2011 Ford S-Max petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Ford S-Max petrol?

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.1× usual
  Ford S-Max

  17.3% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 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.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Ford S-Max

  12.1% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.7% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Ford S-Max

  13.5% All 2011 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm1.9× usual
  Ford S-Max

  4.8% All 2011 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% 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.

Common 2011 Ford S-Max petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  38% 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
  36% 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
  25% 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
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  18% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2011 Ford S-Max petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Water getting in and damaging wiring

  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

  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)

• Electrical faults (early cars)

  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

  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)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Ford S-Max petrol

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. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2011 Ford S-Max petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Ford S-Max petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2011 Ford S-Max petrol as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?