2013 Ford S-MAX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Ford S-MAXs, from 6,010 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Ford S-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Number plate lights2.9× usualFord S-MAX17.5% All 2013 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualFord S-MAX17.8% All 2013 cars8.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usualFord S-MAX11.3% All 2013 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt 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× usualFord S-MAX17.8% All 2013 cars9.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Suspension arm3.5× usualFord S-MAX7% All 2013 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Ball joint: 1.6% here, against 5% of all 2013 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 1.4% here, against 4.7% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Ford S-MAX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Tyres41% 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.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes31% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints11% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 751 | Tyres 26% |
| 2021 | 710 | Tyres 31% |
| 2020 | 1,144 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 2,298 | Tyres 34% |
| 2018 | 2,392 | Tyres 35% |
| 2017 | 5,246 | Tyres 35% |
| 2016 | 6,850 | Tyres 37% |
| 2015 | 3,273 | Tyres 41% |
| 2014 | 6,290 | Tyres 40% |
| 2012 | 6,641 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 5,991 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 7,831 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 4,882 | Suspension 58% |
| 2008 | 3,545 | Suspension 63% |
| 2007 | 3,293 | Suspension 64% |
| 2006 | 937 | Suspension 64% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Ford S-MAXs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score