2021 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · EF70 WUX

The 2021 Ford S-MAX presents a largely stable maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 5 January 2026 at 34,621 miles resulting in a pass. However, the record ends on a slightly declining note. After two consecutive clean passes in 2024 and 2025, the January 2026 test flagged both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on their edges. This suggests a minor lapse in routine tyre maintenance or alignment checks in the latter half of 2025. The overall picture remains fundamentally sound, but the emerging tyre wear pattern warrants closer scrutiny. Mileage accumulation is steady and typical for a five-year-old MPV. The car covered 8,261 miles between the January 2024 test at 19,330 miles and the January 2025 test at 27,591 miles, then added 7,030 miles in the following twelve months to reach 34,621 miles in January 2026. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record. The annual average of roughly 6,900 miles is consistent with regular daily use rather than prolonged standing or excessive long-distance work. The dual advisory on rear tyre wear at the most recent test points to a recurring issue worth investigating. Edge wear on both nearside and offside rear tyres typically indicates misaligned tracking or underinflation over an extended period. A buyer should inspect the rear suspension bushes, toe and camber settings, and shock absorbers for wear that could be causing uneven contact patches. The rear brake calipers and discs deserve a visual check too, as dragging calipers can accelerate tyre degradation. Beyond the flagged items, the underbody and sills should be examined for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points and inner wheel arches, as these are common deterioration zones on the S-MAX platform. The exhaust system and DPF should be assessed for soot buildup given the mileage profile, though no emissions defects have yet appeared on record.