2016 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 75.8% of Ford S-Max cars first used in 2016 passed their MOT first time, against 74.9% for all cars first used in 2016. Across 20,580 S-Max first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, brakes and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Ford S-Max cars first used in 2016 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2016 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, S-Max cars first used in 2016 against all cars first used in 2016 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the S-Max figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2016 S-Max | All cars first used 2016 | S-Max first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82.8% | 82.7% | 6,985 |
| 2022 | 81.7% | 80.9% | 6,959 |
| 2023 | 79.6% | 78.6% | 6,875 |
| 2024 | 78.4% | 76.7% | 6,863 |
| 2025 | 75.8% | 74.9% | 6,842 |
Common 2016 Ford S-Max MOT failures
Share of the 4,536 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 18.1% | 822 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 15.6% | 709 |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative | 14.3% | 650 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 10.5% | 477 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 9.2% | 418 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2016 Ford S-Max before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
Common 2016 Ford S-Max MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2016 S-Max cars, as a share of all 20,580 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 22.9% | 4,717 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 16.2% | 3,333 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 7.8% | 1,602 |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | 7.4% | 1,514 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 5.7% | 1,177 |
Questions about the 2016 Ford S-Max MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2016 Ford S-Max?
In 2025, 75.8% of S-Max cars first used in 2016 passed their MOT first time, against 74.9% for all cars first used in 2016. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2016 S-Max most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 45.2% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (26.3%) and lamps and electrical equipment (24.1%). The single most common item was “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick” (18.1%).
How often does a 2016 Ford S-Max fail its MOT?
In 2025, 24.2% of first tests on S-Max cars first used in 2016 did not pass first time: 20.1% failed, and a further 4.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 4,536 of 20,580 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2016 Ford S-Max MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 22.9% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (16.2%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (7.8%), “Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt” (7.4%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (5.7%).
Is a 2016 Ford S-Max reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 82.8% in 2021 to 75.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2016
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2016 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2016 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2016 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2016 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2016 Nissan Qashqai MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2016 S-Max?
The numbers above cover every S-Max first used in 2016 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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