Skip to content
Emergency
KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Known faults for the Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (II).

2010–2019 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

Buying it used?Which engine has the fewest documented faults, which recalls to ask the seller about and what to look for on the test drive.Before you buy

7 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.6 Ti-VCT (Petrol) · 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost (Petrol) · 1.5 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDCi (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Transmission, lights and campaigns on the C-Max IIKnown weak points
Engine / equipment
Ford C-Max II and Grand C-Max (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned
2010–2019
Symptoms
A clutch that needs replacing, a pedal that does not return or a jerky gearbox (in the worst case gearbox failure); lights that fail or go out of alignment and moisture in the headlamps; a trip computer with false warnings; batteries, alternators and injectors (2010–2013); a clogged particulate filter; axle bushes.
Possible cause described
Recalls: pressure plate on manual EcoBoosts (fire risk), 2.0 Duratorq overheating from calibration (sump leak), 1.6 EcoBoost coolant-level sensor, the 2.0 diesel fuel sensor, alloy wheels and side and knee airbags.
Check for the garage
Check every campaign by VIN; test clutch and gearbox; check lights and particulate filter.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost (Petrol)

Applies if: Only the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost.

Block cracks on the 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost with coolant lossCooling
Engine / equipment
Four-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost and 2.0 EcoBoost: Kuga, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Focus and C-Max
Period mentioned
Approx. 2014–2019
Symptoms
Coolant loss with no visible leak, rough running on cold start, white smoke and, in serious cases, engine failure.
Possible cause described
Hairline cracks in the block let coolant into the cylinders; it mainly affects older 1.5 units and, less often, the 2.0. Ford revised the block in mid-2019.
Check for the garage
Watch the coolant level; if it drops with no external leak, run a pressure and combustion-gas test and check the spark plugs. Ask Ford by VIN about warranty actions.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost (Petrol)

Applies if: Only the 1.6 EcoBoost built from 2/6/2010 to 22/12/2014.

Overheating and cracked cylinder head on the 1.6 EcoBoostCooling
Engine / equipment
1.6 EcoBoost: Focus, C-Max, Kuga, Fiesta ST and Transit Connect
Period mentioned
2010–2014
Symptoms
The temperature rises, coolant is lost and, in extreme cases, oil sprays under pressure from a crack in the head with a risk of fire in the engine bay.
Possible cause described
Lack of coolant circulation causes local overheating of the head. In 2018 Ford recalled cars built between 2010 and 2014: it checks engine and cooling parts and adds a coolant level sensor with a warning.
Check for the garage
Check with Ford by VIN that the recall was done; watch the coolant level and stop at the temperature warning.
Cost cited in the source
Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost (Petrol)

Applies if: Same engine as the models NHTSA is investigating (Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport); have the belt checked at the garage.

1.0 EcoBoost wet belt: blocked oil pumpEngine
Engine / equipment
1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder with oil-immersed belts
Period mentioned
Approx. 2014–2021
Symptoms
Low oil-pressure warning just before a loss of power; sometimes the engine seizes without warning. With no oil pressure the vacuum pump that assists braking can also stop working.
Possible cause described
The oil-immersed belt material can degrade and shed debris that blocks the oil-pump pickup screen; the tensioner arm can also break. The US agency (NHTSA) is investigating almost 136,000 cars; most failures happened before the belt-change interval.
Check for the garage
With the oil-pressure warning, stop and do not restart. At the garage, check the belt and tensioner and look for debris in the sump and pump screen; use the exact oil Ford specifies and do not stretch the change intervals.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost (Petrol)

Applies if: Only 1.0 EcoBoost built between October 2011 and October 2013.

1.0 EcoBoost coolant hose that may fail (2011–2013)Cooling
Engine / equipment
1.0 EcoBoost, nylon pipe between engine and coolant tank
Period mentioned
2011–2013
Symptoms
Coolant loss, overheating and, if you keep driving, serious cylinder-head or engine damage.
Possible cause described
The nylon coolant pipe could fail at high temperature on about 44,700 cars built between October 2011 and October 2013. Ford replaced it in a 2015 service action and in 2018 committed to paying for outstanding repairs.
Check for the garage
Check with Ford by VIN that the service action was done; watch the coolant level and stop at the temperature warning.
Cost cited in the source
The pipe replacement was free; later damage, case by case by Ford.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.5 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDCi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only the 1.5 diesel built from 10/12/2014 to 22/7/2019.

Ford diesel particulate filter: regeneration and emissionsExhaust and emissions
Engine / equipment
Kuga 2.0 TDCi and 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue; 1.5 TDCi and EcoBlue in the Focus, C-Max, Transit Connect and Transit Courier
Period mentioned
2014–2023
Symptoms
Filter regenerations at excessive temperature, a damaged filter and particle emissions above the limit: the car can fail the emissions part of the roadworthiness test.
Possible cause described
Because of how the filter regenerates, particle emissions can rise over the years. Ford recalled several diesels (code 24E06): it recalibrates the regeneration, inspects the filter and replaces it if damaged. The German guide calls the filter the Achilles heel of modern Ford diesels.
Check for the garage
Ask Ford by VIN whether recall 24E06 is outstanding; check the filter and the regeneration history before the roadworthiness test.
Cost cited in the source
Free under the recall; before that, many owners paid for the filter themselves.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines: 1.5 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDCi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only the 1.6 TDCi.

1.6 TDCi turbo starved of oilInjection / turbo
Engine / equipment
1.6 TDCi (DV6)
Period mentioned
Approx. 2004–2018
Symptoms
Hissing from the engine, diesel smell in the cabin, very dark oil between changes and, eventually, a failing turbo with smoke and loss of power.
Possible cause described
The injectors’ copper washers stop sealing; the gases form carbon that gets into the oil and blocks the mesh filter in the turbo oil-feed pipe, starving the turbo. The wrong oil and switching off with the turbo very hot make it worse.
Check for the garage
Check the injector washers and the turbo oil-feed filter. If the turbo is replaced, also clean the sump, intercooler and feed pipe, or the new turbo can fail again. Use low-SAPS oil.
Cost cited in the source
Approx. €1,200–2,500 for a turbo replacement with oil-circuit cleaningA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

View full entry

Engines for this model