Used Ford S-Max

What to know before buying: Ford S-Max

From 3 video reviews and 1 forum thread · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The S-Max combines seven-seat practicality with communicative steering, strong grip and unusually engaging handling for an MPV.[3][4]
• The second row accommodates three adults; the third is better for children or short trips because tall adults will find it tight.[3][4]
• Boot capacity is 285 litres with all seven seats raised and about 2,000 litres with both rear rows folded.[3][4]
• The second-generation cabin feels well made and its seats are very comfortable, although cheap plastics remain around the centre console.[4]one sourceSecond generation
• A Latvian forum contributor reported that a taxi S-Max covered over 300,000 km without major quality problems or roadside breakdowns.[2]one source

Typical faults

• Corrosion is reported on the bonnet’s leading edge, wheel arches, rear sill areas, lower tailgate, number-plate recess and beneath the arch liners.[1]one source
• The complex U-shaped handbrake mechanism can shed its linkage, leaving the parking brake stuck on.[1]one source
• Wear on the steering wheel, driver’s seat, gear-lever gaiter and window-switch panels may show by 120,000 km; silver-painted trim also rubs away.[1]one source

  120 000–120 000 km

• The 2.3-litre Duratec can consume excessive oil because of stuck oil-control rings.[1]one source

  2.3 Duratec

• On the Volvo five-cylinder petrol engine, blocked crankcase ventilation can raise oil consumption; cam timing, coils and thermostat are also cited as weak points.[1]one source

  2.5 turbo five-cylinder Volvo

• EcoBoost engines are reported to suffer piston damage from detonation, cracked exhaust manifolds and oil leaks from the rear crankshaft seal.[1]one source

  1.6 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

Which engine and version to take

• Within the reviewed range, the 138 bhp 2.0 TDCi is the sensible choice: the reviewer recommends it over the 113 bhp diesel for its extra pulling power.[3]one source

What to avoid

• The 1.8 TDCi is described as markedly inferior and based on a very old design; the 2.0 TDCi is preferable.[3]one source
• The 140 bhp naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol lacks pulling power when fully laden, so the reviewer advises against choosing it.[3]one source
• Approach EcoBoost cautiously: the source links it to detonation-related piston damage, manifold cracking and oil leaks.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect carefully for rust on the bonnet edge, arches, rear sill areas, lower tailgate and plate recess, and look beneath the arch liners.[1]one source
• Apply and release the parking brake several times, confirming that the mechanism does not jam and releases fully.[1]one source
• For a 2.3 Duratec, establish its oil consumption and check the level because the source reports stuck oil-control rings.[1]one source
• On the Volvo five-cylinder engine, check the crankcase ventilation, cam timing system, ignition coils and thermostat.[1]one source
• On an EcoBoost, look for a rear crankshaft-seal oil leak, exhaust-manifold cracks and signs of detonation damage.[1]one source
• Compare the claimed mileage with wear on the wheel, driver’s seat, gear gaiter and window switches, which may already be evident by 120,000 km.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Дром — Ford S-Max - отзывы владельцев · ▶ video
2. [2]iauto.lv — FORD S-MAX - Forums · forum
3. [3]Car and Driving - Car Reviews — Ford S Max Full Review | Is this the right car for YOU? · ▶ video
4. [4]Car Keys UK — Ford S-MAX 2020 Review - Better alternative to the Renault Grand Scenic? - Car Keys · ▶ video

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