Ford B-Max
Ford 1.5L Duratorq TDCi 75/95 hp. Used in B-Max and EcoSport II.
Far Too Weak
75 hp diesel in the van: barely enough even for the city. No driving fun, no reserves.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.
The EGR cooler develops cracks under extreme thermal cycling. Coolant enters the intake tract and forms black foam in the expansion tank. In the worst case a hydraulic lock results.
Symptoms: Black or oily foam in the coolant expansion tank, coolant loss with no external leak, white exhaust smoke, tendency to overheat.
The 1.5 TDCi frequently suffers from DPF clogging. Regeneration temperature is not reached on short trips, resulting in failed regeneration cycles and fuel dilution of the oil. Widely reported as the most common warranty complaint.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, raised oil level, DPF warning lamp
As with PSA-related 1.6 TDCi engines, oil sludge and coked oil passages can damage the turbocharger. Regular oil changes at shortened intervals are strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power drop, increased oil consumption
The 1.5 TDCi in the EcoSport requires motorway driving for DPF regeneration. Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration cycles and leads to filter clogging. Replacement costs several hundred euros.
Symptoms: MIL on, power reduction via limp mode, increased fuel consumption, frequent requests for a regeneration run
The EGR valve on the 1.5 TDCi is prone to soot clogging in urban use. Power loss and hesitation at part throttle follow. Cleaning or replacement every 100,000–120,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, check engine light, power loss at low rpm
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.