2007 Ford S-MAX 1.8L Diesel · RF07 OYC

This 2007 Ford S-Max presents a mechanical profile dominated by a chronic engine oil leak that has surfaced repeatedly across multiple test cycles, with the 2026-02-14 entry escalating this concern to a Major failure category. The vehicle subsequently passed on 2026-03-25, but not before that earlier test recorded oil leaking excessively from the engine, an outcome that suggests the source is worsening rather than fully resolved. The oil leak advisories trace back to at least 2021 and have appeared in 2022 and 2026, indicating a long-standing but recently aggravated sealing issue that warrants close inspection of the engine block, sump, valve cover gasket, and turbo oil lines if fitted. A second related advisory from the most recent pass, oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, raises the possibility that the leak may be tracking down from the engine bay onto adjacent suspension components, which over time can degrade the damper seal and bush integrity. Mileage data is not provided, which makes it impossible to calculate annual accumulation rates or identify periods of irregular use. What can be established from the test dates is a notable gap between the January 2022 pass and the April 2023 pass, followed by another year before the April 2024 test, suggesting the vehicle may have had intermittent use or periods off the road. The cluster of three tests within a six-week window in early 2026, two failures and one pass, points to a concerted effort to bring the vehicle up to standard, which often means work was carried out to address the emissions failure, brake reserve travel issue, and lamp defects. The absence of any mileage reading prevents confirmation of whether the vehicle has been used sparingly or has accumulated substantial miles over its near two-decade life, and this itself is a risk factor that should be clarified before purchase. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the underside of the engine during a physical inspection, checking for fresh oil residue on the sump plug, oil filter housing, cam cover gasket, and any turbocharger or intercooler pipework. A cold start with the bonnet open will help reveal whether the leak is active or has been treated with sealant or additive, as residual staining alone can mask the rate of loss. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, because the 2021 advisories flagged worn front suspension arm bushes on both sides, and the 2026 advisories noted corrosion at both rear upper coil spring mountings. Excessive tyre wear on the inner or outer edges, steering pull under braking, or a reluctance of the front end to settle after a bump would indicate the bushes have deteriorated further. The offside front shock absorber oil misting flagged in March 2026 also warrants attention; bounce the front corners firmly and count the oscillations, anything more than one and a half rebounds suggests the damper is failing. The braking system requires particular scrutiny given the 2026-02-14 Major failure for insufficient reserve travel on the brake lever and the earlier advisory for a scored offside rear brake disc. On a test drive, the pedal should feel firm and progressive from the first application, with no sponginess or excessive travel, and there should be no juddering through the steering wheel or brake pedal under steady deceleration. The long handbrake travel advisory from 2023 suggests the rear caliper mechanisms or handbrake cable adjustment may need attention, so apply the handbrake on a slope to confirm it holds securely. Beyond the braking and suspension concerns, the 2026 emissions failure and the PRS failure for a fuel rail leak both point to fuel system integrity; a strong smell of petrol under the bonnet, difficulty starting from cold, or visible staining around the injector lines would be cause for serious concern. Finally, the windscreen damage recorded as a Minor in both early 2026 tests should be examined in person to ensure it has not spread, and all lamps, washers, and direction indicators should be verified as functioning correctly, as the earlier failure showed multiple lighting and visibility defects appearing in a single visit.