2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

6,795 MOT tests in 2024. 78.4% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time78.4%
Failed or needed repairs21.6%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,795 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.1%
    349 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
    378 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    181 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  6. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative1.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.6%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.5%
  10. Position lamp: not working0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.4%
  2. Brakes7.8%
  3. Lights & electrics6.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  5. Suspension1.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.5%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm23.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick15.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt7.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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 2016 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 78.4% of 2016 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,795 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).