Ford Grand C-MAX MOT pass rate and common problems
74.9% of 49,200 Ford Grand C-MAX MOT tests pass.
At 74.9%, the Grand C-MAX passes slightly less often than the average across all Ford models (76.4%).
At 74.9%, the Ford Grand C-MAX passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Grand C-MAX?
This is the average across every Ford Grand 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 81.4% at 3–6 years to 69.8% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 81.4% | 3,825 | 41,763 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.4% | 23,859 | 69,958 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.8% | 21,515 | 99,356 miles |
| 15+ years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Grand C-MAX
The most common reason the Ford Grand C-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 47.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 47.8% | Not working |
| Tyres | 37.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 29.6% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Suspension | 17.8% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Visibility | 14.4% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.6% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.3% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Steering | 2.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Road Wheels | 2.0% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Ford Grand C-MAX: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Grand 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 Grand C-MAX comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 78.4% to 69.8%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 75.4% down to 68.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 47.8% of failed Ford Grand C-MAX MOTs. 21.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.6% at 3–6 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. Tyres
Recorded in 37.2% of failed Ford Grand C-MAX MOTs.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 29.6% of failed Ford Grand C-MAX MOTs. 12.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 5.9% at 3–6 years.
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. Suspension
Recorded in 17.8% of failed Ford Grand C-MAX MOTs. 9.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.0% at 3–6 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 14.4% of failed Ford Grand C-MAX MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 Galaxy — 71.3% pass rate
- Ford B-Max — 78.2% pass rate
- Ford Fusion — 67.9% pass rate
- Ford Transit Courier — 80.6% pass rate
- Ford Mustang — 88.3% pass rate
- Ford Escort — 81.8% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Grand C-MAX?
- 74.9% of Ford Grand C-MAX MOT tests pass, based on 49,200 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Grand C-MAX?
- The most common reason the Ford Grand C-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 47.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Grand C-MAX?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Grand C-MAX are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. 21.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.6% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Grand C-MAX?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; suspension; windscreen and wipers. 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 Grand 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.