2012 Ford S-Max · 24,064 MOT tests
2012 Ford S-Max reliability
2012 Ford S-Maxs fail 35.8% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 15 S-Max years (24,064 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 35.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 99,780
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 24,064
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.2% of tests fail here (107% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 37% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Tyres9.8%
- Suspension9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure8.6%
- Brakes6.6%
- Steering4.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.55%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.65%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.59%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.46%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.1%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.68%
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 (23.04%) · Brake pads wearing thin (12.4%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.61%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.28%)
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 2012 Ford S-Max reliable?
2012 Ford S-Maxs fail 35.8% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 15 S-Max years (24,064 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.55% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.65% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.59% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Ford S-Max shows 99,780 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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