2017 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · VL04 ADO

The 2017 Ford S-Max presents a mechanical profile marked by a gradual progression of systemic failures rather than isolated incidents. The most recent test on 2026-06-18 returned a pass, yet this result sits atop a record of three distinct failures spanning nearly two decades, beginning with critical brake-related hazards in early 2023 involving severely worn rear brake discs and pads below safe thresholds, followed by a major windshield washer deficiency in mid-2023, and a persistent alignment concern with slightly played front wishbones reported in 2025. These successive advices indicate a compounding deterioration across suspension, braking, and lighting subsystems, with the latest passing likely reflecting temporary remediation rather than resolved underlying wear. The overall trajectory suggests a vehicle whose mechanical reliability has been compromised incrementally over its ownership life, requiring careful scrutiny of current condition against the documented failure sequence. At 111,769 miles after nine years of ownership, the vehicle accumulates approximately 12,419 miles annually—a rate considerably higher than typical for its age and raises questions about whether the odometer reading reflects consistent daily use or extended periods of idling and light deployment. The gap between the 2023-02-10 failure and the subsequent 2024-06-27 pass spans just under a year, while the intervening 2025-06-18 test occurred after another significant advisory period, indicating that repairs may have been superficial or that the vehicle accumulated additional damage in the interim. This irregular testing cadence combined with the sustained mileage increase implies that wear on key components such as suspension bushings, brake components, and potentially subframe integrity has progressed steadily, leaving little room for undetected degradation to remain hidden until the next MOT review. Buyers should conduct a thorough physical examination of the front wishbone assembly and associated suspension linkages during the test drive, listening for any clunking or knocking over moderate speed bumps which could indicate worn bushings or broken arm bolts. Brake performance demands particular attention: verify that both front and rear discs maintain adequate thickness—pads below 1.5mm constitute a serious safety hazard—and inspect the rear brake mounting hardware for signs of looseness or corrosion that might allow wheel movement. Tyre condition requires visual confirmation of sidewall wear near the edges, particularly given the prior advisory of the outer front inner tyres wearing close to legal limits, and ensure the tyre pressure monitoring system functions correctly with proper indicator response. Additionally, the rear brake disc area should be inspected for excessive scoring, warping, or uneven wear patterns that could suggest deeper subframe or caliper attachment issues exacerbated by the high mileage exposure.