2012 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · SA12 SXV

The 2012 Ford S-Max shows a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT in November 2025 passing clean at 98,273 miles. However, the November 2023 failure—just three months before its pass—reveals critical issues: worn front brake discs and pads, alongside severe rear suspension bush wear on both sides. While the 2024 and 2025 tests passed without defects, the 2022 advisory for "wearing thin" front brake pads suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than consistent upkeep. The absence of advisories in the last two tests does not negate the earlier structural failures, particularly the suspension, which are not easily concealed and often indicate broader neglect. Mileage accumulation averages around 7,000 miles annually, a typical rate for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests is consistent at one year, with no unusual spikes or prolonged inactivity. However, the 2023 failure at 73,570 miles—just 89 miles before its pass—implies the vehicle was driven despite known suspension and brake issues, raising questions about how it was operated between tests. The lack of advisories in the last two tests could mean those problems were addressed, but the 2022 pad warning and 2023 failure suggest a history of delayed repairs rather than proactive maintenance. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the trailing arm bushes, which failed twice in 2023. The front brakes, though passed in the last two tests, showed a history of wear, so thickness and condition should be verified. The absence of corrosion advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but a thorough check of wheel arches, subframe, and sills is warranted given the vehicle’s age. The 2025 pass does not absolve the need for scrutiny—recurring suspension faults often signal underlying issues like misalignment or frame stress, which could compromise structural integrity over time.