Known APK problem
Ford C-MAX I: steering
On the Ford C-MAX I the APK inspector finds steering problems 2.5× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 2.9%, against about 1.2% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.
How to check it at the viewing
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?
By age
Share of inspected Ford C-MAX Is with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | C-MAX I | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 – 15 years | B | 2.9% | 1.2% | 2.5× |
| 16+ years | A | 0.5% | 1.7% | 0.3× |
| 16+ years | B | 2.8% | 2.0% | 1.4× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 13–15 years
| Model | Steering | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Ford C-MAX I | 2.9% | 2.5× |
| Škoda Roomster | 0.6% | 0.5× |
| Opel Zafira Tourer C | 0.2% | 0.2× |
| Opel Meriva A | 0.5% | 0.4× |
| Opel Zafira B | 0.3% | 0.2× |
| Toyota Verso | 0.3% | 0.2× |
Looking at a Ford C-MAX I? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Ford C-MAX Is of the same age.
All weak spots of the Ford C-MAX I · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ford C-MAX I often have steering problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a steering defect on 2.9% of inspected Ford C-MAX Is, against about 1.2% of all cars of the same age (2.5×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the steering on a used Ford C-MAX I?
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know