Ford S-Max
1.5 EcoBoost 121 kW/165 hp, S-Max II facelift (2018-2023) / Galaxy III facelift
Solid Diesel
165 hp in the S-Max: adequate for family journeys.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.5 EcoBoost C15HDTX (Focus ST-Line, Mondeo MK5 ST-Line) belongs to the affected engine generation with hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Revised block fitted from mid-2019 onwards.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, white exhaust smoke, foam in coolant expansion tank
Fuel-diluted engine oil can impair turbo bearing lubrication and lead to premature bearing wear. Especially during frequent cold-start full-throttle use.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, bluish smoke, boost pressure loss
Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinder engines (up to approx. 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 without external leak, check engine light.
Some 1.5 EcoBoost engines show broken piston rings as early as 35,000 km. The affected cylinder loses compression completely; short-block replacement is required.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, severe stumbling or engine stalling, measurable compression loss in one cylinder.
Like all 1.5 EcoBoost variants, the C15HDTX shows fuel dilution of engine oil during short-trip use. Oil change intervals of no more than 10,000 km instead of the prescribed 20,000 km are recommended.
Symptoms: Oil level rising, fuel smell in engine oil, oil looks thinner than usual
The 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinder can develop increased oil consumption from worn piston rings. Individual cases show failed oil scraper rings as early as 30,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between changes, blue exhaust on cold start, oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The 1.5- and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines in the S-Max II are susceptible to hairline cracks in the engine block, causing coolant loss and in the worst case engine damage. Particularly affected are model years before mid-2019.
Ford recalled over 200,000 Galaxy and S-Max vehicles in Europe because the original bolts securing the rear trailing arms can fracture from severe corrosion. If they break the rear axle can fail — acute accident risk.
Corrosion occurs at the rear axle of the S-Max II on track rod ends and axle bolts. Ford recalled affected vehicles. On untreated examples, fracture and loss of driving safety are a risk.
The adaptive headlight control unit in the S-Max II occasionally fails, disabling automatic beam levelling. The failure is listed as a common finding in TÜV reports.
On the Ford S-Max II, rust forms at the tailgate — particularly on lower folded edges and hinge holes — with increasing age. Tow bars are also affected, as corrosion protection around the mounting point often deteriorates.
The Sync 3 infotainment system freezes during temperature fluctuations or after extended standstill and needs to be restarted. Bluetooth connections drop and voice control responds unreliably, particularly on newer vehicles after OTA updates.
TÜV statistics and driver reports confirm above-average brake disc wear on the S-Max II at both front and rear axles. Brake hoses also become brittle with age, which can lead to loss of braking effect.
Reports & Tests
442 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2015–2023). Most reported: Backup Camera/Sensors (145), Other (88), Electrical (61).