Ford Galaxy MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 65,848 MOT tests on the Ford Galaxy carried out in 2023. 37% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Galaxys passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2023. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2023 models did best (100% passed, +2.2 points against the average for 0-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (51%, −13.6 points). Tested cars had covered 112,057 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 19.0% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 11.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 65,848
- First-time pass rate
- 63%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −8.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 112,057
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Galaxy?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Galaxy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 55 | 100% | 98% | +2.2 points | 7,463 |
| 2021 | 121 | 79% | 91% | −12.3 points | 31,260 |
| 2020 | 1,676 | 81% | 88% | −7.1 points | 27,457 |
| 2019 | 2,718 | 80% | 86% | −5.9 points | 48,233 |
| 2018 | 3,647 | 81% | 84% | −2.9 points | 74,141 |
| 2017 | 5,408 | 81% | 82% | −0.9 points | 76,327 |
| 2016 | 5,010 | 79% | 79% | +0.7 points | 90,609 |
| 2015 | 2,847 | 66% | 75% | −9.0 points | 111,459 |
| 2014 | 4,856 | 59% | 72% | −12.9 points | 110,797 |
| 2013 | 4,394 | 61% | 68% | −7.7 points | 119,587 |
| 2012 | 4,892 | 58% | 66% | −7.6 points | 121,070 |
| 2011 | 4,849 | 57% | 63% | −6.4 points | 124,713 |
| 2010 | 4,746 | 57% | 60% | −3.1 points | 128,436 |
| 2009 | 4,457 | 58% | 59% | −1.4 points | 134,640 |
| 2008 | 4,210 | 54% | 57% | −3.6 points | 139,415 |
| 2007 | 4,088 | 53% | 57% | −3.5 points | 144,689 |
| 2006 | 2,325 | 51% | 56% | −5.1 points | 144,685 |
| 2005 | 1,969 | 48% | 56% | −7.8 points | 138,036 |
| 2004 | 1,247 | 47% | 56% | −8.6 points | 141,902 |
| 2003 | 1,086 | 48% | 57% | −8.7 points | 142,271 |
| 2002 | 502 | 49% | 58% | −8.3 points | 134,309 |
| 2001 | 335 | 50% | 59% | −8.5 points | 136,524 |
| 2000 | 111 | 50% | 61% | −10.1 points | 143,978 |
| 1999 | 97 | 57% | 62% | −5.8 points | 129,552 |
| 1998 | 73 | 53% | 64% | −10.5 points | 142,163 |
| 1997 | 59 | 51% | 64% | −13.6 points | 135,909 |
Why the Ford Galaxy fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Galaxy | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 19.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.6% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 8.4% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 8.1% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 7.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.7% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 3.1% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working11.9%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
- 3constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
- 5pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
- 6ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
- 7has ply or cords exposed2.6%
- 8inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.2%
- 9ball joint excessively worn1.9%
- 10does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
Common Galaxy MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Galaxy, 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 | 22.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 12.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.8% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.2% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 4.4% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.8% |
Tips to help your Galaxy pass
Based on where Galaxys most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 19.0% of Galaxy 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.
Brakes · 8.1% of Galaxy tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Galaxy ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Galaxy ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 65,848 first MOT tests of the Ford Galaxy 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 65,848 first MOT tests of the Ford Galaxy.
What is the Ford Galaxy MOT failure rate?
In our data, 37% of 65,848 first MOT attempts on the Ford Galaxy ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Galaxy fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (19.0% of tests), suspension (10.6% of tests), tyres (8.4% of tests).
Which Galaxy year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2023 cars performed best: 100% passed first time, +2.2 points against the average for 0-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 51% (−13.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Galaxy covered at its MOT?
The average was 112,057 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2023 cars averaged 7,463 miles and 1997 cars 135,909.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Galaxy?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 22.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.4% of Galaxys failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Galaxy's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 65,848 Galaxys in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 100% 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 Galaxy's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.