2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LD66 XLS

A consistent pattern of clean MOT passes with zero recorded advisories or defects defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2016 Ford S-Max, suggesting that across the documented testing cycle the vehicle has not presented any component-level concerns to DVSA examiners. The most recent test on 4 March 2026 returned a pass with no defects recorded, continuing the trend established by the March 2024 pass and reinforced in 2025. Worth noting is the repeated pairing on the same date in both 2025 and 2026 of a pass followed by a failed entry also showing no defects, which on the DVSA system typically reflects an administrative re-test or partial retest sequence where the vehicle was subsequently presented and cleared off-road for the pass recorded, rather than a genuine mechanical failure carrying defect details. The absence of any advisory items across multiple test cycles indicates that worn consumables, corrosion, or component degradation have not yet reached reportable thresholds under MOT inspection criteria. Mileage accumulation on this S-Max sits at a broadly typical level for its age, with approximately 6,558 miles recorded annually over its ten-year life, placing it squarely within expected usage parameters rather than at either extreme of the spectrum. There are no multi-year gaps in the testing history that would indicate extended periods off the road with potential consequences for brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, or fluid degradation, nor is there any evidence of rapid mileage escalation that would suggest heavy commercial or motorway use accelerating wear on clutches, turbochargers, or drivetrain components. The continuity of annual testing combined with steady mileage progression points to a vehicle that has been in regular, moderate use, which generally supports healthier component condition than either a long-stored example or a high-mileage workhorse. For a prospective buyer, the lack of historical advisories means there are no specific component failures to investigate further, but a physical inspection should still focus on the typical wear points of a ten-year-old MPV of this mileage. Pay particular attention to the front suspension components including the lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and wishbone rear bushes, as these are known S-Max items that deteriorate with age and produce clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces. Inspect the rear suspension for coil spring fractures or sagging, listen for any buzzing from the rear wheel bearings on the test drive, and check the front brake discs for lipping and the calipers for any signs of binding by ensuring the wheels rotate freely when cool. On the road, evaluate the clutch for any judder or slipping under load, test the dual-clutch Powershift automatic if fitted for any harshness or hesitation between ratios, and verify the electronic stability programme and anti-lock brake systems function without warning lights on the dashboard. Examine the underside for any emerging corrosion on the subframe, brake and fuel lines, and exhaust mounting points, as these are areas where MOT failures commonly begin to appear on vehicles approaching this age. Confirm the operation of the sliding rear doors including their latch mechanisms and the tailgate struts, and verify the climate control and front windscreen demist function correctly, as visibility-related failures become more common on older vehicles. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Ford products would be prudent given the Powertrain options and known electronic issues on this generation of S-Max.