2009 Ford S-MAX 2.2L Diesel · YC09 WPX

The December 2023 MOT record reveals a vehicle that has experienced significant mechanical issues within a very short period, with a clear trend of worsening reliability rather than stable or improving condition. The car failed its test on December 1st due to three critical faults—an inoperative malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), a major exhaust gas leak from the nearside rear exhaust, and excessive exhaust fumes posing a health risk—before passing just four days later with only a minor advisory on the front shock absorber’s light oil misting. This rapid resolution of major faults suggests either emergency repairs or a partial inspection, but the underlying problems were severe enough to fail the vehicle outright. The most recent passed MOT, just seven months ago, offers little reassurance beyond the absence of immediate failures, though the persistent advisory on the front shock absorber indicates ongoing wear that should not be ignored. The S-MAX’s mileage accumulation of roughly 8,143 miles per year aligns with typical usage for its age, with no extreme outliers in the recorded data. The 2021 test at 123,630 miles and the 2022 test at 131,747 miles show steady but unremarkable progress, suggesting consistent, if not particularly heavy, use. The gap between the 2021 and 2023 entries—where the mileage jumps from 123,630 to 138,435 over two years—implies either infrequent MOT testing or a period where the vehicle was not presented for inspection. This could mask deferred maintenance, particularly given the rear brake pad wear and tyre condition noted in 2021, which were not rechecked in subsequent tests. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to scrutinise in person are the exhaust system and suspension components. The December 2023 failure highlights a major exhaust leak and fumes, which could indicate corroded or damaged pipes, a faulty gasket, or a cracked manifold—all of which may worsen if left unaddressed. The front shock absorber’s recurring oil misting points to internal wear or a failing seal, compromising handling and ride quality. Additionally, the 2021 advisory on thin rear brake pads and edge-worn tyres suggests the previous owner may have neglected routine brake and tyre maintenance, so inspecting pad thickness, disc condition, and tyre tread depth is essential. Structural corrosion should also be checked, particularly around wheel arches and exhaust mounts, given the exhaust-related failures. Without recent servicing records, these components represent the highest risk of hidden deterioration.