Front impact
The knee airbag protected the driver's knees and femurs from structures in the dashboard. The steering-wheel moved forward during the impact to provide greater protection for the driver. The chests of the driver and the passenger were the only body regions not to score maximum points.

Side impact
The S-MAX scored maximum points for its performance in the side impact and pole tests

Child-protection
A passenger airbag deactivation switch can be bought as an option from Ford dealers. Euro NCAP has not assessed the switch or the information presented to the driver regarding the status of the passenger airbag. Without the switch, a rearward-facing child restraint should not be used in the front passenger's seat. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the second row outboard seats was not prominently marked.

Pedestrian protection
The protection offered by the bumper to a pedestrian's leg was rated predominantly 'fair'. However, the leading edge of the bonnet scored no points for the protection offered to pedestrians' upper legs.