2007 · 17 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2007 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

4,422 MOT tests in 2024. 51.8% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time51.8%
Failed or needed repairs48.2%
Typical mileage at test142,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,422 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened7.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.8%
    345 marked dangerous
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.7%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.0%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
    237 marked dangerous
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.5%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.1%
    202 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.7%
  2. Suspension34.5%
  3. Brakes18.9%
  4. Tyres12.3%
  5. Body & chassis9.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks9.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  8. Steering5.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm26.7%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened16.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2007 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 51.8% of 2007 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,422 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 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 2007 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).