2015 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · AY12 YAZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 January 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that any immediate concerns flagged at the previous test were addressed prior to re-presentation. A review of the broader history shows a stable maintenance trend overall; the vehicle has passed three consecutive annual tests, with the only major failure being a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction recorded alongside the January 2025 re-test, which is a relatively inexpensive rectification. The recurring theme across the 2023 and 2025 examinations is advisories relating to rear inner tyre wear, suggesting either an ongoing alignment or geometry issue, or simply that the rear tyres are being rotated or replaced without correcting the underlying wear pattern. The single advisory from November 2022 regarding rear brake pads wearing thin is consistent with normal wear progression and would have been expected to be addressed in the intervening service work. With 101,439 miles recorded over an 11 year life, this S-MAX has covered approximately 9,222 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a large family vehicle of this type. This mileage band implies steady, consistent use rather than the extremes of motorway commuter running or short urban trips with long standing periods. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods off the road, nor is there any indication of unusually rapid mileage accumulation that might raise concerns over clutch, turbo, or drivetrain wear beyond what is normal for the odometer reading. For a diesel or petrol Ford S-MAX of this vintage and mileage, the mechanical expectations are that timing belt or chain intervals, dual mass flywheel condition on manual variants, and automatic gearbox fluid history should all be substantiated by the service book. Given the recurring rear inner tyre advisories across two separate MOT examinations, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the geometry of the rear suspension. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn trailing arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, or rear shock absorber mounting issues, all of which are known wear items on this platform. Inspect the rear tyres closely for inner edge wear patterns, as uneven inner shoulder wear on the S-MAX is frequently linked to worn rear suspension bushes altering camber angles, and also check the sidewalls for perishing or cracking given the vehicle's age, particularly if it has spent time exposed to sunlight. A four-wheel alignment check would be a prudent investment following any tyre replacement. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several age-related inspections regardless of the MOT outcome. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as original equipment batteries typically last between five and seven years, and a failing battery can cause erratic electrical behaviour and TPMS warning illumination similar to that which caused the 2025 failure. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion, particularly given any periods of standing, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement to prevent binding. Cooling system hoses, the intercooler and boost pipes on diesel derivatives, and the condition of the timing belt or chain components should be verified against the service schedule. Finally, confirm that all routine fluid changes including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and where applicable automatic transmission fluid have been performed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, as brake fluid in particular degrades with age due to moisture absorption and should be renewed every two to three years irrespective of use.