Ford C-Max DM2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
145 PS
2.0L Duratec HE Benzin
Strong family van
Decent116 PS
1.6L Duratec-Ti Benzin
7 weaknesses
Good Choice90–105 PS
1.6L TDCi Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford C-Max DM2 is available with 6 engine variants — from 90 to 145 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 1.6L TDCi (Diesel, 109 PS) has the G8DA (1.6L TDCi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.8L Duratorq TDCi (Diesel, 115 PS) has the BHPA (1.8L Duratorq TDCi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.0L TDCi (Diesel, 136 PS) has the G6DA (2.0L TDCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.6L Duratec-Ti (Benziner, 116 PS) has the HXDA (1.6L Duratec-Ti) — rated: "Good Choice", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.8L Duratec-HE (Benziner, 120–125 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CSDA (2003–2007, Be Careful) und CSDA (2004–2010, Be Careful) und QQDB (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.8L Duratec-HE!
The Ford 2.0L Duratec HE (Benziner, 145 PS) has the AODA (2.0L Duratec HE) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Alternator failure (model year 2004-2006) On the early C-Max DM2 of model years 2004 to 2006, the alternator failed frequently. Ford improved this on later production runs. Second-hand early examples should be checked for the charge warning indicator. Symptoms: Charge warning light on, battery not charging, vehicle will not restart after a short standstill. from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Instrument cluster failure in cold weather The instrument cluster of the C-Max Mk1 fails in the cold due to cold solder joints on the PCB. The speedo, rev counter, and all warning lights temporarily drop out completely. Everything works again once warmed up. Re-soldering or replacing the control unit is the solution. Symptoms: Dashboard shows no readings, all warning lights illuminate simultaneously, speedo reads zero while driving, problems only with a cold engine from 100,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
BMW 1er Cabrio E88
Kompaktklasse (2008–2013)
Kia Cerato TD
Kompaktklasse (2008–2013)
Subaru WRX GR
Kompaktklasse (2008–2014)
Subaru Impreza GE
Kompaktklasse (2008–2011)
VW Golf VI
Kompaktklasse (2008–2013)
BMW 1er Coupé E82
Kompaktklasse (2007–2013)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 53 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford C-Max DM2 (2003–2010) — 46 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: G8DA (1.6L TDCi), BHPA (1.8L Duratorq TDCi). Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, Gearbox, Rust. Considered reliable: HXDA (1.6L Duratec-Ti).
C-Max (G8DA, 2003–2007) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 109 PS.
C-Max (G6DA, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Timing Belt Premature Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 136 PS.
C-Max (BHPA, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Injector seal: "Black Death" failure, Turbocharger failure, Recall: Missing Coolant Level Monitoring. Power: 115 PS.
C-Max (AODA, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Crankcase Breather (PCV) Blocked, Thermostat Failed — Overheating Risk, Intake Manifold Swirl Flaps — Rattling and Breaking Off. Power: 145 PS.
C-Max (CSDA, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Intake Throttle Plates Can Fall into Engine, Increased Oil Consumption, Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 120 PS.
C-Max (CSDA, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Intake Throttle Plates Can Fall into Engine, Increased Oil Consumption, Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 122 PS.
C-Max (QQDB, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Inlet Swirl Flap Risk, Swirl Flaps: Breakage and Intake Damage, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 125 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford C-Max? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee