2011 Ford C-Max MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 63.8% of Ford C-Max cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. Across 31,521 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 2011 (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 2011 Ford C-Max MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, C-Max cars first used in 2011 against all cars first used in 2011 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the C-Max figure was 2.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2011 C-Max | All cars first used 2011 | C-Max first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72.1% | 65.8% | 11,294 |
| 2022 | 68.8% | 64.5% | 11,192 |
| 2023 | 66.6% | 63.0% | 10,940 |
| 2024 | 63.7% | 61.8% | 10,572 |
| 2025 | 63.8% | 61.2% | 10,009 |
Common 2011 Ford C-Max MOT failures
Share of the 11,123 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 12.2% | 1,358 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 10.4% | 1,153 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 9.0% | 999 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 8.6% | 955 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 7.6% | 846 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2011 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 2011 Ford C-Max MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2011 C-Max cars, as a share of all 31,521 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 22.7% | 7,161 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 13.5% | 4,253 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 12.3% | 3,867 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 11.1% | 3,511 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 9.7% | 3,067 |
Questions about the 2011 Ford C-Max MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2011 Ford C-Max?
In 2025, 63.8% of C-Max cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2011 C-Max most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 40.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (28.2%) and brakes (24.8%). The single most common item was “Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt” (12.2%).
How often does a 2011 Ford C-Max fail its MOT?
In 2025, 36.2% of first tests on C-Max cars first used in 2011 did not pass first time: 29.7% failed, and a further 6.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 11,123 of 31,521 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2011 Ford C-Max MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 22.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (13.5%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (12.3%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (11.1%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (9.7%).
Is a 2011 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 72.1% in 2021 to 63.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2011
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2011 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2011 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2011 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2011 C-Max?
The numbers above cover every C-Max first used in 2011 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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