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Ford S-max tdci vs Ford Transit: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Ford S-max tdci
85%
MOT pass rate · 24 vehicles
Ford Transit
69%
MOT pass rate · 1,477,963 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Ford S-max tdci (85%) and Ford Transit (69%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Ford S-max tdci Ford Transit
MOT pass rate 85% ✓ 69%
MOT failure rate 15% ✓ 31%
Faults & advisories per test 0.2 ✓ 2.9
Dangerous-fault share 0% ✓ 2%
Average mileage 136,235 mi 138,004 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 24 1,477,963

Most common faults

Ford S-max tdci

  1. Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
  2. Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
  3. Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))
  4. Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
  5. Oil leak, but not excessive REAR OF TURBO (8.4.1 (a) (i))
  6. ROW 3 SEAT BELTS NOT CHECKED

Ford Transit

  1. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
  2. Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
  3. Oil leak
  4. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Ford S-max tdci (85%) and Ford Transit (69%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Ford S-max tdci report Full Ford Transit 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.