2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · K23 CCB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural corrosion and mechanical wear. While it passed its latest test in May 2026 at 145,976 miles, this followed a failure just five days prior where critical defects were identified. The transition from a clean record in 2024 to a series of failures in 2025 and 2026 indicates that the vehicle is reaching a stage where component degradation is outstriacing basic preventative maintenance. At 145,976 miles over 14 years, the S-Max has averaged approximately 10,400 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical usage for a large MPV. The data shows a steady accumulation of mileage with 11,198 miles between May 2024 and May 2025, and another 11,590 miles between May 2025 and May 2026. This consistent usage suggests the vehicle is driven regularly, which explains the accelerated wear seen on the rubber bushes and braking components. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension arms, as the record shows persistent corrosion that has progressed over several years. The May 2026 failure specifically flagged the offside rear suspension arm as seriously weakened, though this was downgraded to not seriously weakened in the subsequent pass. This volatility suggests the structural metal is thinning. Furthermore, the recurring issues with trailing arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages indicate that the entire suspension geometry is nearing the end of its operational life and will require significant investment soon. The braking and tyre systems also require attention. The tester noted fluctuating rear service brakes in May 2026, which often points to thin or warped discs. Additionally, the history shows a consistent pattern of front tyres wearing unevenly on the inner edges, suggesting a long-term alignment issue or worn shock absorbers. The presence of a split nearside front drive shaft boot and a twisted offside front brake hose in the most recent failure suggests that minor mechanical faults are only addressed after they fail an inspection rather than as part of a proactive service schedule.