2018 Ford S-Max · 7,950 MOT tests
2018 Ford S-Max reliability
2018 Ford S-Maxs fail 18.3% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 15 S-Max years (7,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 18.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- 40,979
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,950
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: about average for its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 58% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: brakes, 4.3% of tests fail here (45% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Lights and electrics4.4%
- Brakes4.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
- Seat belts and airbags0.9%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.33%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.04%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.79%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.25%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.23%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.17%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.64%) · Brake pads wearing thin (14.84%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (7.53%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.21%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.39%)
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 2018 Ford S-Max reliable?
2018 Ford S-Maxs fail 18.3% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 15 S-Max years (7,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.33% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.04% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 4, a typical 2018 Ford S-Max shows 40,979 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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