1990 Ford Escort 1.4L Petrol · H481 FCM
1990 Ford Escort (1.4L, petrol). First registered 10 Sept 1990. Recorded mileage 98,096 miles. MOT valid until 11 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD ESCORT
- Year / Origin
- 1990 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,096 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
H481 FCM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/08/2026
- 98,096 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H481 FCM 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 1990 Ford Escort (H481 FCM) between August 2022 and August 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 20 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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.
H481 FCM Mileage History
- 12/08/202296,349 mi
- 11/08/202396,547 mi+198 mi
- 13/08/202497,458 mi+911 mi
- 08/08/202597,922 mi+464 mi
- 13/08/202698,096 mi+174 mi
Average of roughly 436 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: Good
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.
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FORD ESCORT Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1990 model year cars.
- Battery Tray Corrosion and Main Fusebox Water IngressSerious
The battery mounting tray in the engine compartment sits directly above the passenger-side bulkhead above the interior Central Electronic Module (main fusebox). Acid spills from aging lead-acid batteries and blocked scuttle drain grommets cause the thin sheet metal of the battery tray and surrounding seam sealer to corrode and perforate. Rainwater washes through the rust hole directly onto the internal multi-layer printed circuit board of the fusebox, causing copper track corrosion, dry solder joints, and chaotic electrical malfunctions across multiple circuits.
- Rear Wheel Arch and Fuel Filler Neck Structural RustSerious
The rear inner and outer quarter panels on Mk5 and Mk6 Escorts feature an unsealed cavity surrounding the fuel filler pipe neck. Road spray, mud, and road salt thrown up by the rear offside tyre accumulate in the ledge behind the fuel flap rubber seal. Lacking modern plastic wheel arch liners and robust factory galvanising, the steel panels corrode rapidly from the inside out, bubbling through the exterior paintwork around the fuel cap and spreading into the rear arch lips, inner wheel tub, and rear chassis legs.
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