2014 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · HS06 DEC

A pattern of brake and steering component wear has defined this S-MAX's recent MOT record, with the front brake discs flagged as significantly worn at the April 2023 test, where the vehicle failed on three major defects including a defective rear seat belt retracting mechanism and inoperative offside registration plate lamp. That failure was followed five days later by a clean pass at the same location, though the same oil leak and power steering seepage advisories persisted, alongside new advisories for thinning front brake pads and both rear tyres worn to the legal limit on their inside edges. The subsequent tests in 2024, 2025 and June 2026 have all passed, with the latest examination on 12 June 2026 recording only a loose headlamp pair and a defective nearside side repeater lens as minor issues, suggesting the major mechanical concerns have at least stabilised even if the underlying wear remains relevant to a prospective buyer. Annual mileage of around 10,227 miles across twelve years is broadly consistent with the UK average for a vehicle of this age, though the testing record contains some notable gaps that point to periods off the road. There is no recorded MOT between December 2019 and April 2021, and again between April 2022 and April 2023, which combined with the relatively linear mileage progression suggests the car may have undergone intermittent SORN periods or simply not been presented for testing during those intervals. The mileage itself does not raise immediate red flags for a diesel or petrol people carrier of this size, but the cluster of component failures around 2023, including brake discs that had worn to the point of failing the test, indicates that consumable and safety items had reached the kind of mileage-accumulated wear typical of a busy family or fleet vehicle rather than gentle second-car use. The front brake discs and pads flagged in 2023 warrant particular attention at a viewing, as the pattern of inside-edge tyre wear on both rear tyres at the same test suggests a possible rear axle geometry or tracking issue that may not have been rectified. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or pulsing through the brake pedal, particularly under firm stops, and feel for steering pull to either side which would confirm persistent alignment concerns. The persistent power steering seepage and oil leak advisories from 2023 should be checked visually for fresh residue around the power steering rack, hoses and the engine sump, and the buyer should listen for any whining from the pump during low-speed manoeuvres. The exhaust mounting defects recorded in both 2024 and 2025 indicate a recurring issue with the rear hanger or rubber mount, and the buyer should physically inspect the system at the rear for sagging, rattles over bumps or visible cracking of the rubber isolator. The rear seat belt retractor failure from 2023 should be confirmed as fully repaired by checking that all belts retract smoothly and lock under a sharp pull. Additionally, the loose headlamp pair noted in June 2026 is worth inspecting in person, as movement in the lamp mounting can allow moisture ingress and misaligned beam patterns, and a general check for any developing corrosion around the rear subframe, suspension arms and brake pipe runs is advisable given the vehicle's age and mileage.