Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 133 vehicles, the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 28.2%, indicating below-average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 (2011)

133 real MOT outcomes analysed • 28.2% first-time pass rate

2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140

CarHunch analysed 133 real MOT records for the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

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.

We have limited data for the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

28.2%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.32

Over 2.8 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

121k

Middle half: 96k–139k

For context

These stats describe 133 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 133 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 cars.

Before you buy a 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140

Based on MOT data from 133 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch →

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (98%)	131	27.3%	0.31

Mileage Distribution

Most 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

121,017

typical

95,519

low mileage

139,018

high mileage

Half of all 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 vehicles fall between 95,519 and 139,018 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 95,519 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 95,519–139,018 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140s sit.

⚠ Over 187,674 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 68% of 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140s are still active.

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.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

2.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.32

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 2011 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 140 stacks up against a rival.

Share this page

X Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn