2001 Ford Escort 1.8L Diesel · HN51 AKG
2001 Ford Escort (1.8L, diesel). First registered 05 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 168,682 miles. MOT valid until 09 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD ESCORT
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 168,682 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
HN51 AKG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/04/2026
- 168,682 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HN51 AKG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Escort (HN51 AKG) between February 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle by more than 50% Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
HN51 AKG Mileage History
- 10/02/2024146,945 mi
- 08/02/2025154,377 mi+7,432 mi
- 08/02/2025154,377 mi
- 11/04/2026168,680 mi+14,303 mi
- 11/04/2026168,682 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 10,034 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Ford Ford Escort Mk5 / Mk6
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a mechanic willing to undertake significant restoration. While the diesel engine is simple, the MOT history reveals persistent structural corrosion and a pattern of poor safety-maintenance.
Your priority must be a thorough structural inspection. The history explicitly lists 'excessively corroded' seat belt anchorages and corroded rear integral body structures; these are critical safety points that are often expensive to repair. Check for signs of ongoing rust in the sills and underbody, as previous advisories have noted rust in the nearside inner sill and chassis.
Ask for a full service history to see if the 1.7L diesel engine has been maintained regularly. Given the past failure for smoke emissions in 2020, the turbo and fuel system should be checked for signs of wear. Negotiate aggressively based on the fact that the vehicle recently required major brake work and headlamp adjustments to pass the April 2026 test.
The 1753 diesel engine is generally fuel-efficient, making it relatively cheap for high-mileage commuting. Given its age and model, it likely falls into a low insurance group and benefits from a low road tax band.
Expect annual costs to be around £900-£1,100, covering fuel, tax, and basic maintenance. However, be prepared for higher-than-average repair bills, as the MOT history indicates a recurring issue with brakes and corrosion.
Focus heavily on the bodywork. The MOT record shows a history of corrosion in the rear chassis, inner sills, and specifically seat belt anchorages. Use a torch to check for bubbling paint or scales in these areas, which indicates deep structural rot hidden under the surface.
Inspect the braking system thoroughly. The April 2026 MOT failed due to imbalanced brakes and a dangerous parking brake rating. Ensure the recent repairs were actually carried properly, as the previous advisory noted pitting and scoring on the discs. Also check for oil leaks, as one was noted in the 2022 MOT history.
This 2001 Ford Escort diesel has covered a significant mileage of 168,682 miles and shows signs ofterm neglect. While it recently passed its MOT, the history is riddled with serious structural issues, including corroded seat belt anchorages and rear chassis rust. The most recent MOT failure was particularly severe, involving 'dangerous' parking brake failures, suggesting that basic maintenance tasks have been overlooked.
The late-generation Escort Zetec diesel engines are known for mechanical simplicity but are prone to body rust and electrical gremlins as they age.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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