2017 Ford S-Max · 17,839 MOT tests
2017 Ford S-Max reliability
2017 Ford S-Maxs fail 18.8% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 15 S-Max years (17,839 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 18.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 53,701
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 17,839
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- 2018 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 4.5% of tests fail here (34% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 16% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Tyres7.4%
- Brakes5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%
- Lights and electrics4.4%
- Seat belts and airbags0.8%
- Number plates and VIN0.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.26%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.06%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.61%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.37%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.67%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.46%) · Brake pads wearing thin (14.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (7.32%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.12%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.61%)
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 2017 Ford S-Max reliable?
2017 Ford S-Maxs fail 18.8% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 15 S-Max years (17,839 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.26% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.08% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Ford S-Max shows 53,701 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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