Is the 2013 FORD S-MAX reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of FORD S-MAXs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 11,792 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2013 FORD S-MAX cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 FORD S-MAX?

The 2013 FORD S-MAX has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 11,792 tests in 2026. This ranks 519 out of 626 cars from 2013.

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 2013 FORD S-MAX?

The average mileage for a 2013 FORD S-MAX is 102,349 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

FORD S-MAX (2013)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 11,792 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1596cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1596cc13 years old11,792 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1596cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1596cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 13 years old, 75% of FORD S-MAXs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 11,792 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,349 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 cars519th of 626(top 83%)

Rank among FORD models926th of 1,167(top 79%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2013 cars average-5%(80% avg)

vs FORD average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

102,349

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2013 FORD S-MAX has 102,349 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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 2013 sits between the two at 75%.

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

VAUXHALL CORSA

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

78%

+3%

FORD FOCUS

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+3%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2015 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,572/year

81%

+6%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2015 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,390/year

82%

+7%

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About the 2013 FORD S-MAX

The 2013 FORD S-MAX is a small family car with a 1596cc petrol engine. 11,792 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 83% of 2013 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 102,349 miles at 13 years old, FORD S-MAX owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 FORD S-MAX Fuel Costs

The 1596cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2013 FORD S-MAX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2013 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 11,792 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2013 FORD S-MAX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 102k 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.

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 2013 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(2013)	75%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
VAUXHALL CORSA(2015)	78%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
FORD FOCUS(2013)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
NISSAN QASHQAI(2015)	81%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1572-£385
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015)	82%	£955	£30	Grp 5-15	£1390-£567

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.