Ford C-Max
1.6 EcoBoost 134 kW/182 hp, C-Max II (DXA 2010-2015)
Surprising Van
The C-Max with 182 hp turbo petrol is surprisingly lively. Not a sports car, but considerably more fun than expected.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The 1.6 EcoBoost JTDB (Galaxy MK2, S-Max MK1) shares with the JQDB the risk of cylinder head cracks from insufficient cooling. Ford's 2014 recall with coolant sensor retrofit also applies to this variant.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops, white exhaust smoke, engine overheats
The turbocharger on the 1.6 EcoBoost JTDB wears especially quickly when oil change intervals are exceeded or oil is diluted by short-trip use.
Symptoms: Boost pressure loss, whistling noise, blue smoke on overrun
The 1.6 EcoBoost in the C-Max DXA suffered from unsuitable head gaskets (2010–2014 build). Overheating from coolant loss leads to gasket failure. Repair including head skimming costs over £3,500.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak; white exhaust smoke; oil-water emulsion under the filler cap; engine overheating.
Faulty head gasket (2010–2014) prevents adequate coolant flow. Coolant loss can cause the cylinder head to crack from overheating. Oil leaking onto a hot engine creates a fire risk.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak; overheat warning; smoke from 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.
At higher mileages the valve stem seals on the 1.6 EcoBoost JTDB become porous. Oil consumption and blue smoke, particularly on cold start, are typical signs.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, oil consumption 0.3–0.5 L/1,000 km, oil deposits on exhaust
Like all 1.6 TDCi DV6 engines, the JTDB is prone to leaking injector copper sealing washers. Exhaust gases escape into the cam cover area and can cause further damage.
Symptoms: Hissing noise from the engine; soot deposits around the injectors; slight power loss and rough running at part throttle.
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.