Ford C-Max
1.5 TDCi 70 kW/95 hp, C-Max II facelift (DXA 2015-2019)
Diesel Too Weak
95 hp in the van: fine for town, everything else is a challenge. Not recommended.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Faulty injectors cause severe juddering and knocking on acceleration. Problem occurs from approx. 140,000–150,000 km. Multiple injectors become leaky or faulty simultaneously. Ford has replaced all 4 injectors in individual cases without a permanent fix.
Symptoms: Heavy juddering, knocking on acceleration, engine misfires, power loss
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 DPF on the 1.5 EcoBlue is prone to clogging, especially in short-trip use. Ford has released software updates improving the regeneration strategy. Check whether the latest software update has been applied before purchase.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, engine warning light P2002
On the 1.5 EcoBlue TDCi injectors can wear prematurely or develop leaks. Incorrect injection quantities from shifted trim values cause rough running. Replacement of 3 injectors cost €1,320 in one documented case.
Symptoms: Severe judder and knocking on pull-away; rough idle; engine fault warning; power loss particularly at part throttle.
Injectors on the 2.0 TDCi XXDA wear internally and show excessive return flow. Rail pressure loss and rough running through to complete failure follow.
Symptoms: Rough engine; difficult cold starting; power loss under load; engine harder to restart after stalling.
The EGR valve carbons up during short-trip driving. Manifests as stumbling and power loss, especially at low rpm. Cleaning every 80,000–100,000 km recommended for city drivers.
Symptoms: Stumbling under part load, increased fuel consumption, engine warning light
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.