Is the 2009 FORD S-MAX reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of FORD S-MAXs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 11,518 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 FORD S-MAX cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 FORD S-MAX?

The 2009 FORD S-MAX has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 11,518 tests in 2026. This ranks 437 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year FORD S-MAX is most reliable?

The 2020 FORD S-MAX has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 69%.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 FORD S-MAX?

The average mileage for a 2009 FORD S-MAX is 135,721 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

FORD S-MAX (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 11,518 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1997cc17 years old11,518 tests136k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1997cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 17 years old, 71% of FORD S-MAXs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 11,518 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 135,721 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars437th of 575(top 76%)

Rank among FORD models1016th of 1,167(top 87%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average-4%(75% avg)

vs FORD average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

135,721

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 FORD S-MAX has 135,721 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2009 sits between the two at 71%.

FORD S-MAX by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

+7%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

+3%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

+3%

BMW 3 SERIES

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

81%

+10%

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About the 2009 FORD S-MAX

The 2009 FORD S-MAX is a family car with a 1997cc diesel engine. 11,518 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 135,721 miles at 17 years old, FORD S-MAX owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 FORD S-MAX Fuel Costs

The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 FORD S-MAX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD S-MAX Reliability Trend

Newer FORD S-MAXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 FORD S-MAX

At 17 years old, the FORD S-MAX is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 11,518 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 FORD S-MAX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 136k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2009 FORD S-MAX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD S-MAX(2009)	71%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)	81%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.