2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · GN12 ADO
2012 Ford S-MAX (2.0L, diesel). First registered 28 Jun 2012. Recorded mileage 155,396 miles. MOT valid until 08 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD S-MAX
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 155,396 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
GN12 ADO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/01/2026
- 155,396 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GN12 ADO 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 (GN12 ADO) between February 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 January 2026 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: Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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.
GN12 ADO Mileage History
- 09/02/2023126,488 mi
- 08/02/2024138,530 mi+12,042 mi
- 06/02/2025148,949 mi+10,419 mi
- 06/02/2025148,949 mi
- 15/01/2026155,396 mi+6,447 mi
Average of roughly 9,858 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Good
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
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach with caution but don't rule it out — this 2012 white Ford S-MAX diesel has a high mileage and a past ABS-related MOT failure, though it currently holds a clean test. A thorough inspection and evidence of recent ABS and suspension work are essential before purchase.
Ask the seller for proof that the ABS fault flagged on the 2025-02-06 failure was properly diagnosed and repaired, as an unresolved ABS issue is a serious safety concern. Confirm the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover and oil leak noted on the same test were addressed, and check for any invoices showing the work. Given the repeated tyre edge wear advisories from 2023 and 2024, request evidence of recent alignment checks and tyre replacements.
As a 1997cc diesel registered before April 2017, this S-MAX likely falls in a higher VED band (around £200-£335 annually depending on emissions), with diesel fuel costs varying but generally cheaper per mile than petrol for high-mileage use. Insurance group for an S-MAX of this era is typically moderate, though exact group depends on trim. Maintenance on a 155k-mile diesel MPV can be significant — budget for suspension bushes, brakes, and potential DPF or turbo issues common to high-mileage oil-burners.
On this vehicle, prioritise checking the ABS system operation and any fault codes, given the 2025-02-06 failure for 'Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault'. Inspect the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and its dust cover, which was severely deteriorated at the last failure, and verify the oil leak (noted as not excessive) has not worsened since the 148,949-mile test.
This GN12ADO S-MAX registered in June 2012 has covered 155,396 miles as of its January 2026 MOT, which is high for a 14-year-old family diesel. The history shows a failed 2025 test due to an ABS warning lamp, oil leak, number plate lamp and anti-roll bar dust cover, all later cleared on the same day's retest. Recurring tyre edge wear and suspension advisories suggest it has been worked hard, but the most recent MOT is clear with no defects.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Ford S-MAX to benchmark this example against the wider model population.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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.
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