Is the Ford C-max reliable?

The Ford C-max has an average MOT pass rate of 79% across 15 years, based on 190,569 tests in 2026. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%. The most reliable year is 2017 with a 89% pass rate.

Which year Ford C-max is best?

The 2017 Ford C-max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. There's a 21 percentage point spread between the best and worst years.

Ford C-max

Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 15 years from 190,569 real MOT tests.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

190,569

Best Year

2017 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Ford C-max

The Ford C-max has been tested 190,569 times in 2026 MOT data across 15 model years (2005 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the national average of 82%. Available as diesel and petrol.

Best and Worst Years

The 2017 model is the most reliable with a 89% pass rate from 12,205 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 21 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.

Reliability Trend

Newer FORD C-MAXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2005) averages 114,897 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 29,407 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Ford brand average of 85%, the C-max is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Ford models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1499cc)

£905

Road Tax

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,505

Per month£125/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2019 details

How reliable is the Ford C-max?

vs national average-3% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-6% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Ford C-max by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	89%	4,088	29,407 mi
2018	88%	7,473	38,716 mi
2017	89%	12,205	49,310 mi
2016	87%	16,187	57,178 mi
2015	84%	18,133	67,354 mi
2014	81%	20,906	75,455 mi
2013	81%	22,772	83,990 mi
2012	78%	18,606	90,312 mi
2011	77%	18,422	97,077 mi
2010	73%	10,975	99,038 mi
2009	73%	10,153	102,785 mi
2008	70%	20,644	106,918 mi
2007	70%	9,390	109,991 mi
2006	68%	556	121,707 mi
2005	75%	59	114,897 mi