Ford Mondeo Common Faults in the UK
Mk4 2007–2014 and Mk5 2014–2022 — large family hatchback, saloon and estate. Updated 6 October 2026.
This guide covers the Mk4 2007–2014 and Mk5 2014–2022 only. Older Mondeo generations have different engines and faults — for one of those, see how to check any car for known faults.
The Ford Mondeo is rated reliable by owners and has a long DVSA recall list. On a 2014–2015 2.0 diesel ask about R/2018/053, a software fix for overheating that could crack the oil sump; EcoBoost cars with the 6-speed manual have clutch-plate recalls (R/2018/082 and R/2018/351); the Takata air bag inflator recall covers builds 2007 to February 2017 (R/2020/013); R/2019/212 (battery terminal) covers 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019. What Car? ranked the Mondeo the most reliable used executive car in 2023, and 2015–2017 registrations pass the MOT above the average for their year.
Largest DVSA recall for the Mondeo: R/2020/013, 219,738 vehicles in the whole recall — Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment. See the 11 DVSA recalls listed for this model.
80.8% of Ford Mondeos registered 2013–2020 pass the MOT first time, 2.2 points above all cars registered in those years (78.6%). These are the cars this guide covers that were 3 to 12 years old when DVSA tested them in 2025, counted from 8,318 DVSA tests; a pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure.
Counting every registration year DVSA holds for the Ford Mondeo (2004–2020), which includes generations this guide does not cover, 73.4% pass first time, from 17,644 tests.
Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a first-time pass; DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Compared against cars of the same registration years, because pass rates otherwise mostly measure how old a model's surviving fleet is.
See it by registration year and by mileage ↓The asking-price figures above are the middle 80% and the median of what sellers were asking on Autoza on 8 October 2026 — not what buyers pay — for Ford Mondeo cars registered 2007–2022. They are worked out from the cars on sale when this page is generated, and none is shown when fewer than 10 cars qualify. The road tax line comes from GOV.UK's vehicle tax rate tables (2026/27 rates). The fuel economy tile names the source it rests on or says there is no sourced figure, and the insurance tile gives no figure. We do not publish a UK price index, and no figure here should be quoted as one.
Best and worst years to buy
We name a year as a best or worst buy only where the DVSA MOT table further down does not rate it the other way.
DVSA’s MOT table rates 2016 and 2017 registrations above all cars registered the same year (by 3.3 and 3.5 points). They are not recall-free: a car built to 28 February 2017 is inside the Takata air bag inflator recall R/2020/013, an EcoBoost with the manual gearbox is inside the clutch-plate recalls R/2018/082 and R/2018/351, and a Mondeo built 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019 is inside the battery-terminal recall (possible acid leakage) R/2019/212, so check by registration.
No year is named: DVSA’s MOT table rates 2013 and 2014 registrations level with all cars registered those years and 2015 to 2017 above. The recalls that matter most depend on build date, engine and gearbox, not the registration year: every car built 6 February 2007 to 28 February 2017 is in the Takata air bag inflator recall R/2020/013 (DVSA gives one total of 219,738 vehicles for the whole campaign), 2.0 diesels built 19 September 2014 to 28 September 2015 are in R/2018/053 (overheating could crack the oil sump), EcoBoost manuals built to May 2018 are in the clutch-plate recalls, and every car built from 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019 is in R/2019/212 (possible battery acid leakage around the negative terminal).
Known faults — Ford Mondeo Mk4 2007–2014 and Mk5 2014–2022
How to read this list. Items marked Safety recall are DVSA safety recalls, shown with DVSA’s own reference. Whether a particular car is affected depends on when it was built: check it by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check. Everything else in this list is owner-reported: what the UK publication named on each card reports from its owner surveys and tests. Those are worth checking on a viewing, but we hold no count of how many cars have each one, other than any survey share a card itself quotes. Treat an owner-reported item as a question to ask, not a fault this car has.
Clutch — pressure plate may fracture (EcoBoost petrol, 6-speed manual)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: cars with a 1.0, 1.5 or 1.6 EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual gearbox could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture, causing a clutch smell and reduced speed and performance; in extreme cases fragments may strike under-bonnet components, with a risk of smoke and fire. New calibration sets the wrench warning light and de-rates the engine if prolonged clutch slip is detected.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 1 August 2009 to 30 June 2016 (R/2018/082) and 30 June 2016 to 30 May 2018 (R/2018/351); DVSA gives one total for six Ford models in each
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. What Car? lists it for the 1.0 and 1.5 petrol cars. Check the clutch bites cleanly, with no burning smell or slipping.
DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2018/082 122,199 (every model in the recall); R/2018/351 66,497 (every model in the recall).
