Ford S-MAX (2006–2014)

4.9/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

7 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 EcoBoost SCTi (160 Hp) (JTWA, JTWB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Duratec Durashift (145 Hp) (AOWA, AOWB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 EcoBoost (203 Hp) (TNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 EcoBoost (203 Hp) powershift (TNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 6 more engines
2.0 EcoBoost (240 Hp) (TPWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 EcoBoost (240 Hp) powershift (TPWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 i 16V (145 Hp) (AOWA, AOWB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.3 T (161 Hp) (SEWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.3 T (161 Hp) Automatic (SEWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5 i 20V (220 Hp) (HUWA) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 Duratorq TDCi (115 Hp) start/stop (T1WA, T1WB) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 TDCi (100 Hp) (FFWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 TDCi (125 Hp) (QYWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140 Hp) (UFWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 9 more engines
2.0 Duratorq TDCi (140 Hp) powershift (UFWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Duratorq TDCi (163 Hp) (TXWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Duratorq TDCi (163 Hp) powershift (TXWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDCi (130 Hp) (AZWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDCi (140 Hp) (QXWA, QXWB, QXWC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDCi (140 Hp) Automatic (QXWA, QXWB, QXWC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 Duratorq TDCi (200 Hp) (KNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 Duratorq TDCi (200 Hp) Automatic (KNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 TDCi (175 Hp) (Q4WA) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max i: A Sensible Choice for Large Families

A very sensible car for a large family (2+3). Virtually trouble-free. Surprisingly economical for its size. Uniquely, it allows for separate adjustment of the second-row seatbacks, a feature appreciated on long journeys with children. The boot is cavernous, even with the seats fully tilted. Dynamics are excellent with the 2.2 engine; it tackles 1-tonne trailers with ease. Not recommended to pay extra for the Premium Sound System with additional speakers.

Pros: Very practical for large families, Reliable and low maintenance, Excellent fuel economy for its size, Unique adjustable second-row seats, Spacious boot, Strong performance with 2.2 engine
Cons: Avoid the optional Premium Sound System
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max: Discreet Family Hauler

The car is completely incognito. No one will remember you in it, no one will notice. Thousands of S-Max cars are on the road, not standing out, usually like slightly larger wagons - for me, this is more of a minus, I prefer unique, specific cars, but... The overall impression is definitely a plus for Ford. There's nothing to complain about, even if you try hard. Big, spacious, comfortable - it is. The family is satisfied. Seven seats - it is. And even in the third row, you can sit relatively normally. Precise suspension -

Pros: Spacious and practical, Comfortable ride, Seven-seat option, Precise suspension
Cons: Lacks distinctiveness, Blends in with traffic
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max i: A Fun and Feisty Drive

I really like this car. It drives great and is a joy to drive. In my humble opinion, it looks nice and feisty for its size. It has its moods, like starting problems after a 15-minute stop (you have to give it some gas), or using an extra liter of oil per 10,000 km (yes, I know about the delicate piston rings needing attention in the future). So far, nothing serious. It's sufficient for city and occasional highway driving, and can sometimes surprise with its performance despite its 'mule' reputation (I recommend checking the flap control valve and hoses for leaks).

Pros: Excellent handling and driving pleasure, Attractive, aggressive styling for its size, Surprisingly capable performance
Cons: Intermittent starting issues (needs throttle input), Higher than average oil consumption, Potential future maintenance for piston rings
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max i

Very pleasantly surprised by the Ford S-Max, 2.0 TDCi Titanium Powershift. Spacious, roomy, great family car for shopping and long trips. Every passenger has plenty of space, front and back. Very comfortable seats, front seats can be adjusted electronically. Rear seats individually adjustable in several ways. Powershift gearbox performs very well. Heated windshields react nicely in winter. Very large boot with option for 2 extra seats.

Pros: Spacious and roomy, Comfortable, adjustable seats, Excellent Powershift gearbox, Effective heated windshield, Large boot
Cons: Option for extra seats comes at a cost
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max: Best Car Ever! 300K km and Still Amazing

Best car I've ever owned! Almost 300K km and still going strong! I've had many great cars, including large Mercedes and Volvo. My whole family is still extremely happy with it. We've traveled all over Europe in it. It's spacious and incredibly comfortable for long journeys, it doesn't tire you out! It handles the road like a regular car, not a van (Mondeo platform), no swaying! Zero rust after 11 years. This car beats Mercedes, Volvo, and Volkswagen for comfort. Mega ergonomic. I miss the cargo net/roller blind from the E-Class. The only thing that was...

Pros: Exceptional reliability and durability, Incredibly spacious and comfortable for long trips, Excellent road handling for a van, Spacious interior, No rust after 11 years
Cons: Missing cargo net/roller blind found in E-Class
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max i: A Great Family Car

Overall, this is a great car in this configuration. The 163 HP engine handles both city and highway driving well. It's very fuel-efficient for such a large vehicle and has been practically trouble-free in my experience. The car is very spacious. Two adult bikes fit inside with plenty of room for a pile of gear. Even when loaded to the roof, I don't feel a difference in performance. I was also very positively surprised by the turning radius, which, despite the car's large size, makes it truly easy to maneuver.

Pros: Excellent engine power and efficiency for its size, Very spacious interior, fits bikes and gear easily, Reliable and trouble-free performance, Surprisingly good turning radius for its dimensions
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Max i

A good car with a faulty electrical system and poor quality cables. The engine runs like new after 300,000 km. Worn fuel line and air intake hose replaced. Power steering can also fail. Otherwise, a great workhorse, always ready to go. The chassis is good and the ride is pleasant. The gearbox is standard. The bodywork doesn't rust. AC needs topping up every 2 years. The interior is...

Pros: Excellent engine durability, Good ride and handling, Rust-resistant bodywork, Reliable workhorse
Cons: Poor quality electrical wiring, prone to cracks, Power steering can fail, AC requires regular refrigerant top-ups

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