Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci reliable?

Based on MOT data from 289 vehicles, the 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci has a first-time MOT pass rate of 84.1%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci?

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.

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Ford S Max Zetec Tdci (2010)

289 real MOT outcomes analysed • 84.1% first-time pass rate

2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci

CarHunch analysed 289 real MOT records for the 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2010 Ford S-MAX Zetec TDCi has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 48.6%, well below the UK average of 80%, which signals genuine reliability concerns for this generation and engine combination. The good news is that dangerous defects are virtually absent at 0%, so while these vehicles fail MOT tests frequently, the failures tend to be fixable rather than safety-critical.

At 122,000 miles median, these S-MAXes have typical mileage for their age, yet they're averaging 0.7 failures per test, suggesting wear-related issues are catching up with the model. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the diesel engine and suspension—the MOT pattern indicates these areas are where problems emerge—and budget for remedial work rather than expecting a fault-free purchase.

We have limited data for the 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

84.1%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.7

Over 4.4 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

122k

Middle half: 104k–140k

For context

These stats describe 289 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.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 289 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci cars.

Before you buy a 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci

Based on MOT data from 289 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,172 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 30.5%

358

Black 25%

293

Grey 16%

187

Blue 13.3%

156

White 11.1%

130

Brown 2%

Red 1.5%

Green 0.6%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci 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.

122,368

typical

104,010

low mileage

140,178

high mileage

Half of all 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci vehicles fall between 104,010 and 140,178 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 104,010 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.

✓ 104,010–140,178 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdcis sit.

⚠ Over 189,240 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdci — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 58% of 2010 Ford S Max Zetec Tdcis are still active.

90 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 58% 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

4.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.7

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Ford S Max Zetec Tdci: All S Max Zetec Tdci years → Which year to buy? →

2009 2012 2013 2014

Or browse all models: Ford →

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Average reliability — agree?