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R121 TLM

1998 Ford Explorer

Blue Petrol 4008cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires18 May 2026
Tests35 (19 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate54.3%

Mileage

104,472 mi
Last recorded104,472 miles
Recorded on19 May 2025
Typical for 1998 Ford Explorer92,272 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Ford
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR121 TLM
MakeFord
ModelExplorer
Year1998
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,008cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 16 fail
Pass 19 May 2025 104,472 miles

Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing nearside and offside corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened rear shackle/hanger (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened rear shackle/hanger (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing nearside and offside corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 6 Nov 2024 104,367 miles

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Leaf spring saddle in such a condition it is seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Direction indicator flashing less than 60 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp has a product on the lens or light source but not adversely affecting light intensity (4.2.3 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing all rears corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 15 Nov 2023 102,580 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp has a product on the lens or light source but not adversely affecting light intensity (4.2.3 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 5 Sep 2023 102,535 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Brake insecure disc backing plate fouling wheel (1.1.21 (c))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside All direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened badly corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

entire underside of vehicle badly corroded

Pass 9 Aug 2022 100,660 miles

vehicle under side corroded

Fail 9 Aug 2022 100,660 miles

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

vehicle under side corroded

Pass 20 Aug 2021 99,123 miles

Nearside Direction indicator flashing less than 60 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 10 Aug 2021 99,123 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Nearside Direction indicator flashing less than 60 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 27 Aug 2020 97,870 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 28 Jul 2020 97,870 miles

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 16 Apr 2019 96,811 miles

suspension and rear chassis corroding

Fail 16 Apr 2019 96,811 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

suspension and rear chassis corroding

Pass 18 Apr 2018 95,136 miles
Fail 6 Apr 2018 95,112 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Pass 7 Apr 2017 93,265 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Pass 25 Jan 2016 92,683 miles
Fail 25 Jan 2016 92,683 miles

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Pass 30 Jan 2015 91,482 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Heavy surface corrosion too some rear suspension componets

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Surface corrosion too underside

Wipers poor

Fail 30 Jan 2015 91,482 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage missing (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Heavy surface corrosion too some rear suspension componets

Nearside Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Surface corrosion too underside

Wipers poor

Pass 13 Feb 2014 90,360 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

front number plate cracked

Fail 22 Jan 2014 90,230 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

rear exhaust bracket broken

Pass 21 Jan 2013 87,933 miles

both front brake pipes corroded

both front lower swivels have lift

front number plate poor

o/s/f mirror glass damaged on limit

Fail 21 Jan 2013 87,933 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Fuel cap/sealing device missing (7.2.4a)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

both front brake pipes corroded

both front lower swivels have lift

o/s/f mirror glass damaged on limit

Pass 7 Feb 2012 83,061 miles
Fail 7 Feb 2012 83,052 miles

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Oil leak

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Rear exhaust support bracket broken.

Fail 2 Feb 2012 83,013 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

nearside rear fog light n/w.

Fail 17 Jan 2011 79,004 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 17 Jan 2011 79,004 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 28 Jan 2010 74,243 miles

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

front number plate cracked

offside front brakes slightly sticking

sttering column ruber boot split

Fail 27 Jan 2010 74,242 miles

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage fractured (2.4.G.1)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Rear Brake hose slightly chafed (3.6.B.4d)

front number plate cracked

offside front brakes slightly sticking

sttering column ruber boot split

Pass 6 Feb 2009 69,613 miles

Temporary fuel cap fitted

slight lift in both front suspension arm lower ball joint.

Pass 29 Jan 2008 65,593 miles

Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

both nearside tyre outer sidewall slightly perishing

Pass 1 Feb 2007 60,247 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Temporary fuel cap fitted

offside rear tyre worn smooth on inner edge.

Fail 1 Feb 2007 60,247 miles

Nearside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

offsiad rear tyre worn smooth on inner edeg.

Pass 9 Dec 2005 53,923 miles

How Reliable is the Ford Explorer?

Based on 69,767 MOT tests across 7,490 vehicles.

68.5%
Pass Rate
4,557
Miles/Year
29
Year Lifespan
7,490
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 5,568
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 3,403
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 2,515
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 2,513
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 2,251
Full Ford Explorer reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R121 TLM is a 1998 Ford Explorer in Blue with a 4,008cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.3%.

Across all 1998 Ford Explorer models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.4% with a typical mileage of 92,272 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Ford Explorer fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 5,568 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R121 TLM, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Ford Explorer typically stays on UK roads for around 29 years. At 28 years old, this Ford Explorer is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R121 TLM?

You can check the full history of R121 TLM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R121 TLM registered?

R121 TLM is a 1998 Ford Explorer, first registered on 10 January 1998.

Is R121 TLM safe to buy?

The MOT history for R121 TLM shows 35 tests with a 54.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R121 TLM have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on R121 TLM. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.