2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · CO12 ALV
2012 Ford S-MAX (2.0L, diesel). First registered 20 Sept 2012. Recorded mileage 104,459 miles. MOT valid until 06 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD S-MAX
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,459 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.
CO12 ALV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/08/2026
- 104,459 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CO12 ALV 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 (CO12 ALV) between August 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (14 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 31 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 Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.2.2 (g))”; “Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”.
CO12 ALV Mileage History
- 02/08/202497,059 mi
- 04/08/2025100,896 mi+3,837 mi
- 04/08/2025100,896 mi
- 05/08/2026104,159 mi+3,263 mi
- 08/08/2026104,459 mi+300 mi
Average of roughly 3,673 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 CO12ALV.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for CO12ALV. 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 (CO12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as CO12ALV.
BMW
116D EFFICIENTDYNAMICS
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT EXECUTIVE STYLE TDI BMT
FORD
TRANSIT
MITSUBISHI
MIRAGE 4
VAUXHALL
VIVARO F2900 PRIME S/S
VOLKSWAGEN
T-ROC
FORD
FIESTA
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPRT DYN SE PHEV A
VAUXHALL
MOKKA GS LINE TURBO
AUDI
Q2
FORD
PUMA SELECT EV
AUDI
A1
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.