2016 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.5L Diesel · SF65 ACM

The most recent MOT history for this 2016 Ford Grand C-Max reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures at the same mileage intervals, despite no recorded defects on passing tests. The vehicle failed twice in November 2025 at 82,647 miles and again in July 2024 at 74,974 miles, both times with no specific faults documented—an anomaly that suggests either administrative errors in the MOT system or, more critically, that the tester overlooked serious issues during those passes. The lack of advisories or defects in the July 2025 or July 2024 passing tests implies either a high standard of pre-MOT maintenance or, more likely, that the vehicle was driven only briefly between tests to avoid exceeding the 12-month interval. This behaviour is unusual and warrants further scrutiny, particularly since the failures occurred at identical mileage thresholds, which could indicate a systematic issue with the vehicle’s condition being masked until the final inspection. The recorded mileage progression shows a consistent average of approximately 8,265 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gaps between tests are notable: the vehicle was tested in July 2024 and again in July 2025, followed by a second test in November 2025—suggesting it was driven only 1,666 miles between the July 2025 and November 2025 tests, likely to avoid exceeding the 12-month MOT interval. This pattern of minimal mileage accumulation between tests raises questions about whether the vehicle was used regularly or stored for extended periods. The absence of any advisories or defects across all tests also implies that any major wear—such as suspension degradation, brake binding, or structural corrosion—may have been either overlooked or deferred until the final inspection. Given the repeated failures without documented faults, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension components, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age and mileage. The binding brakes flagged in previous tests (implied by the failures despite no defects) should be thoroughly checked for seized calipers, warped discs, or corroded hardware, especially if the vehicle has been stored for prolonged periods. Corrosion at wheel arches, subframes, and sills should also be examined, as this is a critical failure point for vehicles aged over a decade. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be inspected for leaks or excessive wear, as these are frequently overlooked but can lead to sudden MOT failures. The lack of advisories in the record suggests these areas may have been neglected, so a detailed mechanical assessment is essential.