2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · LL10 VPC

A pattern of recurring rear suspension wear and persistent exhaust emissions issues defines the mechanical history of this 2010 Ford S-MAX, with two of the four recorded tests resulting in failure and both pass advisories showing identical or closely related component concerns. The November 2024 test failed specifically on near and offside trailing arm bushes being excessively worn, an issue that had been flagged as borderline worn with no excessive movement just twelve months earlier in November 2023, demonstrating a clear acceleration in bushing degradation. Exhaust emissions were rejected against the manufacturer specified limit on that same 2024 test and then again against the default 1.5m-1 limit in November 2025, suggesting an unresolved catalyst or lambda sensor concern rather than a one-off test anomaly. The most recent pass on 2 December 2025 was achieved after rectifying the emissions and windscreen failure items from the 20 November 2025 retest, but the same front brake disc pitting and both rear tyre edge wear advisories carried over from the failure, indicating these items were either deemed acceptable for retest or remain outstanding wear items needing monitoring. At 154,681 miles across roughly sixteen years of service, the vehicle records an average accumulation of approximately 9,668 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical expectations for a large family MPV of this era. The testing cadence is consistent year on year with no significant lay-up gaps between 2023, 2024, and 2025 entries, confirming continuous road use rather than extended periods of storage that could otherwise mask developing corrosion or stale fluid issues. The mileage trajectory between tests appears broadly linear rather than exhibiting the large single-year jumps that would suggest tow vehicle or commercial use, and the front brake disc advisories surfacing consistently from 2023 onwards align naturally with the wear expected at this odometer reading on a vehicle of this mass. The combination of steady annual mileage and the absence of any long unrecorded periods means the recorded component wear is a reasonably faithful reflection of the vehicle's true mechanical state. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the trailing arm bushes are the single most important mechanical priority, given that they progressed from advisory wear in 2023 to outright MOT failure in 2024 and were not specifically re-flagged in the December 2025 pass, which raises the question of whether refurbished or replacement bushes have actually been fitted or simply not yet worn back into advisory territory. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly under braking or when accelerating out of a corner, as worn trailing arm bushes on the S-MAX typically allow lateral wheel movement that manifests as vague handling and rear instability. Check visually beneath the rear axle for any fresh grease staining, new polyurethane colour, or inconsistent bushing appearance side to side that might confirm recent replacement, and ask for the corresponding invoice. The persistent exhaust emissions failures warrant a pre-purchase diagnostic scan with a focus on the pre-catalyst lambda sensor readings, the integrity of the catalyst itself, and any stored powertrain codes that could point to an intermittent misfire or air leak upstream of the lambda. On test drive, listen for any irregular idle, hesitation under light throttle, or a sulphur or rotten egg smell from the exhaust that could indicate a failing catalyst. The front brake disc pitting flagged across three consecutive tests suggests the discs have not been replaced and are likely to need attention soon, so check for brake judder through the steering wheel under firm braking from around 30 mph, and inspect the discs through the wheels for visible lipping, ridging, or a blueing heat tint. The rear tyres wearing on both edges simultaneously points to a possible rear alignment or suspension geometry issue rather than simple tyre age, which ties back to the trailing arm bush concerns and should be verified by checking for uneven inner and outer shoulder wear on any tyres currently fitted.