Ford Galaxy
2.0 EcoBoost 176 kW/240 hp automatic, S-Max II (2015-2019) / Galaxy III
EcoBoost Space Cruiser
240 hp EcoBoost in the Galaxy Mk3: almost sporty for a minivan, but the weight tempers the fun.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 2.0L EcoBoost R9CD (S-Max MK2, early Galaxy MK3) belongs to the engine generation with known engine block hairline cracks. Check coolant level and condition carefully before buying.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, foamy coolant reservoir
The PowerShift gearbox in the S-Max/Galaxy with R9CD shows the known shudder and slip issues. Gearbox oil change every 60,000 km is essential; neglected servicing causes clutch damage.
Symptoms: Shudder on pull-away, slipping clutches in low gears, gearbox fault
The 2.0 EcoBoost uses a timing chain whose tensioner can wear from around 120,000 km. Rattling on cold start is an early sign; if ignored, engine damage follows.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start, rough running, warning light
Production-line design flaw up to mid-2019: a hairline crack in the cylinder block between the cylinders lets coolant enter the combustion chamber. Ford revised the block from mid-2019.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without external leak; rough cold start; white smoke from exhaust; coolant milky.
The turbocharger of the 2.0 EcoBoost R9CD wears with suboptimal maintenance. In the heavier S-Max/Galaxy with frequent overtaking and full-load motorway use, the turbo is under more stress.
Symptoms: Whistling noise from the turbo, dropping boost pressure, bluish exhaust smoke
The 2.0 EcoBoost uses only direct injection, so crankcase oil mist cokes the intake valves. Cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss at mid-range RPM; increased fuel consumption; hesitation at 2,000–3,000 rpm; rough idle.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The Powershift dual-clutch gearbox (6-speed) in the Galaxy III is known for clutch failure, gear change problems and limp-home mode activation. Repairs are costly and in some cases only solvable by gearbox replacement.
Ford recalled hundreds of thousands of Galaxy and S-Max vehicles: the original rear axle trailing arm bolts can fracture due to corrosion. If they break, the vehicle loses rear axle control — acute accident risk.
In the Galaxy III too, the wiring harness runs beneath the washer fluid reservoir. Overfilling or a leaking reservoir allows washer fluid to attack the cable insulation, causing cooling fan failures, AC problems and P0003 fault codes.
The heavy Galaxy III wears its brake discs and pads significantly faster than average for comparable vehicles. ADAC and TÜV reports confirm this as a frequent fault.
The Galaxy III is — like many Ford models of this generation — known for elevated oil consumption. Without regular oil level checks, engine damage from oil starvation can occur.
The Galaxy III's electric sliding doors attract attention through failed contact sensors and worn guide rails. Clicking noises when accelerating or braking and occasional unresponsive sliding door operation are documented issues.
Despite fundamentally improved build quality in the Galaxy III, tie rod ends and anti-roll bar drop links continue to show elevated wear, which is regularly flagged at MOT inspections. The high vehicle weight accelerates axle wear.
Reports & Tests
442 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2015–2023). Most reported: Backup Camera/Sensors (145), Other (88), Electrical (61).