Ford B-Max MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 54,935 MOT tests on the Ford B-Max carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 B-Maxes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2012 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (71% passed, −0.2 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2018 models fared worst (78%, −5.9 points). Tested cars had covered 49,157 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 13.5% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 9.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 54,935
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 49,157
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular B-Max?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
B-Max MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 692 | 78% | 84% | −5.9 points | 29,619 |
| 2017 | 5,844 | 77% | 82% | −4.2 points | 30,925 |
| 2016 | 7,253 | 78% | 79% | −0.5 points | 37,597 |
| 2015 | 9,983 | 75% | 75% | −0.3 points | 44,775 |
| 2014 | 13,126 | 71% | 72% | −0.2 points | 52,544 |
| 2013 | 15,032 | 67% | 68% | −1.2 points | 59,592 |
| 2012 | 3,003 | 65% | 66% | −0.4 points | 64,726 |
Why the Ford B-Max fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | B-Max | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 7.1% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.1% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.4% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 3.3% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working9.2%
- 2fractured or broken3.4%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.9%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
- 7not working on dipped beam1.2%
- 8has ply or cords exposed1.2%
- 9has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.1%
Common B-Max MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used B-Max, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.7% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 2.5% |
| webbing significantly weakened | Seatbelts and airbags | 2.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
Tips to help your B-Max pass
Based on where B-Maxes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.5% of B-Max tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 4.4% of B-Max tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the B-Max ULEZ compliant? See the Ford B-Max ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 54,935 first MOT tests of the Ford B-Max carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 54,935 first MOT tests of the Ford B-Max.
What is the Ford B-Max MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 54,935 first MOT attempts on the Ford B-Max ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford B-Max fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (13.5% of tests), suspension (7.1% of tests), tyres (6.1% of tests).
Which B-Max year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, −0.2 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2018, at 78% (−5.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford B-Max covered at its MOT?
The average was 49,157 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 29,619 miles and 2012 cars 64,726.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford B-Max?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.1% of B-Maxes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific B-Max's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 54,935 B-Maxes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 78% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any B-Max's MOT history
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