2014 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · DG64 KNB

The 2026-06-18 verdict indicates that the 2014 Ford S-MAX is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history suggests a pattern of stability followed by a significant deterioration in the 2023-2024 period. The most recent test on 2025-09-20 at 98,440 miles was passed with no defects, establishing a baseline of mechanical soundness. However, the failure on 2023-09-13 at 82,856 miles indicates that the vehicle was not maintained at the same standard as the previous two years, suggesting a potential trend of worsening condition rather than a purely transient issue. The mileage trajectory reveals a stark inconsistency between the vehicle's age and its recorded statistics. The 2014 model is approximately 12 years old with only 98,440 miles, which is roughly 8,203 miles per year. This rate is typical for a used car, but the gap between the 2023 test (82,872 miles) and the 2025 test (98,440 miles) suggests that the vehicle experienced rapid mileage accumulation during the 2023-2024 period. This rapid growth, particularly after the 2023 failure, implies that the owner may have been relying on an outdated maintenance schedule or that the vehicle was driven in conditions where wear on suspension components, brake discs, or drivetrain parts was accelerated. Consequently, the buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection to verify the mechanical integrity of the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. The failure on 2023-09-13 at 82,856 miles without defects recorded is critical; it confirms that the vehicle was not maintained at the standard level required to prevent future failures. While the 2025-2024 test passed with no defects, the gap between the 2023 and 2025 tests suggests that the vehicle may have accumulated wear on critical parts like suspension bushes or binding brakes during the 2023-2024 period. A buyer should inspect the rear brakes, suspension, and drivetrain for signs of corrosion, binding calipers, or structural rust, as these components are the most likely to fail given the history of a failed test in 2023.