KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford C-Max (I) 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 TDCi common problems.

2003–2010 · Diesel

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

2 known faults with sources

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

Alternator, engine management and campaigns on the C-Max IKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Ford C-Max I and Focus C-Max (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2003–2010
Symptoms: Alternator (early years), weak batteries, engine management, a fuel system that can strand the car, spark plugs, a seized steering lock, EGR; on diesels, a clogged particulate filter, turbo hoses coming loose (up to 2006) and turbos; at the roadworthiness test, suspension mounts, joints and exhaust.
Possible cause described: Recalls: heated washer jets (short circuit, fire risk), two for the brake-servo check valve in the cold and a power-steering line on 2008 cars (loss of assistance and fire risk). The tailgate could open by itself up to 2005.
Check for the garage: Check campaigns by VIN; test alternator and battery; on diesels, check turbo hoses and 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.

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.