2012 Ford S-MAX 2.0L Diesel · YT12 UOG

The 2012 Ford S-Max has a recent MOT history showing mixed outcomes, with the most recent entry on 2025-12-05 recording both a PASSED and a FAILED result for the same mileage. The failure relates to a registration plate lamp inoperative , a minor issue but indicative of potential electrical or maintenance oversight. The prior MOT on 2024-12-17 revealed significant problems, including front brake imbalance , excessive brake binding , tyres worn close to legal limits , a split drive shaft boot , and engine MIL inoperative . These issues suggest systemic wear and possible neglect. Recurring tyre wear (noted in 2024 and 2023) and accident damage to the offside front (recorded in 2024) highlight ongoing concerns. The 2024-12-17 failure also included imbalanced brakes and a split drive shaft boot , both of which pose safety risks. While the 2025-12-05 MOT shows a pass, the same day’s failure indicates unresolved issues, raising questions about the vehicle’s maintenance consistency. The vehicle’s high mileage (221,937 miles over 14 years, ~15,853 miles annually) suggests heavy use, which aligns with the recurring mechanical faults. However, the pattern is not strictly worsening—some issues (e.g., tyre wear) reappear, while others (e.g., brake binding) were addressed. The accident damage and split drive shaft boot are critical red flags, as they could indicate structural or drivetrain compromise.