FORD B-MAX (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,225 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,505
£125/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £1505/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 84% of FORD B-MAXs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,225 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 37,583 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
37,583
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 FORD B-MAX has 37,583 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2017 sits between the two at 84%.
FORD B-MAX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 FORD B-MAX
The 2017 FORD B-MAX is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 9,225 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 37,583 miles at 9 years old, FORD B-MAX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 FORD B-MAX Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2017 FORD B-MAX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,505 (£125/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD B-MAX Reliability Trend
Newer FORD B-MAXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 FORD B-MAX
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 86%. With 9,225 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 FORD B-MAX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2017 FORD B-MAX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD B-MAX(2017) | 84% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1505 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£155 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£5 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£155 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Ford Models
Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD TRANSIT
2017 · 1995cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
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