2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · FN60 KXH

Chronic corrosion and rear suspension wear dominate the mechanical profile of this 2010 Ford S-MAX, with the most recent test on 2026-05-01 recording advisories for a worn nearside rear trailing arm bush, corroded rear coil springs, and corrosion on the rear sub-frame that has not yet compromised structural rigidity. Five of the seven MOT records in the file include advisories, and the trajectory is best described as a slow downward drift rather than improvement. The vehicle failed outright in January 2023 with two Dangerous defects (an offside front tyre with exposed ply or cords and an offside rear trailing arm bush deemed likely to detach), alongside a split offside front CV boot, and then failed again the following April on a rear brake imbalance across axle two. Between those failures, five tests have passed, but the advisory burden has grown each year from 2024 onwards, particularly around the rear suspension and brake pipework, indicating accumulated wear on components specific to this platform. There is no point in the record where multiple consecutive tests returned a fully clean sheet. With 161,344 miles spread across sixteen years, the annual accumulation works out at roughly 10,084 miles per year, which is broadly typical for the age and consistent with regular service or commuter use. The mileage recorded on each test increases by between 7,000 and 13,000 miles between visits, with no extended gaps or periods of standing that would suggest the vehicle was off the road. Mechanically, this kind of consistent usage means the engine, transmission and drivetrain have worked continuously rather than suffered cold-start or low-mileage deterioration, but it also means consumables such as brake discs, pads, bushes and coil springs have been subjected to sustained wear over very high overall mileage. The offside front CV boot failure in 2023 and the front disc pitting recorded in 2021 are both entirely consistent with a vehicle of this mileage and use profile. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension components that have been flagged repeatedly, specifically the trailing arm bushes and the rear spring carriers. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as worn trailing arm bushes typically generate a distinct rear-end knock under load. Push and release the rear quarters while stationary to feel for excessive vertical play, and pay attention to any rear brake judder under firm pedal application, which would be consistent with the imbalance that caused the April 2024 failure and the disc pitting noted across multiple tests. The nearside rear brake pipe was flagged as corroded and coated in grease in 2024, so inspect the underbody carefully for surface rust or active corrosion along the brake lines, and check for any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal. The 2023 brake imbalance on axle two also warrants close attention to the rear caliper condition for binding or seized slider pins. Additional checks should focus on the front suspension and steering, where a slight track rod end ball joint play was noted in 2021 and an offside front shock absorber has been misting oil since 2025. On test, listen for any knocking from the front suspension over rough surfaces, and feel for vague or wandering steering response, which would suggest the track rod end wear has progressed. Inspect the offside front shock for any wet oil residue around the body and look for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as a failing shock will typically wear the inside shoulder of the tyre. The sub-frame and coil spring corrosion advisories from 2026 warrant a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp or over a pit to confirm that corrosion has not spread to mounting points or load-bearing structures, paying particular attention to the rear sub-frame and the spring seats. Finally, verify that both the washer reservoir and wiper blades function correctly, given the 2024 failure for insufficient washer fluid and defective wiper blades.