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Ford were allowed a second frontal retest for the Mondeo to check the upgraded restraint systems, steering column and the knee protection area. These modifications were incorporated into production from 5 November 2001. The Mondeo performed well but is criticised for an unstable body structure and having relatively high driver and passenger chest loads. But other than this it provides balanced occupant protection for front and side impacts. The child protection was particularly good.

Front impact
The improved restraint system keeps the driver’s head and chest away from the steering wheel, but at the expense of fairly high chest loads. There were hard points under the steering wheel that posed a risk to the driver’s knees and upper legs. However the modifications introduced in this area substantially improved the protection. The centre rear seat was equipped with a three-point belt. This would provide superior levels of protection compared with a lap belt only.

Side impact
The Mondeo comes equipped with both thoracic and head curtain airbags. These worked well in protecting the driver and would also provide protection to any passenger in the rear on the struck side.

Child-protection
The 18 month-old was in as rear facing restraint and the 3 year-old in a forward facing one. These worked well in protecting the children both in frontal and side impact in that hey were very close to a good rating on all counts. However there was a poorly understood pictogram on the end of the passenger’s facia warning of the danger of a rear facing child restraint in the front passenger’s seat. There was also three-language text label, in English, French, and Spanish, on the passenger’s sun visor, visible in the stowed position. The text mentioned the possibility of death or serious injury but the label could be peeled off the sun visor easily.

Pedestrian protection
The bonnet of the Mondeo provided some areas that gave protection to both child and adult heads, but the bonnet leading edge and bumper were very stiff and unforgiving. Overall an average result that needs Ford to take more care over the protection of pedestrians.