2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LJ61 EDX

The most recent MOT test on 2024-09-17 confirms the vehicle passed without defects, though the preceding failure on 2024-05-23—just four months earlier—raises immediate concern. This pattern of consecutive passes and fails, with no recorded defects in either instance, suggests either a test centre error or a vehicle that narrowly avoids critical failures. The latest pass is now nearly a year old, placing it well beyond the 12-month MOT validity window as of August 2026. Without a clear explanation for the failure, the trend cannot be confidently classified as improving or worsening, but the lack of specific advisories or defects in either test makes it difficult to assess underlying mechanical health. The recorded mileage of 185,249 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an average of around 13,200 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 pass (61,000 miles) and the 2023 failure (124,000 miles) suggests either a period of inactivity or a significant change in usage. The subsequent 2023-2024 interval, covering roughly 61,000 miles in under a year, indicates active use, though the absence of advisories in any test makes it impossible to correlate wear with specific components. This mileage pattern alone does not reveal structural issues, but the high annual mileage implies accelerated wear on suspension bushes, brake components, and drivetrain seals. Given the lack of recorded defects or advisories, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection should focus on components prone to high-mileage failure. The suspension—particularly rear coil springs and bushes—should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these are common failure points at this mileage. Binding rear brakes, a frequent issue in older Ford models, warrant a thorough check for seized calipers or warped discs, especially if the vehicle was driven aggressively. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be assessed for corrosion, given the vehicle’s age and exposure history. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive rust, as these are often overlooked until they fail an MOT. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, but a diligent inspection will reveal any latent issues.