2016 Ford Galaxy: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Ford Galaxys, from 4,685 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Ford Galaxys than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Engine oil leaks3.5× usualFord Galaxy9.9% All 2016 cars2.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Number plate lights2.3× usualFord Galaxy7.2% All 2016 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Tyre pressure monitoring system3.3× usualFord Galaxy4% All 2016 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
- Seat belts3.4× usualFord Galaxy2.7% All 2016 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£250 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.
- Individual direction indicators4× usualFord Galaxy2.4% All 2016 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
By area
The share of 2016 Ford Galaxy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension11% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Oil and fluid leaks11% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,229 | Tyres 26% |
| 2021 | 1,422 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 1,673 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 2,587 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 3,498 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 5,198 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 2,397 | Tyres 36% |
| 2014 | 4,129 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2013 | 3,709 | Suspension 45% |
| 2012 | 4,173 | Suspension 51% |
| 2011 | 4,042 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 3,809 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 3,320 | Suspension 56% |
| 2008 | 2,822 | Suspension 62% |
| 2007 | 2,570 | Suspension 65% |
| 2006 | 1,250 | Suspension 63% |
| 2005 | 982 | Suspension 64% |
| 2004 | 579 | Suspension 65% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Ford Galaxys registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score