Ford S-Max
1.5 EcoBoost 118 kW/160 hp, S-Max II (2015-2019) / Galaxy III
EcoBoost in a Van
160 hp in the S-Max Mk2: pleasantly powered for family trips.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.5 EcoBoost UNCI (Focus MK4 early build) is affected by the known engine block hairline cracks. Revised block from mid-2019. Check older examples carefully for coolant loss before purchase.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke, foaming coolant in expansion tank
The 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinder (up to model year 2019) is susceptible to cylinder head damage from undetected coolant loss. Overheating leads to cylinder head cracking and fire risk.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss without warning, engine overheating, power loss, burning smell
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.
Individual 1.5 EcoBoost engines show piston ring fractures from as early as 35,000 km. The affected cylinder loses compression completely; short block replacement required.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, severe hesitation or engine stall, measurable compression loss in one cylinder.
The 1.5 EcoBoost UNCI is prone to fuel entering the engine oil on short-trip use. Ford Service Action 19S42 recommends shorter oil change intervals for city drivers.
Symptoms: Oil level rising, fuel smell in oil, oil feels thin
On the 1.5 EcoBoost UNCI the timing chain can rattle briefly on a cold engine with dropping oil pressure. Caught early, a chain tensioner replacement is often sufficient.
Symptoms: Brief rattling on cold start, sounds like a diesel, disappears after warm-up
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).