Battery — monitor-sensor wiring (12-volt battery)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: possible battery acid leakage around the negative terminal, and a possible thermal incident within the battery-monitor sensor wiring; a fused jumper loom is installed. What Car? says it could lead to a fire in extreme circumstances.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019; DVSA gives one total for the Galaxy, Mondeo and S-Max
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the dealer record showing the fused wiring loom was fitted.
Engine — overheating may crack the oil sump (2.0 diesel)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: the engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engines, and in extreme cases an overheated engine can breach the oil sump and lose its engine oil. Revised calibration software improves overheat detection and adds an instrument-cluster warning and an engine de-rate.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 19 September 2014 to 28 September 2015; DVSA gives one total for the C-Max, Focus, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo and S-Max
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. What Car? lists this one. Ask for the dealer record showing the software update, and check the oil level and for any sign of oil loss.
Brakes — front brake hoses may leak
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: there is the possibility of the front brake hoses leaking. Both front brake hoses are replaced, and the hose routing and ride-height sensor modified if necessary.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 19 May 2014 to 8 July 2017; DVSA gives separate totals for each model it covers
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask a Ford dealer to confirm from the VIN whether the hose work has been done.
Mk5 — adaptive LED headlamps and air-conditioning compressor pulley
- Symptoms
- For R/2016/113, DVSA wording: cars with adaptive LED headlamps could lose a control signal combined with a software error, which may switch the headlamps off; the software is updated. For R/2018/213: a low-torque condition on the air-conditioning clutch fastener, so the compressor pulley may become detached; a new clutch pulley is fitted.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 3 May 2014 to 22 December 2015 (R/2016/113) and 1 September 2014 to 20 April 2018 (R/2018/213)
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. What Car? lists both among the Mk5’s most common problems.
DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2016/113 9,705 (every model in the recall); R/2018/213 3,021 (every model in the recall).
Engine — cylinder head may crack from overheating (Mk4)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: localised overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the head to crack, which may cause a pressurised oil leak and in extreme circumstances a fire in the engine compartment. A coolant level sensor is fitted to give an audible and visual warning and, in extreme circumstances, reduce engine power.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 2 June 2010 to 20 December 2014; DVSA gives one total for the Galaxy, Mondeo and S-Max
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Check the coolant level and for any oil leak under the engine.
Diesel particulate filter — may crack (2019–2022 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: affected cars may develop a crack in the diesel particulate filter. The powertrain control software is updated to prevent a cracked filter, and filters that are already cracked are tested and replaced.
- Years affected
- Mondeo built 18 January 2019 to 17 February 2022 (seven DVSA build windows); DVSA’s list for this recall covers many Ford models
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record.
Suspension, electrical faults and diesel particulate filters (Mk5)
- Symptoms
- What Car? says owners of older Mk5 cars reported problems with suspension components and electrical faults such as non-working warning lights and infotainment glitches, and that diesels were noted for particulate-filter faults that some owners found costly to repair.
- Years affected
- 2014–2022 Mk5; the filter faults are on diesels
- What to check before buying
- Listen for knocks over bumps, work the infotainment and check every warning light, and ask diesel sellers for the particulate-filter history.
Mk4 — diesel cut-outs, keyless entry and interior trim
- Symptoms
- What Car? says a few 2.0-litre diesel Mk4s cut out unexpectedly while being driven, which dealers can fix with an engine-computer software update; that the keyless entry and ignition on high-spec cars can stop working intermittently; and that many owners complain of rattling interior trim and collapsing seat bolsters.
- Years affected
- Mk4 2007–2014
- What to check before buying
- Test the keyless entry and start several times, listen for dashboard and door-card rattles, and check the seat bolsters.
More DVSA safety recalls for the Ford Mondeo, largest first
These are the recalls DVSA lists for this model and its build years that the cards above do not already describe: every one of 10,000 or more vehicles, largest first, with DVSA’s own reference and figures. A recall covers only cars built in its dates and within its VIN range — check a particular car by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check. “Critical” here means DVSA’s own notice tells owners not to drive the car until it is fixed. It is never a size: “Large” means DVSA lists 10,000 or more vehicles in the recall.
- Safety recall · R/2020/013Large recall — 219,738 vehicles
Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly
219,738 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 6 February 2007 and 28 February 2017 · recall launched 30 October 2020
- Safety recall · R/2009/050Large recall — 13,029 vehicles
Hard brake pedal may occur during engine warm up
During engine warm up it is possible that the non return valve within the vacuum pump may stick.
13,029 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 1 November 2008 and 12 March 2009 · recall launched 21 May 2009
Source: DVSA vehicle recalls file (every recall since 1992), published under the Open Government Licence. Where DVSA gives one figure for a recall that covers several models, it is shown as the whole recall’s total.
Ford Mondeo MOT results by year and mileage
Measured from DVSA’s own MOT test records for tests carried out in 2025, not from owner reports.
