ExhaustHigh
DPF and EGR cooler faults on 2.0 TDCi cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Warm up fully, check for warnings and inspect coolant level
2018 Ford S-Max problems
A 2018 Ford S-Max is now 8 years old, so an average example has covered around 108,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2018 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2018 Ford S-Max is 8 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 108,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2018 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~108k miles an average 2018 car has covered.
TransmissionHigh
Powershift automatic shudder and harsh engagement
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Pull away from cold repeatedly and feel for judder
SuspensionMedium
Front bushes and drop links knocking
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen over rough tarmac and check for uneven tyre wear
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
ElectricalLow
SYNC infotainment freezing and reversing camera faults
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test the screen, camera and parking sensors before retail
Inspecting a 2018 Ford S-Max?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carFord S-Max · frequently asked questions
Who buys an S-Max?
Families who refuse to drive an MPV and private hire operators wanting space with pace.
Is the auto a dealbreaker?
A shuddering Powershift is. Test it from cold and price accordingly.
What sells it?
Seven usable seats with full service history and a recent cambelt on diesel cars.