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Ford Galaxy Mk3 (2015-2022) reliability

At a glance

Ford Galaxy Mk3 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Ford Galaxy Mk3 models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Ford Galaxy Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on Ford Galaxy Mk3 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Galaxy Mk3 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Ford Galaxy Mk3
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2015-2022MPVDIESEL / PETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 26,925 tests of Galaxy models registered 2015-2022.

About 1 in 5 diesel Galaxy cars registered in 2022 (18.7%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 546 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 40 Galaxy Mk3 MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,639 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Galaxy Mk3 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 5,639 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,41918.6%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,99116.4%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,27416.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,38118.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,63917.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,96118.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,39320.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,86729.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.

How the Galaxy Mk3 compares

At each age below, see how the Galaxy Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 306,729 tests across 17 Ford models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,41918.6%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,99116.4%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,27416.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,38118.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,63917.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,96118.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,39320.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,86729.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Galaxy Mk3.

  1. 1

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.7%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 17.8% for the Ford Galaxy Mk3, both built around 2018.

    5,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Hyundai ix20

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 17.8% for the Ford Galaxy Mk3, both built around 2018.

    3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Vauxhall Zafira

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.7%

    More still registered at 10 years: 90%, against 74% for the Ford Galaxy Mk3.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    10,737 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%

    No clear edge over the Ford Galaxy Mk3 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,057 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

74%of all Ford Galaxy cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

52 recalls in all

16 of the 52 Galaxy Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 12 more

Top concerns

  • 25S54 kuga S-Max and Galaxy - powertrain control module (PCM) software update
  • Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment
  • Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Galaxy Mk3 cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 245 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
2%
Suspension
2%

Wear items

Tyres
24%
Brakes
18%
Lighting
18%
How Galaxy Mk3 cars have aged

How Galaxy Mk3 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%30%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (976 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (904 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (951 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (863 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (871 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (2,066 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (1,811 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (1,797 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,752 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (3,018 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (2,718 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (2,607 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (2,654 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (2,582 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (3,506 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (3,444 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (3,356 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (3,322 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (3,233 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (3,320 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (3,216 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (3,157 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (3,083 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (3,014 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (2,535 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (2,434 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (2,247 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,997 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,867 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%2%2%3%
Brakes11%13%18%19%
Emissions2%3%2%2%
Tyres13%17%24%31%
Lighting14%17%18%17%
Drivetrain1%2%No figureNo figure
Corrosion0%0%0%0%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 116 to 392 cars at each age.

Mk3 variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Galaxys of this age

This list covers every Ford Galaxy built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.0%
    Advisory: 1,931Fail: 182 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.0%
    Advisory: 843Fail: 152 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    11.6%
    Advisory: 644Fail: 20 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.0%
    Advisory: 552Fail: 7 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.0%
    Advisory: 356Fail: 112 (24% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,639 tests

Looking at a Ford Galaxy Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Ford Galaxy Mk3 (2015-2022) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 5,639 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 26,925 MOT tests on Ford Galaxys first registered between 2015-2022. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.