2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

1,413 MOT tests in 2024. 50.9% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time50.9%
Failed or needed repairs49.1%
Typical mileage at test138,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,413 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened9.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working6.3%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.1%
  4. Stop lamp: not working5.2%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.3%
    102 marked dangerous
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.3%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.8%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.8%
    93 marked dangerous
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.5%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics36.9%
  2. Suspension35.5%
  3. Brakes18.1%
  4. Body & chassis11.5%
  5. Tyres11.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks11.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags7.3%
  8. Steering6.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm29.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.7%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.3%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick15.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All S-Max years2007 S-Max →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 50.9% of 2006 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,413 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened; position lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).