2010 Ford Grand C-Max: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Ford Grand C-Max?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Ford Grand C-Max than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4× usual
  Ford Grand C-Max

  17.9% All 2010 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Ford Grand C-Max

  19% All 2010 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  Ford Grand C-Max

  9.8% All 2010 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Number plates2.4× usual
  Ford Grand C-Max

  9.8% All 2010 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2010 Ford Grand C-Max MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Ford Grand C-Max MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Tyres
  42% 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.

• Brakes
  36% 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 electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  18% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Ford Grand C-Max

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2010 Ford Grand C-Max as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2010 Ford Grand C-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2010 Ford Grand C-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?