Ford B-Max
Ford 1.6L Duratec Ti-VCT 120 hp (88 kW). Used in Focus III, Focus II facelift and B-Max.
City Van with Comfort
Automatic in the B-Max makes city life easy. No driving fun, but practical and comfortable.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.6 Ti-VCT has excessively narrow oil drillings in the cylinder head (pre-2007 production). The phaser becomes oil-starved and rattles on cold start. Ford improved the design from spring 2007; older engines are more frequently affected.
Symptoms: Diesel-like rattling on cold start that disappears after warm-up; power loss under hard acceleration
The Sigma/Ti-VCT pencil coils fail at around 100,000–140,000 km. Typical failure at 1,500–2,500 rpm under load. Aftermarket coils (BERU) are considered more reliable than cheap own-brand alternatives.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss in the mid rev range, fault code P030x on OBD, rough running
The 1.6 Ti-VCT suffers from contamination of the non-replaceable VCT filter in the cylinder head. Metal particles block the filter and restrict oil flow to the VCT solenoids, causing hesitation especially when cold.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss on cold start, rough idle below 2,000 rpm, engine warning light
The electronic throttle body on the 1.6 Duratec (e.g. Focus Mk2 petrol) frequently fails from 150,000 km due to potentiometer wear or moisture ingress. Fault codes P2108 and P2176 appear; the OEM unit costs £480.
Symptoms: Intermittent engine fault warning, engine won't rev, idle fluctuations, occasional hesitation on take-off
The electronically controlled thermostat on the Ti-VCT is prone to failure: the housing ears break off, the flap no longer closes fully. Engine stays below operating temperature, fuel consumption rises.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge stays permanently low, heater barely produces warmth, increased fuel consumption
Individual ignition coils also fail repeatedly on the 1.6 Duratec. Multiple successive failures are reported. Simultaneous replacement of all coils and spark plugs saves future costs and prevents catalytic converter damage.
Symptoms: Hesitation and misfires on acceleration, backfire sounds, engine warning light, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The 6-speed PowerShift gearbox (6DCT450) tends toward stiff gear changes, shuddering when pulling away, broken plastic basket spacers, and oil leaks. A gearbox oil service every 50,000–60,000 km is essential.
Inspection reports show that older B-Max models are flagged for defective springs and dampers more than twice as often as the average. Steering joints also wear quickly. Typical after 80,000–120,000 km.
According to inspection data, the B-Max regularly receives advisories for worn steering joints and track rod ends. Premature wear leads to steering play.
The rubber seals on the rear sliding doors work loose or tear over time. The guide rails collect sand and leaves, causing scraping noises and sticking. Regular lubrication with silicone oil is essential.
Older B-Max examples fail inspection with a rusty exhaust system more often than average. Damage is concentrated in the middle and rear sections of the exhaust. Typical from seven years or 100,000 km.
Electric window regulators in the B-Max fail, particularly the rear ones. The plastic guide rails for the glass break or the motors give up. The problem is widespread from 60,000–100,000 km and primarily affects the rear doors without a B-pillar.
The stop-start system frequently fails due to a weakening starter battery, especially in short-trip drivers. The fault occurs sporadically and highlights the limits of the AGM battery.