2011 Ford C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · SC60 KHO

A pattern of accelerating front-end wear dominates this C-MAX's recent MOT history, with two failures in 2024 and 2025 revealing progressively serious defects that demand close scrutiny. The 2024 test recorded a Major failure for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, a component critical to steering precision and wheel alignment. The most recent assessment on 10 October 2025 began with a failure for both front tyres having tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit, classified as Dangerous, before the vehicle was repaired and returned the same day with a Pass. Alongside these failures, persistent advisories for front brake disc wear (pitted or scored, though not seriously weakened) and rear brake disc wear have appeared at consecutive tests, indicating ongoing deterioration of the braking surfaces rather than isolated incidents. With 79,361 miles recorded over approximately 15 years, this C-MAX averages around 5,291 miles annually, a notably low figure that suggests extended periods of light use or possible standing. Annual MOT testing has been continuous since at least 2023, with no apparent multi-year gaps in the records provided, though the low accumulation rate means wear items may be more influenced by age-related degradation and corrosion than by mileage alone. The 2024 advisory noting slight seepage from the power steering rack is consistent with aged seals on a low-mileage vehicle where rubber components have had prolonged time to perish without the benefit of regular fluid circulation. Brake discs and suspension components flagged in recent advisories show the typical age-related wear pattern seen on low-mileage cars of this generation, where oxidation and material fatigue progress regardless of distance covered. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry, as the recorded ball joint failure suggests the nearside lower arm assembly may have been replaced or may still be approaching its wear limits. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly across speed bumps and potholes, and check for uneven tyre wear across both front wheels which would indicate the geometry is not holding alignment. The steering should feel tight without slop at the straight-ahead position, and any vagueness or knocking when turning could point to further deterioration of the lower arms or tie rod ends. Inspect the nearside front tyre shoulder carefully, as a recent inner-edge wear pattern may signal that alignment was only corrected following the ball joint replacement. The brake system warrants thorough inspection given the repeated disc advisories. On the road, test the pedal feel under firm braking, listening for any grinding or pulsation through the pedal that would suggest the pitted front discs have worn beyond their service limit. A pulsing brake pedal or vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking is a clear indicator of disc runout or thickness variation. The rear suspension arms were flagged for corrosion on both sides at the latest test, so on the vehicle, examine the arm bodies and mounting bushes for any visible flaking, surface rust, or distortion. The recorded power steering rack seepage should be monitored by checking the underside for fresh fluid residue and assessing whether the steering remains smooth and quiet at full lock, as progressive seal failure will eventually require rack replacement. Finally, confirm the front tyres fitted at the time of viewing have adequate tread depth well above the 1.6mm legal minimum and are of matching age and specification.