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MOT reliability

Ford S-max

101,346 vehicles · 1,374,141 completed MOT tests analysed
75%
MOT pass rate

Based on 101,346 Ford S-max vehicles and 1,374,141 completed MOT tests, the Ford S-max has an overall 75% pass rate, with an average recorded mileage of 118,346 miles.

101,346
Vehicles
1,374,141
MOT tests
9,114
Avg miles / year
2.3
Faults per test
3%
Dangerous-fault share

Ford S-max problem areas

Where faults occur most across all Ford S-max MOT tests:

  • Other43%
  • Tyres, wheels & suspension33%
  • Brakes13%
  • Lamps & electrical8%
  • Body & structure3%
  • Emissions & nuisance3%
  • Visibility2%
  • Seatbelts & equipment2%

Ford S-max pass rate by age

How the Ford S-max's MOT pass rate changes as it ages (buckets with 20+ tests).

Age (years)TestsPass rate
135490%
24,81983%
3123,59483%
4119,97282%
5122,32079%
6123,02077%
7122,06776%
8119,52775%
9114,20773%
10105,01372%
1196,49171%
1286,42371%
1373,05970%
1459,60769%
1545,47668%
1629,75167%
1716,83566%
188,32366%
192,77565%
2042865%

Fuel types: Diesel (92,248), Petrol (9,085), LPG (6), Hybrid Electric (Clean) (5), Electric (1), Other (1)

Most common Ford S-max MOT faults

These are the faults and advisories recorded most often across Ford S-max MOT tests:

  1. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e)) (65,441 times)
  2. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e)) (64,678 times)
  3. Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) (49,518 times)
  4. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e)) (40,262 times)
  5. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (39,976 times)
  6. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e)) (39,877 times)
  7. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (38,979 times)
  8. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i)) (38,800 times)
  9. Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g) (31,905 times)
  10. Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i)) (30,382 times)
  11. Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) (29,397 times)
  12. Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt (29,209 times)
  13. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (28,499 times)
  14. Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i)) (27,771 times)
  15. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components (27,454 times)

Ford S-max pass rate by registration year

YearVehiclesTestsPass rateAvg mileage
2025 1 2 100% 94,804
2024 3 11 64% 80,446
2023 12 16 81% 35,273
2022 215 324 85% 27,057
2021 633 2,125 83% 46,611
2020 1,175 4,818 84% 48,770
2019 2,425 13,022 81% 58,716
2018 2,488 16,067 85% 66,532
2017 5,641 42,677 85% 77,717
2016 7,420 62,524 84% 83,219
2015 3,663 35,292 81% 90,549
2014 7,420 83,345 77% 100,509
2013 7,280 90,597 76% 109,388
2012 8,277 114,247 76% 118,968
2011 7,991 116,543 76% 127,672
2010 11,630 186,220 74% 132,339
2009 9,004 152,653 72% 141,761
2008 9,027 153,330 72% 145,132
2007 11,511 202,881 71% 147,474
2006 5,523 97,750 71% 143,219
2005 2 33 61% 151,556
2001 1 1 100% 159,576
1996 1 6 83% 93,301

Ford S-max reliability FAQ

Across 101,346 Ford S-max vehicles in our MOT data, 75% pass the MOT (a 25% failure rate), with about 2.3 faults or advisories recorded per test.

The most frequently recorded Ford S-max MOT issues are: 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)).

The typical Ford S-max in our data has covered around 118,346 miles.

Compare the Ford S-max

See how the Ford S-max stacks up against other Ford models on MOT reliability:

S-max vs Fiesta S-max vs Focus S-max vs Transit S-max vs Mondeo

Check a specific Ford S-max

Enter a registration to see that exact vehicle's full MOT history, advisories and recurring faults.

See all Ford models · Learn about common MOT failures · what an MOT checks