Ford Puma
1.0 EcoBoost mHEV in the Ford Puma. Practically identical to XZGA, but in a sporty SUV-coupé body. Chain-driven, 48V mild hybrid. Thermal management slightly different due to Puma bodywork.
Agile Crossover
155 hp EcoBoost with manual gearbox in the light Puma — agile, rev-happy, genuinely fun on twisty roads.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Ford recalled the Puma 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV 155 PS due to incorrectly tightened 48V battery terminals. Loose connections can cause overheating and melting of adjacent components. Vehicles up to July 2020 affected.
Symptoms: MHEV system failure, dashboard warning messages, possible smell at battery module
The front cover seal on early 1.0 EcoBoost engines (up to approx. Feb. 2015) was not oil-resistant. Oil attacks the seal, leading to slow coolant loss. TSI 15-1070 addresses the problem.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak, temperature warning, whitish steam from engine bay.
The 48V mild hybrid BSG and associated power electronics can develop faults. Replacement is costly; the 48V system electronics are complex.
Symptoms: Mild hybrid system warning, no regenerative braking.
Sensitive plastic couplings in the cooling circuit can fail from embrittlement. Coolant loss in the Puma engine is more dangerous due to the more compact engine bay geometry.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, temperature warning.
The wastegate linkage on the small turbocharger vibrates due to a leaking vacuum actuator. Leads to power loss and fault code P0299 (underboost).
Symptoms: Rattling noise from the turbo area, noticeable power loss, fault code P0299, engine enters limp mode.
Direct injection leads to carbon deposits on intake valves. Particularly relevant during short-trip urban use.
Symptoms: Stumbling on cold start, slight power loss.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Ford recalled around 4,572 Puma vehicles due to an incorrectly secured driver airbag unit. Inadequate fastening could cause the airbag to fail to deploy correctly in the event of activation.
On approx. 200 Puma mild hybrid vehicles, the battery terminal connections could come loose, leading to system failures and melt damage to components. Ford treated this as a recall action.
In the Puma 155 hp MHEV with 6-speed manual gearbox (6MX65), the 2nd gear synchro ring typically fails between 50,000 and 60,000 km. The gear no longer engages or pops out. Known issue, documented in TSB 23-2410.
On Puma vehicles from model years 2019–2021 (approx. 300 vehicles in Germany), the legally mandated eCall emergency call system was impaired by a software fault. Vehicles had to visit a dealer for a software update.
AC failures are documented on the Puma II, partly due to loose compressor mounting bolts (recall 2016–2018), partly from compressor wear. Sudden AC failures without warning are also reported from everyday use.
Owners report creaking noises from the dashboard, especially with temperature changes. Plastic parts expand and rub against each other. Door and roof frame seals can also let water into the footwell.
Owners report rattling and rubbing noises from the boot. Load cover mounting brackets no longer hold properly after 2–3 years, causing the cover to hang at an angle and restrict the rear view.