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

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

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usual
  Ford C-Max

  14% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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 joints2.1× usual
  Ford C-Max

  19.2% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Ford C-Max

  16.1% All 2012 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2012 Ford C-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  38% 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
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  31% 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
  22% 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
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• 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.

Known faults on the 2012 Ford C-Max diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Electrical faults

  All engines

  Electrical faults, mostly non-engine electrics, are the most common problems.

  At the viewing: Test every electrical item, including windows, lights and the infotainment.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford C-Max (2011-2019) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Ford C-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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2012 Ford C-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Ford C-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Ford C-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?