2012 Ford B-Max diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Ford B-Max diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Ford B-Max diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Ford B-Max

  12% All 2012 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Brake lights2.7× usual
  Ford B-Max

  9.6% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Ford B-Max

  14.4% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Ford B-Max

  8.6% All 2012 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Steering swivel joints6.7× usual
  Ford B-Max

  4.7% All 2012 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2012 Ford B-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Ford B-Max diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  5% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Ford B-Max diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2012 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?