Ford C-Max reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Ford C-Max is a mpv / people carrier; the latest version we cover is the Mk2 (2010–2019). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 101 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 246 of 442, and 33.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (3.3% of tests). Boot space is 432 litres (1,684 with the seats folded).
Ford C-Max key specs (Mk2 (2010–2019), 5-door MPV)
Boot
432 litres (1,684 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,379 × 1,828 × 1,610mm
Power
100–150 PS
0–62mph
9.5–12.6 sec
Euro NCAP
3 stars (2017)
2010–2019 models; figures vary by version. Sources: ford.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org, euroncap.com.
Ranked 246 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 7 of 20 people carriers
In 2024, 126,182 Ford C-Maxes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 33.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Ford C-Max is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
33.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,300
Typical age at test: 11 years
Ford C-Max MOT failure rate by age
Most common Ford C-Max MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.9% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.7% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5% of tests
What the Ford C-Max fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.0% | About average |
| Suspension | 9.4% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Tyres | 8.9% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Brakes | 7.1% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Visibility | 4.9% | About average |
| Body and structure | 4.4% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.8% | About average |
| Steering | 2.2% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | About average |
How big is the Ford C-Max's boot?
The Mk2 (2010–2019) Ford C-Max has 432 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,684 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 3rd biggest of the 3 people carriers we compare; the Ford S-Max has the most, at 965 litres.
What MPG does the Ford C-Max do?
Official economy for the Ford C-Max ranges from 34 to 62.8mpg across the 57 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Ford C-Max?
Any Ford C-Max first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford C-Max registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £410 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFord C-Max specs and running costs
Official figures for 57 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2020.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
34.0–62.8 mpg
CO2
119–194 g/km
Power
120–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2019 1.5 TDCi (Stop/Start)120 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 148g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2019 1.5 TDCi (Stop/Start)120 PS · MPS6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 156g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2019 1.0 EcoBoost125 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2019 1.5 EcoBoost150 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Petrol | 34 mpg | 188g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 1.6 Duratorq TDCi (115PS) (+DPF)M6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140PS) (+DPF)M6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140PS) (+DPF)A6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Pre 2012¾ 1.6 Duratorq TDCi (115PS) (+DPF)M6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| C-MAX Model Year Pre 2012¾ 2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140PS) (+DPF)M6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| C-MAX Model Year Pre 2012¾ 2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140PS) (+DPF)A6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT (105PS)M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT (125PS)M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Post 2012¾ 1.6 EcoBoost SCTi Stop-Start (150PS)M6 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Pre 2012¾ 1.6 Duratec GTDi Stop-Start (182PS)M6 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| C-MAX Model Year Pre 2012¾ 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT (105PS)M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 154g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 57 versions.
What a Ford C-Max costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 41.5mpg…
- diesel, typical official 50.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Ford C-MaxBuying a used Ford C-Max?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Ford C-Max with other people carriers
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Ford models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Ford C-Max reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Ford C-Max is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 101 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Ford C-Max?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 3.3% of tests.
›How big is the Ford C-Max's boot?
The Mk2 (2010–2019) Ford C-Max has 432 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,684 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 3rd biggest of the 3 people carriers we compare; the Ford S-Max has the most, at 965 litres.
›What MPG does the Ford C-Max do?
Official economy for the Ford C-Max ranges from 34 to 62.8mpg across the 57 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Ford C-Max?
Any Ford C-Max first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford C-Max registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £410 a year.
›How many Ford C-Maxes fail their MOT?
33.1% of Ford C-Maxes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Ford C-Max combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.