2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · OU62 DZS

Progressive wear on the braking system, together with emerging corrosion on rear‑suspension mounting areas, dominates the MOT history of this 2012 Ford S‑Max. The latest test on 27 October 2025 recorded a pass but flagged a front brake disc that is worn, pitted or scored, a severely deteriorated nearside front inner drive‑shaft CV boot and a slightly distorted nearside rear inner wheel. Earlier years show a consistent pattern of brake‑disc advisories (front, rear and inner discs) and recurring corrosion notes on the rear coil springs and lower suspension spring‑mounting areas, while the only outright failure occurred in 2020 for lighting faults. At 94 582 mi the vehicle averages roughly 6 750 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a fourteen‑year‑old family MPV. The annual testing record is continuous, with no significant gaps, indicating the mileage figure is likely reliable. This moderate accumulation suggests that the observed brake and suspension wear is more a function of age and component life‑cycles than excessive mileage, though the cumulative effect of over‑ten thousand kilometres per year will have contributed to the gradual thinning of discs and the development of surface rust on rear mounting points. When inspecting the brakes, verify that pedal travel feels firm and that there is no pulsation or grinding when applying pressure, especially at higher speeds where disc scoring can manifest as vibration. Examine the front and rear discs for visible scoring and measure pad thickness; the advisories for thin rear pads (4 mm) and worn discs indicate they may be approaching the replacement threshold. The nearside front inner CV boot should be checked for cracks or oil seepage, as severe deterioration can lead to joint failure and subsequent driveline noise. The slightly distorted rear inner wheel may produce a subtle wobble at speed, so a road‑test should include a straight‑line run at 50‑60 mph to detect any steering shimmy or vibration. Attention should be given to the rear suspension and wheel‑mounting areas where corrosion has been repeatedly noted. Inspect the coil springs, mounting brackets and the lower spring‑mounting plates for flaking rust, pitting or compromised paintwork, and listen for creaks or clunks when the vehicle is driven over bumps. Uneven tyre wear, cuts and sidewall cracking have been flagged in several years; a thorough tyre inspection should confirm that tread depth exceeds the legal minimum, sidewalls are free of deep cuts, and that the wheels are true. Finally, confirm that all external lighting functions correctly, particularly the central stop lamp and off‑side rear position lamp, which previously caused a failure, to avoid another MOT rejection.