Ford S Max (2010)
2010 Ford S Max
CarHunch analysed 11,439 real MOT records for the 2010 Ford S Max. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2010 Ford S-MAX is below the UK average with a 75.6% first-time pass rate, and more concerningly, 56.4% of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above acceptable levels for a family car. Both petrol and diesel variants struggle equally (75.5% and 76.4% respectively), so fuel type offers no reliability advantage here.
These S-MAXes are running at typical mileage for their age (median 84,132 miles), but they're racking up an average of 4 failures per test and a hefty 28.4 advisories, suggesting systemic wear in suspension, braking, and electrical systems. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks the braking system and suspension components, and budget for near-term repairs.
What to check before buying a 2010 Ford S Max
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.
- ⚠️ 56.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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
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 (89%) | 10,192 | 75.5% | 4.07 |
| Petrol (11%) | 1,246 | 76.4% | 3.83 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2010 Ford S Max 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 2010 Ford S Max vehicles fall between 68,720 and 100,725 miles.
2010 Ford S Max — Still on the Road
7,501 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 70% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2010 Ford S Max
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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71.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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70.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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51.4%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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47.5%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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47.5%
Offside Rear Coil spring corroded
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45.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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44.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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43.5%
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2010. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Ford S Max?
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