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Model reliability

Ford Galaxy reliability

The Ford Galaxy fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 44.8% of 35,435 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
19.1% failed their MOT
Worse than most
From 8,119 MOT tests of Ford Galaxys this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 6× as oftenHeadlamps3.9% vs 0.7%Fix about £30
Fails 48% more oftenWipers3.1% vs 2.1%
Fails 50% more oftenMechanical brake components2.7% vs 1.8%
Fails 44% more oftenTyre tread depth2.3% vs 1.6%Fix about £90
Advised 41% more oftenTyre tread depth20% vs 14.2%Fix about £90
6 to 10 years old
29.9% failed their MOT
Worse than most
From 22,655 MOT tests of Ford Galaxys this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 5× as oftenPosition lamps7.2% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 39% more oftenMechanical brake components3.9% vs 2.8%
Fails 2× as oftenStop lamp3.5% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 4× as oftenTransmission3.5% vs 0.9%
Advised 39% more oftenTyre tread depth24.8% vs 17.8%Fix about £90
Advised 38% more oftenSuspension arms7.3% vs 5.3%
Advised 3× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)6.4% vs 2.1%Fix about £30
Advised 3× as oftenFluid leaks5.9% vs 2.2%
Over 10 years old
44.8% failed their MOT
About average
From 35,435 MOT tests of Ford Galaxys this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 89% more oftenPosition lamps10% vs 5.3%Fix about £30
Fails 49% more oftenSuspension arms7.6% vs 5.1%
Fails 74% more oftenStop lamp6.8% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 39% more oftenTyre condition5.7% vs 4.1%Fix about £90
Advised 44% more oftenTyre tread depth27.7% vs 19.3%Fix about £90
Advised 42% more oftenMechanical brake components24% vs 16.9%
Advised 60% more oftenSuspension arms19.3% vs 12.1%
Advised 73% more oftenSprings10.9% vs 6.3%Fix about £150
Safety recalls

30 DVSA recalls for the Ford Galaxy

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/1815 May 2026Built 2021–2023Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update

Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.

Fix: Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 110 vehicles

R/2025/3598 Sept 2025Built 2019CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update

On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.

Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 1 vehicles

R/2025/2437 Jul 2025Built 2021–202225S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist.

Fix: Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 6 vehicles

R/2025/09419 Dec 2024Built 2018–2022X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 737 vehicles

R/2026/07623 May 2024Built 2015–2018Brake Hose Leak

On affected vehicles there is the possibility of the front brake hoses leaking.

Fix: Replace both front brake hoses and modify the hose routing and ride height sensor if necessary.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 6,292 vehicles

R/2023/17526 Feb 2024Built 2021–202223S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue

Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block

Fix: Software update

Recalled models: S-MAX/GALAXY · 424 vehicles

R/2022/23929 Jul 2022Built 2022THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION

It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.

Fix: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced

Recalled models: GALAXY · 9,388 vehicles

R/2022/18223 Jun 2022Built 2018–2022A number of vehicles fitted with adaptive headlamps will not display a warning message

Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Headlamps will not display a warning message should a failure of the module that controls the Adaptive Headlamps occur.

Fix: Update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 2,260 vehicles

R/2021/00522 Feb 2021Built 2015–2020The rear suspension toe link could corrode over time leading to reduced material and load capacity and finally breakage of the bolt

The Rear Suspension Toe Link bolt is exposed to corrosion growth which over time leads to reduced material and load capacity and finally to a breakage of the bolt.

Fix: Replace the bolt utilising an alternative bolt supplier and update all affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 39,441 vehicles

R/2020/01330 Oct 2020Built 2006–2017Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly

Fix: Replace Driver air bag assembly

Recalled models: GALAXY · 219,738 vehicles

R/2019/21229 Aug 2019Built 2014–2019Potential battery acid leakage around negative terminal

Possible thermal incident within the battery monitor sensor wiring

Fix: Install a fused jumper loom into the battery monitor sensor wiring

Recalled models: GALAXY · 56,154 vehicles

R/2019/02014 Jun 2019Built 2010–2014Overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack

localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: A coolant level sensor needs to be fitted to provide an audible and visual warning to the customer and in extreme circumstances reduce the engine power.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 4,026 vehicles

R/2018/35122 Feb 2019Built 2016–2018Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture

A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.

Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 66,497 vehicles

R/2018/2137 Nov 2018Built 2014–2018Possible low torque condition with the air conditioning clutch fastener

A/C Compressor pulley may become detached.

Fix: On affected vehicles fit a new A/C compressor clutch pulley.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 3,021 vehicles

R/2018/08216 Jul 2018Built 2009–2016Clutch pressure plate may fracture

Affected vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.

Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 122,199 vehicles

R/2018/05312 Mar 2018Built 2015Oil sump may crack due to the engine overheating

The engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0L Duratorq Diesel engines. In extreme cases an overheated engine can result in a breach of the oil sump leading to loss of the engine oil.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download revised software for the control module calibration that improves overheat detection and provides an instrument cluster warning indicator to the driver and engine de-rate strategy.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 48,595 vehicles

R/2016/11320 Jun 2016Built 2014–2016Headlamps may switch off without warning

Vehicles fitted with Adaptive LED Headlamps could experience a condition where the loss of a control signal in combination with a software error may cause the headlamps to switch off. There is a risk of collision if defect happens at night.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and updated software will be loaded to the affected modules.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 9,705 vehicles

R/2013/10313 Sept 2013Built 2012–2013Fire may occur

It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles inspect the fuel spill rail/return pipe and if required replace the spill rail with a new modified rail.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 1,985 vehicles

R/2011/04018 May 2011Headlights and indicators may malfuntion

Vehicles affected could demonstrate symptoms such as headlamps and indicators flashing unintentionally and/or headlamps switching off. The concern is due to software errors.

Fix: The vehicles that are likely to be affected are to be recalled to have modified software applied to the Body Control Module and Power Train Control Module.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 4 vehicles

R/2010/21614 Dec 2010Panoramic roof panel may detach

It has been identified that a small number of vehicles built with a panoramic glass roof may not have been bonded correctly. This could ultimately result in detachment of the panoramic glass roof.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and check the adhesion of the roof. If found to be defective the roof will be removed and re-bonded.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 7 vehicles

R/2009/05021 May 2009Built 2008–2009Hard brake pedal may occur during engine warm up

During engine warm up it is possible that the non return valve within the vacuum pump may stick. It is possible that if sufficient brake applications are made before the valve releases the vacuum stored within the brake booster will be used up and a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances may result.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised design of non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 13,029 vehicles

R/2009/0439 Apr 2009Abs may not function correctly

The brakes may lock up under emergency braking conditions due to valves in the hydraulic control unit being of incorrect specification.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the hydraulic control unit.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 2 vehicles

R/2008/03812 Mar 2008Built 2006Glass roof panel may detach

It has been identified that the panoramic glass roof panel may not have been correctly bonded to the vehicle. Should this be the case the roof panel could detach.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the panoramic glass roof panel renewed.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 9 vehicles

R/2007/1335 Dec 2007Built 2005–2006In low ambient temperature hard brake pedal may occur

Hard brake pedal may occur in low ambient temperatures which is caused by a non return valve in the vacuum pump sticking.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 17,972 vehicles

R/2007/00310 Jan 2007Built 2005–2006Heated windscreen earth point may not be tightened - risk of burn damage to trim

It has been identified that on subject vehicles the heated windscreen earthing point may not have been tightened to the specified torque. An incorrect torque may lead to electrical arcing and in extreme cases this arcing may cause scorching or burning of the surrounding trim components.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject earthing point inspected for correct installation and torque.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 5,153 vehicles

R/2006/11817 Jul 2006Built 2006Possibility of engine cut out

It has been identified that the fuel pipe connector between the engine fuel line and fuel tank may not be totalled secured. This may result in a disconnection of the fuel line with the possibility of engine cut out and loss of fuel onto the road surface. Whilst the vehicle is in the dealership the opportunity will be taken to carry out a slight modification to the alternator to prevent the possibility of a short circuit occurring with other components.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the integrity of the fuel line connector checked. Additionally the alternator cable will be modified by removing a portion of sleeving that may be in contact with the end eyelet.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 209 vehicles

R/2006/03425 Apr 2006Built 2002–2003Flywheel may fail

The Duel Mass Flywheel could fail in such a way that the friction pad and spring break through the duel mass flywheel housing. This could cause rough running noise and vibration and in extreme cases could result in transmission damage and localised burning of the engine under shield insulation

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and renew the Duel Mass Flyweheel and clutch assembly.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 2,009 vehicles

R/2003/1556 Oct 2003Built 2002–2003Incorrect deployment of curtain airbag

It is possible that some RHD Galaxy vehicles fitted with side curtain airbags may have an error with the wiring that may trigger the wrong curtain airbag to be deployed in the event of a side impact

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to test the airbag system and if necessary fit a wiring adapter.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 7,867 vehicles

R/1997/06229 Aug 1997Built 1996–1997Effectiveness of integrated child seat

The child seat upper base frame and inbuilt seat belt retractor assemblies may not meet the appropriate EC crash testing requirements.

Fix: Integrated child seats supplied with Galaxys from Jan 96 to Apr 1997 are being recalled for replacement of the upper base frames with modified versions. In addition belt retractors are being replaced with modified units on integrated seats supplied with Galaxys built between 1st January 1996 and October 1996. Ford are also advising all other Galaxy owners who have purchased the subject seat.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 673 vehicles

R/1996/09521 Oct 1996Built 1996Braking system may overheat

Vehicles built during the period covered by the recall may have been fitted with a brake servo which incorporates an out of specification seal on the output shaft. This could result in excessive drag on the brake pushrod preventing the brake

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a supplementary return spring between the brake pedal and the brake servo housing.

Recalled models: GALAXY · 4,004 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Ford Galaxy before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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