Used car guide

2011 Ford S-MAX: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Ford S-MAXs, from 5,991 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

5,991MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
8,800typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Ford S-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2011.

  • Number plate lights2× usual
    Ford S-MAX
    16.3% All 2011 cars
    8.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
    Ford S-MAX
    12.3% All 2011 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Brake pads1.8× usual
    Ford S-MAX
    16.9% All 2011 cars
    9.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usual
    Ford S-MAX
    17.6% All 2011 cars
    10.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Suspension arm2.9× usual
    Ford S-MAX
    9.5% All 2011 cars
    3.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 6.1% of all 2011 cars. Ball joint: 2.9% here, against 6.1% of all 2011 cars.

By area

The share of 2011 Ford S-MAX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    50% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    41% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    31% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    31% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    12% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Ford S-MAX?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022751Tyres 26%
2021710Tyres 31%
20201,144Tyres 31%
20192,298Tyres 34%
20182,392Tyres 35%
20175,246Tyres 35%
20166,850Tyres 37%
20153,273Tyres 41%
20146,290Tyres 40%
20136,010Suspension 45%
20126,641Suspension 49%
20107,831Suspension 54%
20094,882Suspension 58%
20083,545Suspension 63%
20073,293Suspension 64%
2006937Suspension 64%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Ford S-MAXs registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score