Ford C-Max

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 190,569 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

190,569

Highest Pass Rate

2017 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Ford C-Max

The Ford C-Max was MOT tested 190,569 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (2005 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 12,205 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 21 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Ford C-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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)

£1,219

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,824

Per month£152/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2019 details

How reliable is the Ford C-Max?

vs average of all models-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

Questions about the Ford C-Max

Is the Ford C-Max reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (2005 to 2019), the Ford C-Max averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 190,569 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2017 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Ford C-Max has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Ford C-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 68%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.