2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

3,278 MOT tests in 2024. 71.3% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time71.3%
Failed or needed repairs28.7%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,278 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.8%
    168 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
    180 marked dangerous
  3. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative3.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    79 marked dangerous
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.6%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.4%
  10. Exhaust system: system insecure0.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres13.3%
  2. Lights & electrics11.2%
  3. Brakes8.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  5. Body & chassis3.5%
  6. Suspension2.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm24.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt7.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 71.3% of 2015 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,278 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2015 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).