2004 Ford C-Max MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 53.5% of Ford C-Max cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 7,093 C-Max first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Ford C-Max cars first used in 2004 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2004 Ford C-Max MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, C-Max cars first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the C-Max figure was 4.3 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 C-Max | All cars first used 2004 | C-Max first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 47.5% | 53.9% | 6,359 |
| 2022 | 49.2% | 55.2% | 4,573 |
| 2023 | 49.7% | 56.0% | 3,313 |
| 2024 | 48.0% | 56.4% | 2,279 |
| 2025 | 53.5% | 57.8% | 1,501 |
Common 2004 Ford C-Max MOT failures
Share of the 3,549 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 15.7% | 556 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 12.1% | 431 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.7% | 378 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 9.7% | 344 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 8.6% | 304 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a C-Max in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2004 Ford C-Max before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2004 Ford C-Max MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 C-Max cars, as a share of all 7,093 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 24.3% | 1,722 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 15.3% | 1,085 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 13.7% | 971 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 12.8% | 906 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 12.6% | 892 |
Questions about the 2004 Ford C-Max MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Ford C-Max?
In 2025, 53.5% of C-Max cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 C-Max most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 48.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (48.4%) and brakes (24.8%). The single most common item was “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect” (15.7%).
How often does a 2004 Ford C-Max fail its MOT?
In 2025, 46.5% of first tests on C-Max cars first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 39.2% failed, and a further 7.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 3,549 of 7,093 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Ford C-Max MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 24.3% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (15.3%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (13.7%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (12.8%) and “Coil spring: corroded” (12.6%).
Is a 2004 Ford C-Max reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 47.5% in 2021 to 53.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 C-Max?
The numbers above cover every C-Max first used in 2004 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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