2008 Ford S-Max · 18,136 MOT tests
2008 Ford S-Max reliability
2008 Ford S-Maxs fail 44.7% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 15 S-Max years (18,136 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 44.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 134,437
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,136
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (54% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 21% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.8%
- Suspension18.7%
- Brakes10%
- Tyres9.9%
- Body, chassis and structure6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.09%
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 6.06%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.83%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.78%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.43%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.4%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (23.89%) · Brake pads wearing thin (12.56%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.34%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.23%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (11.56%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.84%)
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 2008 Ford S-Max reliable?
2008 Ford S-Maxs fail 44.7% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 15 S-Max years (18,136 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.09% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.06% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.83% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Ford S-Max shows 134,437 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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