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Ford Grand C-MAX DXA (2010-2019) reliability

At a glance

Ford Grand C-MAX DXA built around 2018: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Ford Grand C-MAX DXA models built around 2018 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Ford Grand C-MAX DXA?

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

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Ford Grand C-MAX DXA models built around 2018 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 6% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Grand C-MAX DXA models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Ford Grand C-MAX DXA
poor reliability2010-2019MPVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 46,268 tests of Grand C-MAX models registered 2010-2019.

About 1 in 40 Grand C-MAX DXA 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 3,707 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 12 Grand C-MAX DXA MOTs (8.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 3,707 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

DXA fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
43718.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,40021.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,70720.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,06823.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
6,74525.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,09227.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,68828.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,61028.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5,87029.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,65130.2%

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 14 years old.

How the Grand C-MAX DXA compares

At each age below, see how the Grand C-MAX DXA 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
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
43718.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,40021.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,70720.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,06823.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
6,74525.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,09227.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5,68828.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,61028.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5,87029.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,65130.2%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 Grand C-MAX DXA.

  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 20.9% for the Ford Grand C-MAX DXA, 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 20.9% for the Ford Grand C-MAX DXA, both built around 2018.

    3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Verso

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90%

    Lower fail rate: 16.4%, against 20.9% for the Ford Grand C-MAX DXA, both built around 2018.

    1,716 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.7%, against 20.9% for the Ford Grand C-MAX DXA, both built around 2018.

    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

88%of all Ford Grand C-MAX 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% · About 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

18 recalls in all

Includes recalls GOV.UK files under the Ford C-MAX, the model this one is based on.

9 of the 18 Grand C-MAX DXA recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
  • Clutch pressure plate may fracture
  • The engine cylinder head may crack

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

What has gone wrong on Grand C-MAX DXA cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 73 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
10%
Emissions
8%
Drivetrain
5%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Tyres
32%
Brakes
19%
Lighting
18%
How Grand C-MAX DXA cars have aged

How Grand C-MAX DXA 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.

0%10%20%30%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (744 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (829 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (862 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (860 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,803 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (1,917 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (1,869 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (1,904 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (1,927 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (3,114 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (3,238 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (3,072 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (3,072 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (3,126 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (4,642 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (4,625 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (4,578 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (4,535 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (4,598 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (2,906 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (2,906 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (2,870 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (2,862 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (2,806 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (3,464 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (3,423 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (3,404 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (3,252 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (3,165 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (3,772 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (3,781 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (3,713 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (3,541 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (3,363 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (3,157 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (3,096 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (2,987 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (2,809 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (2,679 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (4,430 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (4,342 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (4,102 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,885 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (3,539 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Ford Grand C-MAX models of this age

This list covers every Ford Grand C-MAX built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the DXA 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

    28.2%
    Advisory: 1,575Fail: 116 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    15.5%
    Advisory: 630Fail: 147 (19% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.9%
    Advisory: 527Fail: 164 (24% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    6.6%
    Advisory: 324Fail: 39 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    5.5%
    Advisory: 277Fail: 6 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,707 tests

Looking at a Ford Grand C-MAX DXA?

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 Grand C-MAX DXA (2010-2019) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,707 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 46,268 MOT tests on Ford Grand C-MAX models first registered between 2010-2019. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.