2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Ford Focus C-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

151 MOT tests in 2024. 51.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time51.0%
Failed or needed repairs49.0%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 151 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.9%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.6%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.3%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.6%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.0%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.0%
    8 marked dangerous
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  9. Headlamp: lens seriously defective3.3%
  10. Position lamp: not working3.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics37.1%
  2. Suspension31.8%
  3. Brakes17.2%
  4. Tyres13.9%
  5. Body & chassis11.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.6%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened15.2%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Focus C-Max years2004 Focus C-Max →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Ford Focus C-Max?

In 2024, 51.0% of 2003 Ford Focus C-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 151 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Ford Focus C-Max?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Ford Focus C-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).