2015 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · FN15 WDU

The most recent DVSA test on 10 April 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator. However, examining the broader MOT history reveals a maintenance trend that is not entirely consistent. The vehicle has experienced two failures within the recorded period, both centred on exhaust emissions: in July 2022 it failed due to an illuminated engine management indicator lamp combined with emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit, and again in July 2024 it failed for emissions exceeding the tighter default limit of 0.7m-1. The recurrence of emissions-related issues across multiple test cycles is a concern, as it suggests an underlying engine management, catalytic converter, or lambda sensor fault that may not have been fully rectified. Additionally, advisories relating to suspension bushes have appeared on both the nearside and offside rear suspension arms (2020) and the offside front (2024), indicating progressive wear to the rubber-bushed pivot points. A prospective buyer should view the 2026 pass as the current legal position but recognise that the underlying trends warrant further scrutiny. With 107,599 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, the vehicle is averaging around 9,782 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with the national average for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps or anomalies in the mileage progression that would suggest extended periods of standing, and the consistent annual accumulation implies regular use, which is generally favourable for preventing age-related deterioration of seals, brake components, and the clutch. That said, 107,599 miles is a substantial figure for a 2015 Ford C-Max, and high-mileage wear items such as the dual-clutch automatic transmission, turbocharger (if equipped), and engine oil consumption should be expected to be approaching or past their original design tolerances. The recurring suspension arm bush advisories are particularly worth addressing during a physical inspection. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as worn suspension arm bushes allow slop between the arm and its mounting point. The offside front rear bush was flagged as recently as July 2024, and although not yet a failure item, it will almost certainly have progressed further in the intervening two years. Visually inspect the inner wheel arches and subframe mounting points for any signs of corrosion, as Ford C-Max vehicles of this generation are known to suffer from rear axle corrosion which can compromise structural integrity. Given the emissions failures, a pre-purchase diagnostic scan is highly recommended to identify any stored fault codes relating to the lambda sensors, catalytic converter efficiency, or evaporative emissions system, as these components are expensive to replace. Beyond the recorded defects, age-and-mileage-appropriate items require careful physical examination. The 2023 advisory for thin rear brake pads means the pads and discs will now be well past their service life and should be inspected for wear, with attention to brake disc lipping, surface corrosion from standing, and any binding calipers that may cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. The nearside rear tyre cut advisory from 2024 should prompt a close inspection of all tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on a vehicle of this age regardless of tread depth, as well as confirmation that tyres are of matching make and tread pattern to avoid ABS or traction control anomalies. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, as an eleven-year-old vehicle will almost certainly require replacement soon, and all fluids including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid should be verified as having been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage, given that brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades every two years irrespective of use. Finally, confirm that the service book contains evidence of timely cambelt or timing chain replacement, oil changes, and that any work addressing the previous emissions failures has been properly documented with invoices.