Ford S-Max

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 16 model years from 137,567 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

137,567

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Ford S-Max

The Ford S-Max was MOT tested 137,567 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 16 model years (2006 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 2,711 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. With a 20 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Ford S-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2006) averages 142,042 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 32,060 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Ford brand average of 85%, the S-Max is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Ford models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Ford S-Max?

vs average of all models-3% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-6% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread20 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Ford S-Max by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	87%	1,832	32,060 mi
2020	89%	2,711	36,267 mi
2019	85%	4,133	45,474 mi
2018	86%	3,879	53,815 mi
2017	86%	8,910	66,218 mi
2016	85%	11,499	72,403 mi
2015	81%	5,624	80,981 mi
2014	77%	11,793	93,914 mi
2013	75%	11,792	102,349 mi
2012	76%	13,192	110,834 mi
2011	76%	12,169	120,774 mi
2010	75%	16,703	125,655 mi
2009	71%	11,518	135,721 mi
2008	71%	9,323	143,734 mi
2007	70%	9,374	144,791 mi
2006	69%	3,115	142,042 mi

Questions about the Ford S-Max

Is the Ford S-Max reliable?

Across its 16 model years in our data (2006 to 2021), the Ford S-Max averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 137,567 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Ford S-Max has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford S-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%, a 20 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.