Ford Galaxy MOT Failures
An analysis of 264,167 real DVSA MOT tests on the Ford Galaxy — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: WGR (1995–2006), WA6 (2006–2015), CD391 (2015–2023).
Where the Ford Galaxy fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Ford Galaxy is emissions failure — this model is 86 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 264,167 MOT tests, 0.52% of all Ford Galaxy tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include light unit fault (57x the fleet average), suspension pin, bush or joint worn (27x the fleet average), brake hoses perished or damaged (87x the fleet average), and subframe bushes or mounts worn (137x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Ford Galaxy's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics, Suspension, Brakes, Bodywork and others. If you're inspecting a Ford Galaxy before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Ford Galaxy's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Ford Galaxy specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (137x the average) and brake hoses perished or damaged (87x). emissions failure (86x) and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (61x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Ford Galaxy specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component damaged or corroded (24x the average) and brake hoses perished or damaged (21x). subframe bushes or mounts worn (21x) and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (20x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Ford Galaxy specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are structural corrosion (37x the average) and strengthening plates or fastenings so insecure ... (35x). suspension component missing, (22x) and suspension component with an unsafe modification (21x) also appear frequently.
The shift from subframe bushes or mounts worn at lower mileages to structural corrosion at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Ford Galaxy specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Structural corrosion affecting rigidity (WGR/WA6) Dangerous
The Galaxy suffers from severe structural corrosion that compromises vehicle rigidity and safety. Affects WGR, WA6; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£3,000.
Suspension component corrosion (WGR/WA6) Dangerous
Galaxy suspension components suffer from severe corrosion affecting control arms, subframes, and mounting brackets. Affects WGR, WA6; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,800.
Brake hose deterioration (WGR/WA6) Dangerous
Galaxy brake hoses fail at 25.6 times the national average according to MOT data. Affects WGR, WA6; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£250.
DPF blockage and excessive smoke (TDCi) Major
Ford TDCi engines with diesel particulate filters show extremely high failure rates for smoke opacity, with MOT data showing 85.8 times the national average failure rate. Affects WA6, CD391; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Ford Galaxy common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Ford Galaxy
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Ford Galaxy:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault. Suspension — check for suspension pin, bush or joint worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn. Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion affecting rigidity and suspension component corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,500. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Ford Galaxy?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Ford Galaxy MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Ford Galaxy?
Based on 264,167 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 86x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include light unit fault and suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
Is the Ford Galaxy reliable based on MOT data?
The Ford Galaxy has 22 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag structural corrosion affecting rigidity as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Ford Galaxy most commonly fails on structural corrosion and strengthening plates or fastenings so insecure .... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are subframe bushes or mounts worn and brake hoses perished or damaged.
How do I check a Ford Galaxy's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.