Ford S-Max: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 7,668 Ford S-Max cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2006 and 2024.
In a sample of 394 cars, 65.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is number plate light not working (properly) / missing (18.5% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 18 recalls for this model; 7.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford S-Max
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 18.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 12.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.4% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 7.9% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 7.9% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.8% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 4.3% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 3.6% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 9.4% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.9% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 7,668 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 7.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.2% |
| First registered | 2006 to 2024 |
All Ford S-Max passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-21 | electrical system | – | 58,775 |
| 2025-10-02 | other | – | 120 |
| 2025-07-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2025-07-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 72 |
| 2025-01-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 13,297 |
| 2023-06-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,990 |
| 2022-09-05 | electrical system | serious | 530 |
| 2021-01-29 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 2,147 |
| 2020-09-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 953 |
| 2020-04-07 | steering | – | 0 |
| 2019-09-03 | electrical system | serious | 3,833 |
| 2019-02-26 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 10,467 |
| 2018-10-03 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 41 |
| 2018-10-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 148 |
| 2018-07-19 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 29,928 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford S-Max fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 65.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford S-Max?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (18.5%), tyre tread depth insufficient (12.9%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (10.9%).
Does the Ford S-Max have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 18 recalls. 7.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Fiesta · Focus · Kuga · Ka · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · Explorer · Transit · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.