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FORD SIERRA Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 451 MOT tests from 64 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 SIERRA has the same fault.

FORD SIERRA's have a extremely good reliability rating of 779/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD SIERRA 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, and road tax for the FORD SIERRA.

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Check a Ford Sierra before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Ford Sierra 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
N/AN/A800/999Excellent80,741 miles897 vehicles
N/AN/A772/999Very good81,463 miles1,506 vehicles
N/AN/A764/999Very good81,875 miles1,921 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD SIERRA?

Based on 451 MOT tests from 64 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

64

MOT tests

451

Pass rate

80%

Median mileage

62,936 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD SIERRA has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 639 out of 999.

Common FORD SIERRA 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 25 advisory comments and 30 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: OFFSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE SLIGHTLY CORRODED (3.6.B.2C)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 16 advisory comments and 4 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 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 REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 advisory comments and 3 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 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: CENTRE EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (7.1.2)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 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))

Other steering issues

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 a steering defect that is not a track rod, rack, or power steering item.

What to inspect

Ask which steering part the tester named and whether it has been repaired.

Example MOT wording: STEERING COLUMN TOP BEARING SLIGHTLY WORN (2.1.2C)

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 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 (7.3.B.1A)

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 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 lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES AN ABS FAULT (3.4.1C)

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 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: NEARSIDE WINDSCREEN WASHER PROVIDES INSUFFICIENT WASHER LIQUID (8.2.3)

FORD SIERRA 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
199253090%Corrosion, Lamp and bulb faults
199189480.9%Corrosion, Tyre wear
199064276.2%Corrosion, Coil spring issues
198964381.4%Brake disc wear, Corrosion
1988108081.3%Corrosion, Tyre wear
1987810379.6%Corrosion, Oil leak
198683265.6%Corrosion, Suspension arm issues
198450—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample

What to check when buying a used FORD SIERRA

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.

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

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

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

  • Other steering issues. Ask which steering part the tester named and whether it has been repaired.

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

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

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

Buying a FORD SIERRA?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD SIERRAs 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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