Ford S-Max common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Ford S-Max?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Water getting in and damaging wiring

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  Blocked ventilation drains are common and can let water damage the wiring loom, with big bills.

  At the viewing: Look for damp carpets and water marks, and test all the electrics.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Ford S-MAX buying guide (2006-2014)

• Hard brake pedal and fuel recalls

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · Some cars

  Recalls covered a sticking brake valve that made the pedal hard (built Nov 2005 to Dec 2006 and Nov 2008 to Mar 2009), a loose fuel pipe that could cut the engine (built Feb to June 2006), panoramic sunroofs (2008 and 2010) and a fuel leak (2013).

  At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Ford S-MAX buying guide (2006-2014)

• Oil pump belt that runs in oil (2.0 EcoBlue diesel)

  Cars registered 2018–2024 · 2.0 EcoBlue diesel (most Ford 2.0 diesels from about 2018)

  The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel drives its oil pump with a belt that runs in the engine oil. As it wears it can shed rubber and cut oil pressure, which can wreck the engine. Ford has shortened the change interval on the Transit to 6 years or 100,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Ask when the oil pump belt was last changed, and watch for an oil-pressure warning light.

  Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

• May have a timing belt that runs in oil (1.5 EcoBoost)

  Cars registered 2014–2024 · 1.5 EcoBoost petrol

  Ford used both wet timing belts and timing chains on its 1.5 EcoBoost petrol. A wet belt can break down if oil changes are late, starving the engine of oil. A Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN which this car has.

  At the viewing: Ask whether it has a belt or a chain, and for a full service history with the right oil.

  Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

• Electrical faults (early cars)

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · Early cars

  Early cars are prone to electrical gremlins. Check the air con, heated rear screen, auto lights, stereo and front parking sensors.

  At the viewing: Test every electrical item.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Ford S-MAX buying guide (2006-2014)

• Power steering faults

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  The power steering can develop faults, shown by noises or odd feel.

  At the viewing: Turn lock to lock and listen.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Ford S-MAX buying guide (2006-2014)

Common Ford S-Max MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Brake pads

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  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.

• Number plate lights

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

• Suspension arm

  up to 5.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  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.

• Number plates

  up to 3.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 4.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

Ford S-Max MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2017 Ford S-Max did best (79% passed first time, 1 point above all 2017 cars) and the 2019 did worst (74%, 10 points below all 2019 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Ford S-Max

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it had any water leaks or wiring repairs?
2. Have the brake and fuel recalls been done?
3. Has the oil pump belt been changed, and is there a full service history?
4. Does it have a timing belt or chain, and when was the belt last changed?
5. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the Ford S-Max as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the Ford S-Max as on other cars the same age.)