Ford Mondeo CD391
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The last European Mondeo wanted to be more than it became — bigger, heavier, laden with tech. But with the right engine, it’s compelling space-for-money.
Recommended: The 2.0 EcoBlue (150 hp, from 2019 facelift) with 8-speed torque converter — the Mondeo Ford should always have built. Buy the 1.5 EcoBoost only post-2019 — earlier blocks develop hairline cracks (€4,000–6,000). Avoid PowerShift — the 6DCT450 wears from 60,000 km.
Weak points: DPF overheating on pre-2019 diesels. Sync 2 freezes regularly. Brake disc wear above average.
2026 market: Facelift 2.0 EcoBlue under 150,000 km: €10,000–16,000. Pre-FL from €5,000.
Insider pick: Hybrid Turnier from 2019 (187 hp) — 40+ mpg, no PowerShift issues.
240 PS
Mondeo · Benzin
Top Mondeo
Decent190 PS
2.0L EcoBlue Diesel
11 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Ford Mondeo CD391 is available as Turnier and Sedan — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Mondeo CD391 is available with 7 engine variants — from 110 to 241 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Small modern diesel with DPF and AdBlue, frugal and surprisingly flexible for its displacement. The timing chain is built to last; the SCR system with NOx sensors remains the classic cost driver. The particulate filter copes poorly with short trips, so regular longer drives are essential. Overall a dependable engine with low fuel consumption.
- !! Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking from 140,000 km
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 - !! Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42)
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.
- !! EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion from 120,000 km
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.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern common-rail diesel with timing chain, particulate filter and AdBlue exhaust treatment. It runs refined and delivers strong low-end torque. The NOx aftertreatment needs regular long-distance use, otherwise filter regeneration and SCR system trouble can appear. Clean oil to the correct spec is essential. In the right duty cycle it is economical and built for long hauls.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Head Gasket Failure from 90,000 km
The 1.5 EcoBoost 134 kW is particularly prone to head gasket failure from overheating during short-trip use. Workshops report a cluster of failures in model years 2018–2019.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, coolant loss without visible external leak, sweet smell in exhaust, engine overheating.
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Lower-output version of the modern common-rail diesel with timing chain and AdBlue. It is adequate for relaxed cruising but no spirited performer. The particulate filter and SCR system demand long-distance running or regeneration issues pile up. Servicing with the correct oil spec is decisive. Frugal and refined as long as the duty profile suits the technology.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Pump Timing Belt Wear from 120,000 km
The wet timing belt on the 1.5 EcoBoost mandates Ford oil WSS-M2C948-B. Wrong oil specifications lead to premature belt wear and imminent engine damage.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, oil pressure drop, in extreme cases total engine failure from oil pump failure.
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern common-rail diesel with DPF and SCR exhaust treatment using AdBlue. The timing chain is designed for high mileage, but NOx sensors tend to throw faults and are pricey. On lots of short trips the particulate filter regenerates poorly and clogs, while regular motorway runs keep it clear. A solid, torque-rich engine with good economy.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer from 100,000 km
The oil bath timing belt disintegrates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris particles. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No prior warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs rough, then total destruction. Belt itself may look intact visually.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern common-rail diesel with DPF and AdBlue injection, offered in several power outputs. The timing chain is considered durable; the SCR system with its NOx sensors is the typical weak point and can get costly. Short-trip use burdens the particulate filter, while longer drives keep it clean. Punchy, economical and well suited to high-mileage drivers.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer from 100,000 km
The oil bath timing belt disintegrates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris particles. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No prior warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs rough, then total destruction. Belt itself may look intact visually.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger version of the modern common-rail diesel with DPF, AdBlue and partly bi-turbo charging for muscular pull. The timing chain is long-lived; NOx sensors and the SCR system remain the most frequent fault source. The second charger needs warming up properly or its lifespan suffers. With good maintenance a confident, torque-rich engine.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer from 100,000 km
The oil bath timing belt disintegrates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris particles. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No prior warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs rough, then total destruction. Belt itself may look intact visually.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged three-cylinder petrol with a distinctive, sonorous note and good low-end pull. The critical item is the oil-bathed timing belt, which wears with stretched oil intervals and can disintegrate, so keep strict intervals with approved oil. The cooling system needs to stay leak-free. Frugal, lively and full of character, provided maintenance is right.
