2020 Ford S-Max · 2,546 MOT tests
2020 Ford S-Max reliability
2020 Ford S-Maxs fail 16.3% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 15 S-Max years (2,546 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2020 Ford S-Max?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- 16.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford S-Maxs: 34.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 32,202
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,546
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 58% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 40% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.3% of tests fail here (286% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 39% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Ford S-Max
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.1%
- Tyres4.7%
- Brakes3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.4%
- Seat belts and airbags1.3%
- Number plates and VIN0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.16%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.45%
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 1.18%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.86%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.79%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.67%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.11%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.34%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.51%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.36%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.81%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (1.53%)
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 2020 Ford S-Max reliable?
2020 Ford S-Maxs fail 16.3% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 15 S-Max years (2,546 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Ford S-Max MOT?
Most often dipped beam headlamp not working (2.16% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.45% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Ford S-Max have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Ford S-Max shows 32,202 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Check a 2020 Ford S-Max free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.