Ford S-MAX Mk2 (2015-2023) reliability
Ford S-MAX Mk2 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Ford S-MAX Mk2 models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Ford S-MAX Mk2?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
17% of MOT tests on Ford S-MAX Mk2 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ford S-MAX Mk2 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 27,570 tests of S-MAX models registered 2015-2023.
About 1 in 5 diesel S-MAX cars registered in 2022 (19.1%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 209 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 S-MAX Mk2 MOTs (2.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,952 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 S-MAX Mk2 MOTs (6.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 3,952 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk2 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.
How the S-MAX Mk2 compares
At each age below, see how the S-MAX Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 306,729 tests across 17 Ford models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other people carriers to compare
Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S-MAX Mk2.
- 1
Kia Venga
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.7%
- Dangerous
- 3.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96.8%
Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 16.8% for the Ford S-MAX Mk2, both built around 2018.
5,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Hyundai ix20
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.4%
Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 16.8% for the Ford S-MAX Mk2, both built around 2018.
3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Toyota Estima
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.7%
No clear edge over the Ford S-MAX Mk2 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,057 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Vauxhall Zafira
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 20.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.7%
No clear edge over the Ford S-MAX Mk2 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
10,737 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
45 recalls in all14 of the 45 S-MAX Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 Critical
- 11 more
Top concerns
- 25S54 kuga S-MAX and galaxy - powertrain control module (PCM) software update
- Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment
- Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on S-MAX Mk2 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 163 cars.
How S-MAX Mk2 cars have aged
How S-MAX Mk2 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | No figure | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Brakes | 12% | 15% | 15% | 20% |
| Emissions | 4% | 7% | 3% | 1% |
| Tyres | 15% | 30% | 23% | 31% |
| Lighting | 15% | 16% | 10% | 10% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 1% | 1% | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 91 to 363 cars at each age.
Mk2 variants compared
S-MAX Mk2 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each S-MAX Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- S-MAX17.1%3,474 tests
Petrol
- S-MAX14.3%476 tests
Most common issues on Ford S-MAX models of this age
This list covers every Ford S-MAX built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 126.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 218.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 38.0%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 47.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.0%Advisory
Number plate worn, but not likely to be misread
Based on 3,952 tests
Looking at a Ford S-MAX Mk2?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Ford S-MAX Mk2 (2015-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,952 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.