2016 Ford S-Max diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Ford S-Max diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Ford S-Max diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Ford S-Max

  19.6% All 2016 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system3.7× usual
  Ford S-Max

  3.3% All 2016 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Number plates2.3× usual
  Ford S-Max

  3.9% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

• Number plate lights1.7× usual
  Ford S-Max

  4.6% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

Common 2016 Ford S-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Ford S-Max diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  37% 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
  26% 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
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  7% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Ford S-Max diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2016 Ford S-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tyre pressure monitoring system? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2016 Ford S-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2016 Ford S-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?