TransmissionHigh
Powershift automatic shudder and harsh engagement
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Pull away from cold repeatedly and feel for judder
2021 Ford S-Max problems
A 2021 Ford S-Max is now 5 years old, so an average example has covered around 67,500 miles. A late-run car · the most reliable part of the generation, but higher-mileage wear items are usually the deciding factor. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2021 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2021 Ford S-Max is 5 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 67,500 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 2 typically appear later in the car's life.
Faults a 2021 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~68k miles an average 2021 car has covered.
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
Faults still ahead of this car
Typically appear later than this year's average mileage · worth budgeting for rather than inspecting.
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
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
Inspecting a 2021 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.