Ford Focus C-MAX MOT pass rate and common problems
59.3% of 20,990 Ford Focus C-MAX MOT tests pass.
The Focus C-MAX passes 59.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Ford models (76.4%).
The Ford Focus C-MAX passes 59.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Focus C-MAX?
This is the average across every Ford Focus C-MAX in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Ford’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 78.8% at 6–10 years to 58.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (5) | 5 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 78.8% | 33 | 63,383 miles |
| 10–15 years | 72.2% | 540 | 98,126 miles |
| 15+ years | 58.9% | 20,412 | 110,762 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Focus C-MAX
The most common reason the Ford Focus C-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Projected beam image is obviously incorrect".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 79.6% | Projected beam image is obviously incorrect |
| Suspension | 61.9% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Brakes | 29.2% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 25.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 20.1% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 18.9% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 14.3% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Steering | 7.5% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.1% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.4% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Ford Focus C-MAX: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Focus C-MAX’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Ford Focus C-MAX comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 72.2% to 58.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 89.6% down to 73.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 79.6% of failed Ford Focus C-MAX MOTs. 39.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.0% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 61.9% of failed Ford Focus C-MAX MOTs. 30.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 6.1% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 29.2% of failed Ford Focus C-MAX MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 25.6% of failed Ford Focus C-MAX MOTs. 12.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 6.1% at 6–10 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Ford Focus C-MAX MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 10.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Ford service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Ford models
- Ford Escort — 81.8% pass rate
- Ford Tourneo Connect — 83.4% pass rate
- Ford Tourneo — 78.5% pass rate
- Ford Edge — 90.1% pass rate
- Ford Tourneo Custom — 86.0% pass rate
- Ford Sierra — 89.1% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Focus C-MAX?
- 59.3% of Ford Focus C-MAX MOT tests pass, based on 20,990 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Focus C-MAX?
- The most common reason the Ford Focus C-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Projected beam image is obviously incorrect".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Focus C-MAX?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Focus C-MAX are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 39.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.0% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Focus C-MAX?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; tyres; bodywork and corrosion. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Ford Focus C-MAX's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Ford service history guide for how to check and keep one.