2006 Ford S-Max · 6,981 MOT tests
2006 Ford S-Max reliability
2006 Ford S-Maxs fail 49.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 15 S-Max years (6,981 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2006 Ford S-Max?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 49.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 136,615
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,981
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.5% of tests fail here (111% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 24% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Suspension25.5%
- Lights and electrics24.6%
- Brakes11.8%
- Tyres10.5%
- Body, chassis and structure10.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm corroded and weakened 8.54%
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
Position lamp not working 6.46%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 6.27%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 5.11%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 4.3%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.75%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (24.38%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (14.47%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (14.3%) · Brake pads wearing thin (12.02%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.92%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.67%)
Other years
Every Ford S-Max year
The full picture: Ford S-Max reliability. Before you pay for any Ford S-Max, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2006 Ford S-Max reliable?
2006 Ford S-Maxs fail 49.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 15 S-Max years (6,981 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often suspension arm corroded and weakened (8.54% of tests), position lamp not working (6.46% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.27% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 Ford S-Max shows 136,615 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Check a 2006 Ford S-Max free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.