Ford B-Max common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Ford B-Max?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)

  Cars registered 2012–2018 · 1.0 petrol (EcoBoost and non-turbo)

  Ford’s 1.0 three-cylinder petrol uses a timing belt that runs in the engine oil on most cars. If oil changes are late or the wrong oil is used, the belt breaks down and sheds rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some later cars have a timing chain instead: a Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN. Ford’s change interval is 10 years or 150,000 miles, and the belt isn’t covered by warranty.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history with the right oil, and when the belt was changed. An oil-pressure warning light, a rattle or a rough idle are warning signs.

  Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

Common Ford B-Max MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Brake lights

  up to 11.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Seat belts

  up to 8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Steering swivel joints

  up to 6.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

  up to 3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Ball joint

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Coil springs

  up to 8.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Ford B-Max MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2016 Ford B-Max did best (74% passed first time, 1 point below all 2016 cars) and the 2018 did worst (67%, 14 points below all 2018 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Ford B-Max

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing belt been changed, and is there a full service history with the right oil?
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 11.4× as often on the Ford B-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the Ford B-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the Ford B-Max as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?