2017 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · EJ17 ABU

The defining mechanical theme across this S-MAX's MOT history is a clear pattern of brake-related wear and a developing engine oil leak, with the most recent test on 15 July 2026 passing only after both front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin as advisories. The 2025 test cycle is particularly telling: a failed retest recorded an offside rear brake pad dangerously below the 1.5 mm minimum, alongside another rear brake pad advisory and the first appearance of an engine oil leak. Prior to that, the 2024 and 2023 tests were completely clean with no advisories recorded, which means the deterioration has been relatively rapid and concentrated within the last twelve to eighteen months rather than a slow, steady decline. The recent registration plate lamp defects are minor electrical items easily remedied, but the braking and lubrication issues are the headline concerns and warrant direct scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection. At 114,914 miles over approximately nine years, the S-MAX is averaging around 12,800 miles per year, which sits well above the typical mileage band for a vehicle of this age. Higher annual mileage of this magnitude places greater cumulative demand on the braking system, suspension components, clutch or torque converter, drivetrain mounts, and engine sealing, all of which tend to deteriorate in line with use rather than purely calendar age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest prolonged standing, so the recorded odometer readings should be broadly continuous, indicating an actively driven vehicle rather than one suffering the typical corrosion or drying-out issues associated with long-term storage. The combination of high use and the late-stage emergence of brake wear and oil leakage is consistent with mechanical fatigue becoming more apparent as the vehicle passes into higher mileage territory. The advisories point to two specific areas that should dominate a pre-purchase evaluation. First, the brake system: the vehicle has now flagged front pads on both sides as wearing thin and has a recorded history of a dangerous rear pad condition, so the buyer should have the entire braking system inspected including pad thickness on all four corners, disc wear and lipping, caliper slide pins and guide operation, and the condition of the flexible brake hoses and rigid pipework for any corrosion or seepage. On a test drive, listen for any binding caliper symptoms such as the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, feel for pedal judder indicating disc run-out or hot spots, and check for any grinding or squeal that would suggest pads have been left too long. Second, the engine oil leak noted in 2025 should be investigated for its source, which on a high-mileage diesel or petrol Ford of this generation commonly originates from the cam cover gasket, valve cover breather system, sump gasket, or front crankshaft oil seal, and a visual inspection from underneath on a ramp is essential to gauge whether the seepage has worsened since the advisory was issued. Beyond the flagged items, a prospective buyer should also pay attention to areas that typically degrade on a high-mileage S-MAX even though the MOT record does not yet flag them. The suspension bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and front wishbone arms are known wear points and should be checked for knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces, while the coil springs should be inspected for any signs of cracking or sagging that would affect ride height. The steering rack and power steering system can develop leaks and play at this mileage, so any vagueness around the straight-ahead position or whirring from the pump on full lock should be noted. Finally, with a recorded engine oil leak, it is sensible to inspect the timing chain area for any chatter on cold start, check the condition of the drive belts and auxiliary pulleys, and verify that oil and coolant levels are well maintained, as neglect in these areas can rapidly compound the cost of the brake and sealing work already indicated by the MOT history.