2016 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · YA16 EBU

The S-MAX presents a broadly consistent record of roadworthiness across its seven documented DVSA tests, but a closer reading of the advisories reveals a developing wear pattern in the undercarriage and braking system that should not be overlooked. The most recent test on 4 September 2026 was a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing a generally stable trend over the past two years after the 2024 and 2022 tests also returned clean results. However, the 2023 test flagged advisories on both front and rear brake discs and on the offside front suspension arm pin or bush, while the 2025 test carried forward an advisory on thinning rear brake pads. The absence of repeat advisories on the suspension component suggests it may have been addressed, but the brake-related wear notes spanning 2023 to 2025 indicate that the braking system has been subject to ongoing attention and is likely approaching a more significant service requirement. Mileage accumulation on this 2016 S-MAX stands at 90,143 recorded miles over approximately ten years of testing history, which equates to a typical annual figure of around 9,000 miles. The MOT history shows a notable gap between January 2021 and March 2022, with no test recorded during 2021 after the January entry and a resumption only in March 2022, suggesting either an exemption period or a lapse in testing that coincided with the vehicle reaching its fourth anniversary. The subsequent tests in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 each show incremental mileage growth consistent with steady everyday use rather than long-distance motorway running or extended periods of standing. At this mileage level, wear on suspension bushes, brake discs, and drivetrain mounts is entirely consistent with expectations for a multi-purpose vehicle of this age and body type. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas should be the braking system and front suspension, both of which have appeared repeatedly in the advisory record. The 2023 advisories noted pitted and scored brake discs on both axles and a worn offside front suspension arm bush; given typical S-MAX wear patterns and the mileage now standing at over 90,000 miles, these components warrant close physical inspection for further deterioration. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps or pothole transitions, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering, which can indicate worn lower arm bushes or tie rod ends. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no excessive travel, sponginess, or juddering under firm application that might indicate warped discs, and any pulling to one side under braking could suggest a binding caliper, particularly given the noted rear pad wear from 2025. Additional checks should focus on the areas flagged for restricted inspection in the MOT record. The nearside rear dog cage in back noted in 2025 prevented full inspection of the rear seats, and the child seat fitted at the 2019 test similarly restricted adult belt inspection, so it is worth confirming whether any child restraints or accessories have been removed and whether the seatbelt webbing and buckles can now be fully examined for fraying, contamination, or damage. The offside front suspension bush advisory from 2023 should be verified as having been rectified, ideally with a receipt or recent invoice, as continued driving with a worn bush can accelerate wear on related components such as the anti-roll bar drop links and wheel bearings. Finally, a thorough underside inspection on a ramp is advisable to check for any corrosion on the rear subframe, brake pipes, and exhaust mounting points, as S-MAX vehicles of this generation can be prone to surface corrosion in these areas, even when the MOT record remains outwardly clean.