Ford S-Max (2015)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,624 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1997cc11 years old5,624 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

81% of MOT tests on Ford S-Maxs from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 5,624 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,981 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2015 models376th of 515(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models770th of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2015 models average-2%(83% avg)

vs Ford average-4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,981

Average miles

66,600

Expected for age

The average 2015 Ford S-Max had 80,981 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2015 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+10%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-2%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

+7%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+4%

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About the 2015 Ford S-Max

The 2015 Ford S-Max is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,624 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 80,981 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford S-Max owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2015 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2015 Ford S-Max?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford S-Max 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.

Buying a Used 2015 Ford S-Max

At 11 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 5,624 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 81k 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 2015 Ford S-Max stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford S-Max(2015)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£403
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2015 Ford S-Max

Is the 2015 Ford S-Max reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2015 Ford S-Maxs ended in a pass, from 5,624 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2015 Ford S-Max cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 Ford S-Max?

81% of 5,624 MOT tests on the 2015 Ford S-Max ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 376th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (bottom half).

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% and the 2006 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2015 Ford S-Max?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 Ford S-Max is 80,981 miles, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.