Used buying checklist
Ford S Max reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Ford S Max looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 22.8% of 99,773 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 22.8% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 98,257 miles
- 22,715 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (30.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded and seriously weakened, corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced, and corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- lens defective which has no effect on emitted light
- warning lamp indicates a fault
- with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning
- with a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint has excessive play
Focus on corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 22.8%, +4.1 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed99,773 tests
- Median tested mileage98,257 miles
- Failed MOT tests22,715
Should you buy a used Ford S Max?
77.2% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 22.8%, +4.1 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (30.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Ford S Max, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
The MOT failure rate rises from 13.0% at 0-3 years to 29.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (30.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (20.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (15.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (12.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford S Max, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (30.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Ford S Max mainly involve 6 areas: mixed recall notices, lights and electrical, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and brakes. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford S Max, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and tyres and wheels.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 12,739 | 10,709 | 12.8%+2.0 percentage points vs all models | 37,648 miles |
| 50-100k | 38,214 | 29,445 | 20.9%+0.2 percentage points vs all models | 77,087 miles |
| 100-150k | 34,915 | 25,554 | 26.5%+0.3 percentage points vs all models | 121,380 miles |
| 150-200k | 11,221 | 8,094 | 28.4%+1.2 percentage points vs all models | 165,742 miles |
| 200k+ | 1,759 | 1,266 | 27.9%+1.3 percentage points vs all models | 217,703 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Ford S Max, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 13.0% at 0-3 years to 29.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 29.6% for 15+ years cars, based on 14,523 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
1,166 | 1,017 | 13.0%+4.6 percentage points vs all models | 2.9 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
9,162 | 7,652 | 13.4%+2.8 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
28,120 | 21,900 | 18.9%+2.3 percentage points vs all models | 8.2 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
46,802 | 34,465 | 25.0%+1.5 percentage points vs all models | 12.6 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
14,523 | 10,182 | 29.6%+3.7 percentage points vs all models | 16.0 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2025-07-07 | 25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist. Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-19 | X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked. |
| 2022-07-29 | THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction. The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced |
| 2022-06-23 | A NUMBER OF VEHICLES FITTED WITH ADAPTIVE HEADLAMPS WILL NOT DISPLAY A WARNING MESSAGE Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Headlamps will not display a warning message should a failure of the module that controls the Adaptive Headlamps occur. Update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software. |
| 2021-02-22 | THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK COULD CORRODE OVER TIME LEADING TO REDUCED MATERIAL AND LOAD CAPACITY AND FINALLY BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT The Rear Suspension Toe Link bolt is exposed to corrosion growth which over time leads to reduced material and load capacity and finally to a breakage of the bolt. Replace the bolt utilising an alternative bolt supplier and update all affected vehicles. |
| 2020-10-30 | TAKATA AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE ON DEPLOYMENT Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly Replace Driver air bag assembly |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Ford S Max. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Ford reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.