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Ford S-Max Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Ford S-Max (2006–2023).

MOT Pass Rate

75.2%6.8% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 32,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

2.20%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

16.2%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

16.5%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

17.2%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

14.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

10.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

9.5%

Where Faults Occur

30.0%

Front

30.0%

Rear

22.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

27,000 mi

At 5 years

46,000 mi

At 10 years

90,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Ford S-Max a Good Buy?

The Ford S-Max shows average reliability in MOT data. With a 75.2% pass rate, it sits 6.8% below the national average of 82%.

Budget for potential repairs in lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment and suspension. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended, especially for older examples. Always check the full MOT history for recurring issues.

Ford S-Max MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Ford S-Max.

View Ford S-Max MOT Data

Check a Specific Ford S-Max

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Ford S-Max.

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Other Ford Models

Ford Fiesta

79.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Focus

77.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Mondeo

74.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Ka

73.1%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Galaxy

72.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Kuga

82.1%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Ford models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Ford S-Max?
The top MOT failure on the Ford S-Max is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 16.5% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Ford S-Max MOT pass rate?
The Ford S-Max has an estimated MOT pass rate of 75.2%, which is 6.8% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Ford S-Max as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Ford S-Max reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Ford S-Max has a good reliability record with a 75.2% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 2.20% and a retest rate of 16.2%.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford S-Max MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Ford S-Max MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Ford S-Max have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Ford S-Max covers approximately 27,000 mi by 3 years, 46,000 mi by 5 years, and 90,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Ford S-Max?
The Ford S-Max is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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