2014 Ford B-Max diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Ford B-Max diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Ford B-Max diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Brake lights4.3× usual
  Ford B-Max

  11.5% All 2014 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 2.1% of all 2014 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions15.2× usual
  Ford B-Max

  7.6% All 2014 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Ford B-Max

  10% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2% of all 2014 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.

• Steering swivel joints7.3× usual
  Ford B-Max

  4.4% All 2014 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.1% of all 2014 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.

• Seat belts5.5× usual
  Ford B-Max

  4.4% All 2014 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

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

Common 2014 Ford B-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Ford B-Max diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  24% 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
  23% 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
  9% 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
  9% 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 2014 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 brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2014 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 15.2× as often on the 2014 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2014 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?