- !! Oil-Bath Timing Belt — Engine Damage Risk from 100,000 km
The 1.0 EcoBoost M1CA (Mondeo MK5, S-Max MK2) shares the well-known oil-bath timing belt weakness. With incorrect oil or overdue change intervals, belt wear and engine damage occur.
Symptoms: Oil discolouration with rubber particles, power loss, warning light, engine failure - !! Head Gasket Failure on Overheating from 130,000 km
Overheating events from faulty thermostats or coolant leaks quickly cause cylinder head damage on the 1.0 EcoBoost M1CA. The compact three-cylinder has little thermal reserve.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge in red, coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, oil emulsion - !! Cylinder Head Crack: Coolant Loss and Overheating Risk from 100,000 km
Cracks in the cylinder head between the integrated exhaust manifold and coolant jacket cause gradual coolant loss. Overheating and engine damage threaten if detected late.
Symptoms: Persistently dropping coolant without external leak points; rough cold start; coolant appears milky or foamy.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with direct injection and cylinder deactivation for low part-load consumption. The timing chain is durable; the cooling system deserves attention, as leaks and dropping coolant level do occur. Let it warm up briefly on cold starts and it runs refined. A lively, modern engine with good low-end torque.
- !! Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Entering Cylinder from 80,000 km
Same open-deck problem as other 1.5 EcoBoost variants: hairline cracks in the cylinder liner allow coolant into the combustion chambers. Ford TSB: short block replacement. Revised block from mid-2019.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss, rough cold running, oil-coolant emulsion. - !! Cylinder Head Crack at Integrated Exhaust Manifold from 130,000 km
The integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head promotes hairline cracks between the coolant jacket and the exhaust port. Coolant loss and overheating can cause engine damage.
Symptoms: Repeatedly dropping coolant level with no visible external leak; fault code P0420 (catalyst efficiency); white smoke from exhaust. - !! Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to MY 2019) from 60,000 km
Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinders (up to approximately March 2019) are prone to hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Coolant enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. Short block replacement required.
Symptoms: Rough cold start, white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no external leak, check engine light.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Atkinson-cycle naturally aspirated unit designed specifically for full-hybrid duty, working in tandem with the electric motor. The Atkinson cycle makes it especially economical and smooth, and the timing chain is regarded as low-maintenance. The electric assist compensates for the lower low-end torque. Overall an efficient, durable and trouble-free drivetrain.
- !! eCVT Hybrid Transmission Failure from 120,000 km
The eCVT hybrid transmission is designed as a sealed unit — no conventional servicing possible. Failure means complete transmission replacement at very high cost. Mondeo Hybrid 2015 with 55,000 miles: £6,500 replacement.
Symptoms: Transmission fault warning light, judder or howling while driving, sudden loss of drive. - !! HV Battery Capacity Loss from 160,000 km
The NiMH high-voltage battery in the Mondeo Hybrid loses noticeable capacity from around 150,000 km. Electric range drops below 1 km, the combustion engine starts more frequently. Replacement costs €3,000–5,000.
Symptoms: Reduced EV-only operation; hybrid system warning light; increased fuel consumption despite normal driving style; frequent combustion engine start. - !! DC-DC Converter Failure — 12V System Collapse from 100,000 km
The DC-DC converter that steps down the HV battery to 12V can fail and cause the 12V electrical system to collapse. Sporadically reported on C-Max/Kuga Hybrid with Atkinson engine.
Symptoms: All warning lights on simultaneously; vehicle breaks down; 12V battery no longer charges; system error on SYNC display.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged direct-injection petrol with healthy torque across a broad band. The timing chain is robust; keep an eye on the cooling system as leaks and dropping coolant level can develop over time. Direct injectors inherently tend toward valve carbon build-up, so occasional motorway runs and good-quality oil help. A strong, gutsy engine with a modern character.
