2015 Ford Grand C-MAX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 Ford Grand C-MAXs, from 3,698 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 2015 Ford Grand C-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2015.
- Brake pads1.8× usualFord Grand C-MAX18.3% All 2015 cars10.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.2% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Tyre pressure monitoring system4.6× usualFord Grand C-MAX7.3% All 2015 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.6% of all 2015 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.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usualFord Grand C-MAX12.4% All 2015 cars7.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Number plate lights2.1× usualFord Grand C-MAX8.5% All 2015 cars4.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2015 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.
By area
The share of 2015 Ford Grand C-MAX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres43% 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.
- Brakes27% 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 electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension22% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts5% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,050 | Tyres 38% |
| 2018 | 2,721 | Tyres 40% |
| 2017 | 3,894 | Tyres 39% |
| 2016 | 6,508 | Tyres 40% |
| 2014 | 3,942 | Tyres 43% |
| 2013 | 4,293 | Tyres 42% |
| 2012 | 3,582 | Tyres 41% |
| 2011 | 4,803 | Tyres 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2015 Ford Grand C-MAXs registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score