2020 · 4 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2020 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

1,141 MOT tests in 2024. 82.6% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time82.6%
Failed or needed repairs17.4%
Typical mileage at test33,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,141 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam4.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
    65 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    57 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    20 marked dangerous
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
  8. Headlamp aim not tested: unable to be tested1.1%
  9. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.5%
  2. Tyres6.0%
  3. Brakes3.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags1.5%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  8. Suspension0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.8%
  3. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt4.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.8%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 82.6% of 2020 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,141 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2020 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).