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FORD CAPRI Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 377 MOT tests from 49 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®. The figures below describe that VehicleScore® sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are not a claim that every FORD CAPRI has the same fault.

FORD CAPRI's have a very good reliability rating of 675/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD CAPRI that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, and CO2 emissions for the FORD CAPRI.

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Check the reliability of your Ford Capri

Enter your registration to see the MOT history for this car.

Ford Capri side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
Petrol1986674/999Good81,556 miles841 vehicles
Petrol1985670/999Good82,942 miles2,906 vehicles
Petrol1983680/999Good82,644 miles3,316 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD CAPRI?

Based on 377 MOT tests from 49 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®.

Vehicles

49

MOT tests

377

Pass rate

75.9%

Median mileage

49,551 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD CAPRI has the same fault. The median VehicleScore® in this sample is 583 out of 999.

Common FORD CAPRI MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Corrosion

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 20 advisory comments and 14 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR SUSPENSION SPRING MOUNTING PRESCRIBED AREA IS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED (2.4.A.3)

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 12 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT EXCESSIVE (8.2.1.2 (B))

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 12 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE HEADLAMP NOT WORKING ON DIPPED BEAM (1.7.5A)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 11 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 8 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 6 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN WASHER PROVIDES INSUFFICIENT WASHER LIQUID (8.2.3)

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 5 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

Exhaust

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 5 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (7.1.2)

FORD CAPRI MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore® has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
198688674.4%Corrosion, Tyre wear
198255463%Corrosion, Emissions test issues
198152777.8%Exhaust, Headlamp faults

What to check when buying a used FORD CAPRI

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore® sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

  • Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Buying a FORD CAPRI?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD CAPRIs generally. VehicleScore® can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore® analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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