By registration year
Against all cars registered in the same year, the MOT pass rate for the Mondeo was higher in 3 and level in 5 of the 8 registration years from 2013 to 2020 with enough tests to measure. The widest gap above is 2015 registrations: 82.2% against 76.7%.
| Registered | Mondeo | All cars that year | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020234 tests | 90.6% | 88.7% | +1.9 level |
| 2019457 tests | 88.2% | 86.9% | +1.3 level |
| 2018765 tests | 86.1% | 84.5% | +1.6 level |
| 20171,119 tests | 85.7% | 82.2% | +3.5 higher |
| 20161,632 tests | 82.7% | 79.4% | +3.3 higher |
| 20151,769 tests | 82.2% | 76.7% | +5.5 higher |
| 20141,126 tests | 72.6% | 74.3% | −1.7 level |
| 20131,216 tests | 71.4% | 71.9% | −0.5 level |
By mileage at the test
Against cars of the same age on the same mileage, the pass rate for the Mondeo was higher in 4 and level in 1 of the 5 mileage bands with enough tests. How other models compare at the same mileage.
Show the table by mileage (5 bands)
| Mileage | Mondeo | Same age and mileage | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60k–80k2,262 tests | 80.1% | 75.1% | +5.0 higher |
| 80k–100k3,079 tests | 75.8% | 71.1% | +4.8 higher |
| 100k–120k2,888 tests | 71.3% | 67.9% | +3.4 higher |
| 120k–140k2,523 tests | 69.3% | 66.7% | +2.6 higher |
| 160k+2,900 tests | 66.9% | 67.0% | −0.1 level |
Only a major or dangerous defect fails an MOT. A minor defect is recorded on the certificate and the car still passes, and an advisory is not a failure at all.
We don’t give a recall count for the Ford Mondeo: whether a recall applies depends on the individual car. Check the one you are looking at by entering its registration on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall checker, and see how to check a car for known faults for the other free checks.
Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a first-time pass; DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Odometer readings below 100 or above 400,000 miles are discarded as misreadings, and cars under three years old are excluded because no MOT is yet due. Sampled from nine months of 2025 (January, February, April, May, July, August, September, October and November). Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Registration years shown are cars 3 to 12 years old when tested; the smallest rests on 234 tests. A gap is called level when it is under one percentage point or inside the 95% sampling margin for that number of tests. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want a roomy, comfortable, usually reliable family car and will ask for the dealer record on the recalls that match the engine and gearbox.
Anyone buying a 2014–2015 2.0 diesel with no record of the overheating software update, or an EcoBoost manual with no record of the clutch software.
Alternatives to consider
If the Ford Mondeo doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the UK market:
Ford Mondeo: questions buyers ask
What are the most common faults on a used Ford Mondeo in the UK?
The Ford Mondeo is rated reliable by owners and has a long DVSA recall list. On a 2014–2015 2.0 diesel ask about R/2018/053, a software fix for overheating that could crack the oil sump; EcoBoost cars with the 6-speed manual have clutch-plate recalls (R/2018/082 and R/2018/351); the Takata air bag inflator recall covers builds 2007 to February 2017 (R/2020/013); R/2019/212 (battery terminal) covers 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019. What Car? ranked the Mondeo the most reliable used executive car in 2023, and 2015–2017 registrations pass the MOT above the average for their year.
What is the best year to buy a used Ford Mondeo in the UK?
Best-buy years: 2016, 2017. DVSA’s MOT table rates 2016 and 2017 registrations above all cars registered the same year (by 3.3 and 3.5 points). They are not recall-free: a car built to 28 February 2017 is inside the Takata air bag inflator recall R/2020/013, an EcoBoost with the manual gearbox is inside the clutch-plate recalls R/2018/082 and R/2018/351, and a Mondeo built 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019 is inside the battery-terminal recall (possible acid leakage) R/2019/212, so check by registration.
What years of Ford Mondeo should I avoid in the UK?
No specific year of the Mk4 2007–2014 and Mk5 2014–2022 Ford Mondeo is generally avoided. No year is named: DVSA’s MOT table rates 2013 and 2014 registrations level with all cars registered those years and 2015 to 2017 above. The recalls that matter most depend on build date, engine and gearbox, not the registration year: every car built 6 February 2007 to 28 February 2017 is in the Takata air bag inflator recall R/2020/013 (DVSA gives one total of 219,738 vehicles for the whole campaign), 2.0 diesels built 19 September 2014 to 28 September 2015 are in R/2018/053 (overheating could crack the oil sump), EcoBoost manuals built to May 2018 are in the clutch-plate recalls, and every car built from 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019 is in R/2019/212 (possible battery acid leakage around the negative terminal).
How much does a used Ford Mondeo cost in the UK in 2026?