- !! Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure from 120,000 km
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point on all 2.0 EcoBoost engines. A clogged fuel filter increases pump load until failure.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss under load, difficult starting, code P0087, sudden engine stall. - !! Hairline Cracks in Engine Block (Coolant Loss) from 120,000 km
Older 2.0 EcoBoost engines show hairline cracks in the open-deck block at high mileages with coolant intrusion. Issue existed until approximately 2019; revised block is more robust.
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant mix. - !! Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber from 60,000 km
Known manufacturing defect up to mid-2019: hairline cracks in the cylinder block between cylinders allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber. Ford revised the block from mid-2019 onwards.
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leak; rough cold start; white smoke from exhaust; milky coolant.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger variant of the turbocharged direct-injection petrol with strong boost and noticeable shove. The timing chain is sound; the higher boost demands clean oil and properly warmed-up components before pushing hard. Like all direct injectors, carbon can build up on the intake valves over time. Treated with care, a confident, eager-revving engine.
- !! Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure from 120,000 km
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point on all 2.0 EcoBoost engines. A clogged fuel filter increases pump load until failure.
Symptoms: Stumbling and power loss under load, difficult starting, code P0087, sudden engine shutdown. - !! Engine Block Hairline Cracks (Coolant Loss) from 120,000 km
Older 2.0 EcoBoost engines show hairline cracks in the open-deck block with coolant ingestion at high mileage. Issue existed up to around 2019; newer block is more robust.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant mixture. - !! Engine Block Hairline Crack — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber from 60,000 km
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.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShift 6DCT450 — Premature Clutch Wear The PowerShift automatic is problematic in the MK5 as well. From 60,000 km typical symptoms: judder, shift hesitation, unexpected gear skipping. Gearbox oil change every 50,000–60,000 km. Symptoms: Judder on take-off and gear change, shift pauses, gearbox unexpectedly skips to a higher ratio. from 60,000 km | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
Chronic oil leaks, corroded exhaust systems and worn brake discs at typically high mileages.
2025-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
The Mondeo V is among the more breakdown-prone models in the mid-size segment.
2025-04Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 112 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Mondeo CD391 (2014–2022) — 105 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 10 problem engines: T7CE (2.0L EcoBlue TDCi), T8CC (2.0L EcoBlue TDCi), T9CA (2.0L EcoBlue TDCi), UGCC (1.5L EcoBlue TDCi), UNCA (1.5L EcoBoost), TNCD (2.0L EcoBoost), R9CB (2.0L EcoBoost), M1CA (1.0L EcoBoost), YMCC (2.0L EcoBlue), BCCD (2.0L EcoBlue). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes.
Mondeo (T7CE, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 150 PS.
Mondeo (T8CC, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 179 PS.
Mondeo (T9CA, 2015–2022) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 211 PS.
Mondeo (UGCC, 2015–2022) — Stay Away!: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42), EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion. Power: 120 PS.
Mondeo (YMCC, 2019–2022) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Head Gasket Failure. Power: 190 PS.
Mondeo (BCCD, 2019–2022) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Pump Timing Belt Wear. Power: 120 PS.
Mondeo (PNBA, 2007–2015) — Be Careful: Inlet Swirl Flap Failure, Chain Tensioner Wear — Cold Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Failure. Power: 110 PS.
Mondeo (TNCD, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure, Hairline Cracks in Engine Block (Coolant Loss), Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber. Power: 199–203 PS.
Mondeo (UNCA, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Entering Cylinder, Cylinder Head Crack at Integrated Exhaust Manifold, Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to MY 2019). Power: 160–165 PS.
Mondeo (R9CB, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure, Engine Block Hairline Cracks (Coolant Loss), Engine Block Hairline Crack — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber. Power: 239–241 PS.
Mondeo (M1CA, 2014–2018) — Stay Away!: Oil-Bath Timing Belt — Engine Damage Risk, Head Gasket Failure on Overheating, Cylinder Head Crack: Coolant Loss and Overheating Risk. Power: 125 PS.
Mondeo (UACA, 2014–2022) — Be Careful: eCVT Hybrid Transmission Failure, HV Battery Capacity Loss, DC-DC Converter Failure — 12V System Collapse. Power: 140–145 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Mondeo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Mondeo CD391 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Mondeo CD391? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Mondeo CD391 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Mondeo CD391 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee