Ford Fiesta vs Ford S-max: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Ford Fiesta
73%
MOT pass rate · 2,835,744 vehicles
Ford S-max
75%
MOT pass rate · 101,346 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Ford S-max is the more reliable of the two — 75% pass first time versus 73%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Ford Fiesta | Ford S-max |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 73% | 75% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 27% | 25% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.1 ✓ | 2.3 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% ✓ | 3% |
| Average mileage | 84,529 mi | 118,346 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 2,835,744 | 101,346 |
Most common faults
Ford Fiesta
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
Ford S-max
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Ford S-max is the more reliable of the two — 75% pass first time versus 73%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Ford Fiesta report Full Ford S-max report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.