Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 (2011)
2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140
CarHunch analysed 133 real MOT records for the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2011 S-MAX diesel is a significant reliability concern: just 28% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and nearly three-quarters fail their MOT. The good news is dangerous defects are rare here, but the sheer volume of failures means this model has genuine durability issues that buyers need to factor in.
At 121,000 miles median, these cars are well-worn, yet they're still racking up a third of a failure per vehicle on average—suggesting the problems aren't just wear-and-tear. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the diesel engine and transmission, and budget for remedial work before the next MOT.
What to check before buying a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (98%) | 131 | 27.3% | 0.31 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (2%) | 2 | 88.9% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 vehicles fall between 95,519 and 139,018 miles.
2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 — Still on the Road
26 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 68% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.