Used Ford S-Max MPV 2006 - 2015 reliability

By their very nature, the S-Max will have been used as family transport, so check for signs of wear and tear in the interior, especially in the folding rear most seats. Also check for bodywork scuffing and, especially, check the alloy wheels for signs of kerb damage.

So far, there have been a few recalls that concern the S-Max, but the most important cover overly stiff brake pedals and diesel engines cutting out. Cars should have been recalled to address these, but get a franchised dealer to confirm that any model you're looking at has been called back.

Some owners are over the moon with their cars, while others appear to suffer fault after fault.

Electrical complaints are amongst the most common, and can affect everything from windscreen wipers to engine malfunctions. One fault causes the battery to drain in a couple of days if the car is not used, leaving owners stranded.

The fit and finish of the trim appears to be an issue, too, with items working loose or breaking over time. The centre console and door trims seem particularly vulnerable, and the interior can look scruffy quickly if it's not looked after.

Some cars suffer mysterious steering 'clonks', especially at low speed. Dealers can fix these, but the problem has a habit of reappearing.

Our most recent surveys seem to indicate that the S-Max scores above average in every area for wear, especially to items such as brake pads and discs, headlight bulbs and windscreen wipers. Tyre wear has been reported as low, too.

The S-Max has a good reliability record, on the whole, most faults centring on the electronics, so check that everything works as it should. Items like rear parking sensors, climate control systems and rear window demisters are the first things to pack up. Also check the dual-mass flywheels, as there have been issues of these failing on cars that have covered lots of miles or which have been used in stop/start traffic a lot.

There have been six recalls for the S-Max, because of potential problems with fuel leaks, faulty heated windscreens and various braking issues. There have also been two separate recalls for cars fitted with a glass roof panel, because of the danger of it working loose.