2012 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · DE12 AAU
2012 Ford S-MAX (2.2L, diesel). First registered 20 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 86,473 miles. MOT expired on 11 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- FORD S-MAX
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,473 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DE12 AAU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/11/2025
- 86,473 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DE12 AAU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Ford S-Max (DE12 AAU) between November 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”; “Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”.
DE12 AAU Mileage History
- 03/11/202272,576 mi
- 05/11/202272,576 mi
- 09/11/202378,441 mi+5,865 mi
- 05/11/202483,377 mi+4,936 mi
- 12/11/202586,473 mi+3,096 mi
Average of roughly 4,593 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Ford Ford S-MAX Mk1
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for DE12AAU.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for DE12AAU. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (DE12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as DE12AAU.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY DYNAMIC HSE D MHEV A
FORD
KA
FORD
KA
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
C-MAX
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
KA
FORD
FIESTA
VAUXHALL
CORSA
VAUXHALL
CORSA
VAUXHALL
ZAFIRA EXCLUSIV CDTI EFLX
FORD S-MAX Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- Powershift Gearbox FailureSerious
The 6DCT450 wet-clutch Powershift automatic requires fluid changes every 3 years/37,500 miles. If missed, the internal plastic damping springs shatter and destroy the mechatronic unit.
- Steering Rack FailureSerious
The power steering rack can leak fluid internally into the track rod end boots, eventually running the pump dry and ruining the rack.
- Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) WearSerious
The S-Max heavy body puts extra strain on the DMF. Symptoms include rattling at idle especially cold, vibration through the pedals and difficulty engaging gears. Some owners report failure as early as 60,000 miles on cars used in stop-start traffic.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.