor maintenance between tests. Failures often cluster around components that experience the most wear and tear, rather than reflecting inherent design flaws across an entire badge.
What to do with this information
For prospective Ford Puma owners, or those looking to keep their current vehicle in top condition, paying particular attention to the suspension system is advisable. Prior to its next MOT, have the suspension checked thoroughly for worn bushes, springs, or dampers. Similarly, inspecting brake components is a good preventative measure. Always review a specific car's MOT history for previous advisories or failures, which can offer valuable insight into its maintenance record and potential weak points.