2016 Ford B-Max diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Ford B-Max diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Ford B-Max diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Brake lights5.7× usual
  Ford B-Max

  9.1% All 2016 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 1.3% of all 2016 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 emissions20× usual
  Ford B-Max

  4% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

• Steering swivel joints6× usual
  Ford B-Max

  2.4% All 2016 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2016 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.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system2.2× usual
  Ford B-Max

  2% All 2016 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2016 Ford B-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 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
  32% 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
  17% 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
  17% 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
  16% 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
  8% 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 2016 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 5.7× as often on the 2016 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 20× as often on the 2016 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2016 Ford B-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?