2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

4,404 MOT tests in 2024. 54.7% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time54.7%
Failed or needed repairs45.3%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,404 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working4.7%
  3. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.3%
    300 marked dangerous
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  6. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened4.1%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.5%
    202 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.2%
    210 marked dangerous
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.2%
  2. Suspension27.7%
  3. Brakes16.8%
  4. Tyres11.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.3%
  6. Body & chassis8.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.2%
  8. Steering5.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm27.9%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.5%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2008 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 54.7% of 2008 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,404 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; stop lamp: not working; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).