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Ford S-MAX 2008–2008
Medium Risk

Ford S-MAX

2008–2008

The Ford S-MAX (2008-2008) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 27%, indicating reliability issues.

The Ford S-MAX (2008-2008) presents significant reliability concerns, particularly highlighted by its overall MOT failure rate of 27%, based on 1150 real MOT tests from DVSA data. This failure rate is indicative of potential underlying issues that car buyers should be wary of.

Among the top defect categories, tyres accounted for 42.35% of failures, followed by brakes at 35.30% and suspension at 29.57%. These figures suggest that the S-MAX may not only face engine defects but also critical failures in essential components that affect overall safety and performance.

Furthermore, the failure rate increases with mileage, with vehicles over 120,000 miles showing a 34.1% failure rate. This trend raises concerns about the long-term reliability of the S-MAX, especially for higher-mileage examples. In contrast, vehicles with mileage between 0-40k had a significantly lower failure rate of 17.6%, indicating that early models may perform better but still carry inherent risks.

Given these statistics, potential buyers should approach the Ford S-MAX (2008-2008) with caution, particularly regarding known engine defects and overall reliability. It may be prudent to consider alternatives that demonstrate better performance in MOT tests.

Useful links

Ford S-MAX also has known issues with:

Worst for Corrosion Expensive Suspension Problems

Common Problems

Problem Severity Typical Cost
Tyres issues High £50-£300
Brakes issues High £80-£450
Suspension issues High £120-£800

Data Source

DVSA MOT bulk data — 1150 tests analyzed

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Even problematic models can be good buys if the specific car has been well maintained. Check the MOT history to know for sure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 2008 Ford S-MAX is known for issues such as excessive oil consumption and timing belt failures. These problems can lead to costly repairs, often exceeding £1,000 if the engine requires significant work.
The reliability of the 2008 Ford S-MAX is questionable, with an MOT failure rate of 27%. This suggests that many owners experience significant issues, particularly with the engine and suspension.
Repair costs for the 2008 Ford S-MAX can vary, but common issues like suspension repairs can range from £300 to £800, while brake replacements may cost around £200 to £400. Engine repairs can be much higher, depending on the severity of the problem.
While the 2008 Ford S-MAX offers good space and comfort, its reliability issues may outweigh these benefits. If you consider purchasing one, ensure a thorough inspection and be prepared for potential repair costs.
Yes, the 2008 Ford S-MAX has been reported to have tyre wear issues, often due to suspension misalignment. Regular checks and maintenance can help mitigate these problems, but replacement tyres can add to overall ownership costs.

Quick Stats

Risk Level
Medium
Year Range
2008–2008
Typical Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Affected Areas
Tyres Brakes Suspension Bodywork Exhaust

Ford S-MAX Issues

Worst for Corrosion Medium Expensive Suspension Problems Medium

Also in Known Engine Defects

Peugeot 208 (2013–2019) Low Peugeot 2008 (2015–2015) Low Peugeot 207 (2011–2012) Medium Ford FOCUS (2008–2013) Low Citroen C3 (2008–2018) Medium Vauxhall ASTRA (2008–2012) Low

Ford Guides

Ford S-Max Depreciation — Best Year to Buy Used for Value
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