2008 Ford S-MAX 1.8L Diesel · VA08 SZR
2008 Ford S-MAX (1.8L, diesel). First registered 15 Aug 2008. Recorded mileage 162,549 miles. MOT expired on 18 May 2024.
- Make & Model
- FORD S-MAX
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 May 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 162,549 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
VA08 SZR Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/05/2023
- 162,549 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VA08 SZR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Ford S-Max (VA08 SZR) between May 2022 and May 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 May 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (7 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))”; “Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))”; “Central Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
VA08 SZR Mileage History
- 16/05/2022153,275 mi
- 17/05/2022153,279 mi+4 mi
- 09/05/2023162,549 mi+9,270 mi
- 10/05/2023162,549 mi
Average of roughly 9,438 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Ford Ford S-MAX Mk1
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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FORD S-MAX Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2008 model year cars.
- Steering Rack FailureSerious
The power steering rack can leak fluid internally into the track rod end boots, eventually running the pump dry and ruining the rack.
- Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) WearSerious
The S-Max heavy body puts extra strain on the DMF. Symptoms include rattling at idle especially cold, vibration through the pedals and difficulty engaging gears. Some owners report failure as early as 60,000 miles on cars used in stop-start traffic.
- DPF Clogging and Vaporiser FailureModerate
Short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. The fuel vaporiser can fail and the differential pressure sensor is a common secondary failure. Without the vaporiser working the DPF cannot regenerate and will eventually clog completely.
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