2011 Ford S-Max · 22,480 MOT tests
2011 Ford S-Max reliability
2011 Ford S-Maxs fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 S-Max years (22,480 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 35.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 110,531
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 22,480
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: about average for its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.4% of tests fail here (80% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.2%
- Tyres9.8%
- Suspension9.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8.6%
- Brakes6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
- Steering3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.01%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.71%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.43%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.22%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.99%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.9%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (23.52%) · Brake pads wearing thin (12.26%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.7%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.79%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.21%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.91%)
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 2011 Ford S-Max reliable?
2011 Ford S-Maxs fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 S-Max years (22,480 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.01% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.71% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.43% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Ford S-Max shows 110,531 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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