2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · FV60 RVO

The 2010 Ford S-Max presents a mixed mechanical picture shaped by a pattern of recurring advisories rather than consistent reliability, with the most recent MOT on 2026-04-10 recording a passed result despite a persistent rear brake disc issue described as pitted or scored but not seriously weakened. This latest passing result coexists with a troubled history including a full failure in May 2023 involving severely worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes, earlier thin-recordings of front tyres approaching legal limits dating back to September 2019, and additional rear brake pad thinning noted in both 2020 and 2023. The overall trajectory suggests a vehicle that experienced substantial mechanical stress over its lifecycle, with the most recent test showing residual concern around braking surfaces while older failures have been resolved but may leave underlying fatigue in critical structural components. At 146,518 miles on a 16-year-old chassis, the annual accumulation of approximately 9,157 miles places the vehicle within expected usage parameters for its age, though the distribution of wear becomes apparent when examining the timing of interventions. The gap between the May 2023 failure and the subsequent May 2024 passing spans roughly eleven months, indicating that some corrective action was taken before the next MOT but leaving the rear brake system still under scrutiny. The high cumulative mileage combined with the documented suspension and brake issues implies that components such as shock absorbers, control arms, and brake lines have undergone considerable load cycles, making them susceptible to accelerated degradation even at this stage in the vehicle's life. Focused examination should begin with the rear suspension architecture where the 2023 failure identified excessively worn rear arm pins or bushes. During a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking over bumps that could indicate flexing or detachment of these components, and verify that the rear wheels maintain consistent alignment and that there is no play in the suspension mounting points. The rear brake disc advisory warrants checking for audible squeal or vibration during hard braking, particularly noting whether the disc surface appears uneven or shows signs of scoring that might affect stopping performance. Additionally, the front tyres recorded as worn on the edges since 2019 require verification that the tread depth remains adequate and that the sidewalls show no signs of cracking or bulging that could compromise handling or safety. Given the documented history of suspension arm failures and brake system deterioration, a practical approach is to request detailed inspection reports covering the replacement work performed following each failure, especially the suspension arm repairs after the 2023 event and any brake line replacements. Test drive conditions should include varied road sections—particularly rough pavement—to assess how the rear suspension responds under dynamic loading and to monitor brake response consistency. If the rear brake disc continues to show pitting or reduced material thickness upon future MOTs, consider budgeting for potential resurfacing or replacement, and ensure that the front tyres remain properly inflated and free of uneven wear patterns that could develop further given their current marginal status.