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FORD S-MAX MOT pass rate

71.8% of 107,836 FORD S-MAX MOT tests pass.

At 71.8%, The S-MAX passes slightly less often than the average across all FORD models (76.4%).

The FORD S-MAX passes 71.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).

Own this FORD S-MAX?

This is the average across every FORD S-MAX in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.

How to check and keep your FORD’s service history →

Pass rate by vehicle age

Pass rate drops sharply with age: the FORD S-MAX tested at 0–3 years pass 86.1% of the time, compared with just 61.9% at 15+ years.

Pass rate by vehicle age band0–3 years86.1%3–6 years84.6%6–10 years80.7%10–15 years68.2%15+ years61.9%
FORD S-MAX pass rate and average mileage by vehicle age band
Vehicle agePass rateTestsAverage mileage
0–3 years86.1%1,12629,760 miles
3–6 years84.6%8,70643,387 miles
6–10 years80.7%27,94173,998 miles
10–15 years68.2%50,538115,564 miles
15+ years61.9%19,525142,703 miles

Common MOT failure reasons for the FORD S-MAX

The most common reason the FORD S-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 50.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".

Top MOT failure categories for the FORD S-MAX
CategoryShare of failed testsExample
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment50.8%Not working
Suspension36.4%Pin or bush excessively worn
Tyres31.0%Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
Brakes27.7%Less than 1.5 mm thick
Body, chassis, structure15.8%Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
Visibility12.3%Does not clear the windscreen effectively
Noise, emissions and leaks9.6%Inoperative or indicates a malfunction
Steering8.2%Ball joint has excessive play
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems4.7%Warning lamp indicates a fault
Road Wheels2.1%Fixing missing

Related FORD models

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for the FORD S-MAX?
71.8% of FORD S-MAX MOT tests pass, based on 107,836 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
What are the most common MOT failures for the FORD S-MAX?
The most common reason the FORD S-MAX fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 50.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
Does this show the FORD S-MAX's service history?
No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the FORD service history guide for how to check and keep one.