2019 · 5 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2019 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

2,288 MOT tests in 2024. 75.7% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time75.7%
Failed or needed repairs24.3%
Typical mileage at test43,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,288 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam6.1%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
    104 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    113 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    58 marked dangerous
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  8. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.8%
  2. Tyres7.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  4. Brakes4.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags2.1%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.6%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick17.6%
  3. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt7.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.2%

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: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2018 S-MaxAll S-Max years2020 S-Max →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2019 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 75.7% of 2019 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,288 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2019 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).