2014 Ford B-MAX 1.6L Petrol · RF14 FYN

The most recent MOT recorded on 3 November 2025 resulted in a failure, principally because the rear fuel‑tank exhaust shield is missing – a dangerous defect that creates a fire risk – and the test also highlighted several tyre advisories that were already present on the previous pass. Prior to this, the vehicle had a generally clean record with only minor advisories such as thin front brake pads and tyre wear, but the emergence of a safety‑critical failure indicates a deterioration in the overall maintenance trend and suggests that recent attention to the vehicle’s condition may have been insufficient. At 106,500 miles the B‑MAX has accumulated roughly 8,900 miles per year over its twelve‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a family MPV. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would point to severe component fatigue, nor are there long gaps that would imply prolonged storage; the mileage pattern therefore does not raise any immediate red flags beyond the normal wear expected for its age. A prospective buyer should give the missing rear‑tank exhaust shield the highest priority. Verify that the shield is either reinstated with the correct OEM part or that a suitable replacement has been fitted, and inspect the surrounding area for any signs of heat damage, oil staining, or rust that could indicate a leak. The front tyres are already at the legal tread limit and show edge wear, while the rear tyres exhibit early cracking and perishing – both pairs will need to be replaced promptly, and the new tyres should be matched in size and load rating to avoid handling imbalance. While the vehicle’s brake pads were flagged as thin in 2022, they may now be close to the minimum thickness; a visual inspection of the pad wear indicators and a test‑drive brake feel check for any pulsation, increased stopping distance or squealing will reveal whether the pads or even the discs require replacement. Beyond the immediate defects, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Examine all suspension bushings, ball joints and shock absorbers for any looseness, creaking or uneven tyre wear that could signal worn components. Check the condition of the battery, especially the electrolyte level and cranking performance, as a twelve‑year‑old unit may be nearing the end of its service life. Confirm that the rear registration lamp now operates correctly, as it failed in 2023, and look for any signs of corrosion on the exhaust system, under‑body panels and wheel arches that can develop when a vehicle sits for extended periods. Finally, ensure that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals; fluid discoloration or a burnt smell can indicate that a time‑based service has been missed, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and mileage.