MOT reliability

Ford Lightning

Q: Is the Ford Lightning reliable?

Across 25 Ford Lightning vehicles in our MOT data, 83% pass the MOT (a 17% failure rate), with about 1.2 faults or advisories recorded per test.

Q: What is the average mileage of a Ford Lightning?

The typical Ford Lightning in our data has covered around 69,761 miles.

25 vehicles · 378 completed MOT tests analysed

83%

MOT pass rate

Based on 25 Ford Lightning vehicles and 378 completed MOT tests, the Ford Lightning has an overall 83% pass rate, with an average recorded mileage of 69,761 miles.

Vehicles

378

MOT tests

2,784

Avg miles / year

1.2

Faults per test

Dangerous-fault share

Ford Lightning problem areas

Where faults occur most across all Ford Lightning MOT tests:

Other89%
Tyres, wheels & suspension11%
Brakes5%
Lamps & electrical5%
Emissions & nuisance4%
Body & structure3%
Steering2%
Seatbelts & equipment2%

Ford Lightning pass rate by age

How the Ford Lightning's MOT pass rate changes as it ages (buckets with 20+ tests).

Age (years)	Tests	Pass rate
3	8	88%
4	16	81%
5	19	84%
6	22	77%
7	26	77%
8	25	84%
9	24	83%
10	25	76%
11	20	85%
12	23	74%
13	22	82%
14	16	88%
15	16	88%
16	17	76%
17	14	86%
18	16	88%
19	14	93%
20	13	100%

Fuel types: Petrol (24), LPG (1)

Most common Ford Lightning MOT faults

These are the faults and advisories recorded most often across Ford Lightning MOT tests:

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (13 times)
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) (8 times)
Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a) (8 times)
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (8 times)
Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c) (7 times)
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g) (6 times)
n/s & o/s outer sills plastic covers (6 times)
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b) (5 times)
Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b) (5 times)
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) (5 times)
Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a) (5 times)
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (5 times)
Rear Brake lining(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) (4 times)
Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b) (4 times)
Tow ball/hitch not fitted at time of test (4 times)

Ford Lightning pass rate by registration year

Year	Vehicles	Tests	Pass rate	Avg mileage
2004	6	91	84%	56,162
2003	4	90	87%	66,570
2002	4	35	80%	76,308
2001	5	73	77%	84,614
2000	2	35	89%	98,453
1999	4	54	85%	53,095

Ford Lightning reliability FAQ

Across 25 Ford Lightning vehicles in our MOT data, 83% pass the MOT (a 17% failure rate), with about 1.2 faults or advisories recorded per test.

The most frequently recorded Ford Lightning MOT issues are: Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1); Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2); Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a).

The typical Ford Lightning in our data has covered around 69,761 miles.

Compare the Ford Lightning

See how the Ford Lightning stacks up against other Ford models on MOT reliability:

Lightning vs Fiesta Lightning vs Focus Lightning vs Transit Lightning vs Mondeo

Check a specific Ford Lightning

Enter a registration to see that exact vehicle's full MOT history, advisories and recurring faults.

See all Ford models · Learn about common MOT failures · what an MOT checks