2010 Ford C-MAX 2.0L Diesel · FD10 AEA

The 2010 Ford C-Max has demonstrated a concerning instability in its roadworthiness over the past year, with two consecutive failures in November 2025 at the same mileage (99,700) before narrowly passing on the final attempt just two days later. This pattern of repeated testing at identical mileage suggests unresolved issues that were not addressed between tests, despite no defects being officially recorded on prior passes. The most recent MOT, passed on 1st December 2025, is only seven months old, which is acceptable, but the preceding failures indicate a failure to maintain critical components between services. The lack of advisories or defects in earlier tests—including the 2023 pass at 92,456 miles—implies these problems may have emerged suddenly or been masked by previous owners, raising questions about the vehicle’s long-term reliability. The recorded mileage of 99,700 miles over 16 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,200 miles annually. There are no obvious gaps in service intervals, though the sudden accumulation of 3,554 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests—from 96,147 to 99,700—suggests either intensive driving or a period of deferred maintenance. The identical mileage at both the 2023 failure and the 2025 failures (92,456 and 99,700 respectively) is particularly notable, as it implies the vehicle was not moved between tests, which is unusual and may indicate a deliberate attempt to pass without addressing underlying faults. The consistency of mileage increments also makes it difficult to pinpoint whether wear patterns are accelerating or stabilising. Given the repeated failures at the same mileage, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, suspension components, and exhaust emissions. The 2025 failures—despite no recorded defects—strongly suggest issues with binding calipers, worn brake discs, or failing suspension bushes, as these are common causes of repeated MOT rejections without explicit fault codes. Corrosion in wheel arches, subframes, or sills should also be scrutinised, particularly given the vehicle’s age, as structural integrity is often overlooked until it becomes a safety risk. The lack of advisories in earlier tests means these problems may have developed post-2023, warranting a thorough check of fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) and evidence of leaks. If the seller cannot provide service records beyond the MOT history, assume the worst-case scenario for wear on non-MOT-tested components like timing belts, water pumps, and differential fluids.