What sellers were asking on Autoza on 8 October 2026, for Ford Mondeo cars registered 2007–2022: £1,690–£7,480, median £2,995 — the range is the middle 80% of asking prices. Those are asking prices, not what buyers paid, and not a UK price index. Prices vary by mileage, region and trim, so compare several adverts of the same year and mileage band before negotiating.
What is the road tax (VED) on a Ford Mondeo in the UK?
Annual road tax (VED): £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. A car registered from April 2017 with a list price over £40,000 when new adds the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 (£640 in all). Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
What real-world fuel economy does a Ford Mondeo achieve on UK roads?
No sourced real-world figure for the Mondeo, so none is printed: the official lab figure depends on the engine and on the test cycle the car was approved under, so use the figure for the exact version you are looking at.
How does a Ford Mondeo compare to its rivals?
Strong alternatives in the UK: Skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Ford Focus. Choose based on dealer network in your area, parts availability, and your priorities (running cost vs. cabin quality vs. badge).
Who is the Ford Mondeo most suitable for?
Buyers who want a roomy, comfortable, usually reliable family car and will ask for the dealer record on the recalls that match the engine and gearbox.
Who should NOT buy a Ford Mondeo?
Anyone buying a 2014–2015 2.0 diesel with no record of the overheating software update, or an EcoBoost manual with no record of the clutch software.
Are there safety recalls on the Ford Mondeo?
DVSA lists 11 safety recalls for the Ford Mondeo that this guide shows or names, the largest first: R/2020/013 (219,738 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 6 February 2007 and 28 February 2017): Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment; R/2018/082 (122,199 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 1 August 2009 and 30 June 2016): Clutch pressure plate may fracture; R/2018/351 (66,497 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 30 June 2016 and 30 May 2018): Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. Whether a particular car is affected depends on its build date and VIN, so check its registration on GOV.UK (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy.
Is the Clutch — pressure plate may fracture (EcoBoost petrol, 6-speed manual) on the Ford Mondeo a serious problem?
Clutch — pressure plate may fracture (EcoBoost petrol, 6-speed manual) on the Ford Mondeo is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2018/082. Symptoms: DVSA wording: cars with a 1.0, 1.5 or 1.6 EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual gearbox could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture, causing a clutch smell and reduced speed and performance; in extreme cases fragments may strike under-bonnet components, with a risk of smoke and fire. New calibration sets the wrench warning light and de-rates the engine if prolonged clutch slip is detected. Years affected: Mondeo built 1 August 2009 to 30 June 2016 (R/2018/082) and 30 June 2016 to 30 May 2018 (R/2018/351); DVSA gives one total for six Ford models in each. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. What Car? lists it for the 1.0 and 1.5 petrol cars. Check the clutch bites cleanly, with no burning smell or slipping.
Is the Battery — monitor-sensor wiring (12-volt battery) on the Ford Mondeo a serious problem?
Battery — monitor-sensor wiring (12-volt battery) on the Ford Mondeo is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2019/212. Symptoms: DVSA wording: possible battery acid leakage around the negative terminal, and a possible thermal incident within the battery-monitor sensor wiring; a fused jumper loom is installed. What Car? says it could lead to a fire in extreme circumstances. Years affected: Mondeo built 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019; DVSA gives one total for the Galaxy, Mondeo and S-Max. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the dealer record showing the fused wiring loom was fitted.
Is the Engine — overheating may crack the oil sump (2.0 diesel) on the Ford Mondeo a serious problem?
Engine — overheating may crack the oil sump (2.0 diesel) on the Ford Mondeo is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2018/053. Symptoms: DVSA wording: the engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engines, and in extreme cases an overheated engine can breach the oil sump and lose its engine oil. Revised calibration software improves overheat detection and adds an instrument-cluster warning and an engine de-rate. Years affected: Mondeo built 19 September 2014 to 28 September 2015; DVSA gives one total for the C-Max, Focus, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo and S-Max. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. What Car? lists this one. Ask for the dealer record showing the software update, and check the oil level and for any sign of oil loss.
Check these next
The guide above is about the Ford Mondeo as a model. These are about the car in front of you.
- Browse Ford Mondeo listings on AutozaEvery one listed now.
- Check any car by its registrationFree: its MOT history, tax status and any open recall, from a number plate.
- Work out the road tax for the MondeoVehicle tax (VED) by registration date, CO2 and list price.
- Work out the monthly payment on a £2,995 MondeoThe median asking price on Autoza on 8 October 2026, not what buyers pay: change it to the car you are looking at.
- What is your Mondeo worth?A price range from dealers' asking prices for comparable cars.
Looking to buy a Ford Mondeo in the UK?
Search Autoza listings filtered by year, mileage, and region. Every dealer page shows the business name, address and contact details, so you can check the business before you enquire.