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FORD B MAX Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 2,269 MOT tests from 186 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every FORD B MAX has the same fault.

FORD B MAX's have a very good reliability rating of 642/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD B MAX that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the FORD B MAX.

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Check a Ford B Max before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Ford B Max side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A773/999Very good76,638 miles5,060 vehicles
N/AN/A685/999Good72,429 miles728 vehicles
N/AN/A662/999Good70,753 miles8,559 vehicles
N/AN/A632/999Good65,757 miles7,189 vehicles
N/AN/A622/999Good79,948 miles1,234 vehicles
N/AN/A573/999Above average79,404 miles1,765 vehicles
N/AN/A546/999Above average80,808 miles1,678 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD B MAX?

Based on 2,269 MOT tests from 186 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

186

MOT tests

2,269

Pass rate

79.9%

Median mileage

68,545 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD B MAX has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 694 out of 999.

Common FORD B MAX MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 557 advisory comments and 38 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 79 advisory comments and 12 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 82 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE STOP LAMP(S) NOT WORKING (4.3.1 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 76 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Ball joint wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 35 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn or damaged ball joint. Track rod ends are counted with steering, not here.

What to inspect

Ask for the joint to be checked for play with the suspension loaded and unloaded.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT EXCESSIVELY WORN (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 33 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Seatbelt faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 32 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a seatbelt that did not latch, retract, or meet the inspection standard.

What to inspect

Buckle every belt and confirm it locks and releases.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WEBBING SLIGHTLY DAMAGED OR FRAYED (7.1.2 (B) (II))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 28 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: FRONT SUB-FRAME CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))

FORD B MAX MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
20171412083.3%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20162019781.2%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20153033081.2%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20143746679%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20136892079.8%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20121319777.2%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear

What to check when buying a used FORD B MAX

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Ball joint wear. Ask for the joint to be checked for play with the suspension loaded and unloaded.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Seatbelt faults. Buckle every belt and confirm it locks and releases.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Buying a FORD B MAX?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD B MAXs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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