At a Glance
The Ford Galaxy has 38 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk1 (1995-2006) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.9M MOT tests from DVSA data plus 1 owner-submitted problem.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Ford Galaxy common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Ford Galaxy generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Ford Galaxy owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Ford Galaxy Generations
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Most Common Ford Galaxy MOT Failures
Every reason Ford Galaxy vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.33% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 8.06% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.19% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.06% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.39% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.10% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 4.82% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.32% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 4.06% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.04% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.38% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.95% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.88% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.29% |
| 15 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.23% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.01% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.85% |
| 18 | Rear lamp not working | 1.59% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.56% |
| 20 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.53% |
| 21 | Position lamp not working | 1.33% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.22% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.03% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 0.95% |
| 25 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.94% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.92% |
| 27 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.85% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.85% |
| 29 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.79% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.72% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.69% |
| 32 | Seat belt condition | 0.64% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.61% |
| 34 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.61% |
| 35 | Airbag warning light on | 0.52% |
| 36 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.49% |
| 37 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.49% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.40% |
| 39 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.38% |
| 40 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.33% |
| 42 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.28% |
| 43 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.27% |
| 45 | Parking brake condition | 0.27% |
| 46 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 47 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 48 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.21% |
| 49 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.19% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 51 | Front suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 53 | Rear suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 55 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 56 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 57 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 58 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.10% |
| 59 | Brake pedal fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 64 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.07% |
| 65 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Steering arm worn | 0.06% |
| 69 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 70 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.05% |
| 73 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 74 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 79 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 83 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 85 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 87 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 88 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 91 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 93 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 94 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 98 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 104 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 105 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 107 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.01% |
| 109 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 111 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 121 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 128 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 148 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 151 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 159 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 168 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 169 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 183 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 185 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 188 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 190 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 191 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
Showing all 192 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Ford Galaxy MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Ford Galaxy, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Galaxy problems?
Based on analysis of 1.9M Ford Galaxy MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 38 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Front lamp not working". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Ford Galaxy generation has the most problems?
The Ford Galaxy Mk1 (1995-2006) (1995–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (30). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Ford Galaxy?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Ford Galaxy owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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