Ford C-Max
1.6 EcoBoost SCTi 110 kW/150 hp, C-Max II (DXA 2010-2015)
Strong Van Diesel
150 hp diesel in the C-Max DXA: well-motorised for its class. Composed on the motorway.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The 1.6 EcoBoost JQDB (Mondeo Mk4 FL, S-Max Mk1 FL) is known for cylinder head cracks caused by insufficient cooling. Ford carried out a recall for 2010–2014 models (coolant sensor).
Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, engine temperature rises suddenly
The turbocharger on the 1.6 EcoBoost JQDB is sensitive to full-load operation before the engine is fully warm. Bearing overheating and increased wear result with poor oil condition.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, boost pressure drop, blue smoke at high revs
Recall 17S09: C-Max DXA with 1.6 EcoBoost (Jun 2010–Dec 2014) delivered without a coolant level sensor. Insufficient coolant can cause overheating unnoticed, leading to cylinder head cracks and fire risk. Ford retrofitted the sensor and software.
Symptoms: No warning despite dropping coolant level; overheating without prior warning; in the worst case cylinder head damage or smoke from the engine bay.
A faulty head gasket (2010–2014) restricts coolant flow. When coolant is lost the cylinder head can crack from overheating. Leaking oil onto a hot engine presents a fire risk.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak; overheating warning; smoke from the engine bay; in extreme cases, engine bay fire.
The oil feed line to the turbocharger is prone to leaks. Oil starvation causes bearing damage in the turbo. Typical failure pattern: shaft seal failed, oil enters the intercooler.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration; oil film in intake tract or intercooler; increased oil consumption; power loss at higher revs.
Above 100,000 km the piston rings in the 1.6 EcoBoost JQDB wear out. Oil consumption of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km has been documented.
Symptoms: Blue smoke when lifting off the throttle, oil level dropping, blue deposits at the exhaust tip
The copper injector seals wear and allow combustion gases to escape. Once leaking, carbon build-up from combustion gases prevents re-sealing.
Symptoms: Hissing or whistling from the cam cover area; visible soot deposits around injectors; rough running.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The catalytic converter of the 1.0 EcoBoost engine in the C-Max Mk2 typically fails prematurely after 70,000–80,000 km. The cat integrated into the exhaust manifold is especially at risk from the intense thermal loading of the three-cylinder. Replacement is complex and expensive.
ADAC breakdown data shows that C-Max Mk2 models from 2010–2013 were stranded with flat batteries and failed alternators more frequently than average. Stop-start systems place particular strain on the battery.
On the C-Max DXA (Grand C-Max), the air conditioning fails intermittently and stops cooling. Often only a restart of the engine helps. Software updates frequently only fix the problem temporarily.
On the Grand C-Max DXA, the A-pillar seals can leak, allowing water to enter the cabin in heavy rain. The repair is complex and requires several days in the workshop.
On the Grand C-Max, the 'Service required' message repeatedly appears in connection with the child lock on the sliding doors. Despite the child lock being active, the doors intermittently fail to function correctly.
The C-Max Mk2 regularly fails inspection with worn shock absorbers, faulty headlights and lighting, and worn steering joints. Older examples from 100,000 km often have several defects simultaneously.