2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

735 MOT tests in 2024. 81.4% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time81.4%
Failed or needed repairs18.6%
Typical mileage at test28,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 735 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    49 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
    46 marked dangerous
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    22 marked dangerous
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.7%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.3%
  2. Tyres6.9%
  3. Brakes3.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags1.2%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.7%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick12.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.0%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt4.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible3.9%

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: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 S-MaxAll S-Max years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 81.4% of 2021 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 735 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2021 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).