2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

2,349 MOT tests in 2024. 80.3% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time80.3%
Failed or needed repairs19.8%
Typical mileage at test49,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,349 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.3%
    137 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    122 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  4. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    54 marked dangerous
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
  8. Side repeaters: not working0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres8.4%
  2. Lights & electrics6.7%
  3. Brakes6.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.9%
  7. Suspension0.4%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick17.6%
  3. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt8.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.6%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. 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 2018 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 80.3% of 2018 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,349 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).