Ford

Ford C Max (2016)

10,759 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.4% first-time pass rate

2016 Ford C Max

CarHunch analysed 10,759 real MOT records for the 2016 Ford C Max. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Ford C-Max passes its MOT significantly better than the UK average, with an 86.8% first-time pass rate versus 80%, though a concerning 35.3% have recorded at least one dangerous defect over their lifetime—something to factor into your pre-purchase inspection. Petrol versions edge ahead of diesels slightly (87.9% versus 86.2% pass rate), though both are solid performers.

At 42,300 miles median, these cars show typical wear for their age and won't surprise you with sudden wear patterns. The average car picks up 1.16 failures and 8.1 advisories per test, suggesting routine maintenance issues are manageable but worth budgeting for—get a full pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks for previous dangerous defect history on the vehicle you're considering.

The 2016 Ford C Max has a decent first-time pass rate (87.4%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
87.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
35.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.16
Over 8.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
42k
Middle half: 31k–56k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 87.4% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 8.1 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 10,759 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 10,759 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 48.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 40.4%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 17.5%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread · Offside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · …

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 10,759 Ford C Max cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Ford C Max

Based on MOT data from 10,759 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 35.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (67%) 7,231 87% 1.19
Petrol (33%) 3,526 88.2% 1.08

Colour Breakdown

Based on 137,050 Ford C Max vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 25.8%
35,369
Silver 22.9%
31,361
Black 17%
23,256
Grey 12%
16,391
Red 8.8%
12,002
White 8.3%
11,422
Brown 4.7%
6,495
Green 0.3%
395
Orange 0.1%
202
Purple 0%
68
Bronze 0%
50
Maroon 0%
39

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Ford C Max vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

42,309
typical
30,987
low mileage
55,514
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Ford C Max vehicles fall between 30,987 and 55,514 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 30,987 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
30,987–55,514 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Ford C Maxs sit.
Over 74,943 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Ford C Max — Still on the Road

Almost all 2016 Ford C Maxs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 10,180 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 98% of the peak.

604 10,180 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

8.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.16
Avg failures per vehicle
8.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Ford C Max: All C Max years → Which year to buy? →
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: Ford →

Ford logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Ford C Max stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing