2010 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · MF10 JZU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a concerning pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive preventative care. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 149,185 miles was a pass, it followed a failure just three days prior. The trend shows recurring mechanical issues, specifically regarding the exhaust system and suspension, which persist across multiple years. The presence of a minor exhaust leak at the diesel particulate filter has been noted consistently since 2024, indicating a component that is being monitored but not replaced or repaired. At 149,185 miles over 16 years, the vehicle maintains an average of approximately 9,300 miles per year, which is typical for a family MP of this age. There is a notable gap of over 7,000 miles between the March 2024 and March 2025 tests, suggesting consistent use. However, the accumulation of advisories between 2025 and 2026 suggests that the owners have only addressed faults when necessary to pass the annual inspection. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension and the exhaust system. The recurring exhaust leak at the DPF is a known defect that could lead to increased emissions or component failure if ignored. Furthermore, the anti-roll bar linkage ball joints were flagged with play in March 2026, following previous shock absorber-related issues noted in 2025. The misting on rear shock absorbers and corroded coil springs from 2025 should be checked for signs of further degradation or structural weakening. Safety-critical items also require attention, particularly the interior components. The history shows significant seat belt webbing damage and buckle issues in 2025, which were only rectified to pass the test. The 2026 failure due to a nearside rear inner brake pad being below the 1.5mm limit indicates that brake components are being run to the point of failure before being serviced. The consistent reports of uneven wear on the offside front tyre suggest potential wheel alignment issues that should be verified to avoid premature tyre replacement.