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FORD S-MAX (2011)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,169 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests (2024)

12,169

Avg Mileage

120,774 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,727

Is the 2011 FORD S-MAX reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 13 years old, 76% of FORD S-MAXs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,169 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,774 miles.

How does the 2011 FORD S-MAX compare?

Rank among all 2011 cars414th out of 615(top 67%)
Rank among all FORD models902th out of 1,167(top 77%)
vs national average-6% (82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average-1% (77% avg)
vs FORD average-9% (85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2011 FORD S-MAX has 120,774 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Best year to buy a FORD S-MAX?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2011 sits between the two at 76%.

How much does a 2011 FORD S-MAX cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)
£1,037
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£1,727
Per month£144/mo

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

FORD S-MAX by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202187%1,83232,060 mi
202089%2,71136,267 mi
201985%4,13345,474 mi
201886%3,87953,815 mi
201786%8,91066,218 mi
201685%11,49972,403 mi
201581%5,62480,981 mi
201477%11,79393,914 mi
201375%11,792102,349 mi
201276%13,192110,834 mi
201176%12,169120,774 mi
201075%16,703125,655 mi
200971%11,518135,721 mi
200871%9,323143,734 mi
200770%9,374144,791 mi
200669%3,115142,042 mi

Checking a specific FORD S-MAX?

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About the 2011 FORD S-MAX

The 2011 FORD S-MAX is a family car with a 1997cc diesel engine. 12,169 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 120,774 miles at 13 years old, FORD S-MAX owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2011 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 2011 FORD S-MAX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% 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 2011 FORD S-MAX

At 13 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 12,169 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2011 FORD S-MAX

If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: