Ford S-Max
2.0 EcoBlue 88 kW/120 hp, S-Max II facelift (2018-2023) / Galaxy III facelift
Too Weak
120 hp in the S-Max: not enough for the large van. A struggle when fully loaded.
Engine Weaknesses 7
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
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
The oil bath timing belt deteriorates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft, and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs roughly, then total failure. Belt itself may appear visually intact.
The 2.0 EcoBlue turbocharger sometimes fails before 50,000 km. Cause: belt debris in the oil circuit or excessively long oil change intervals block oil supply to the turbo bearing.
Symptoms: Whistling noise on acceleration, noticeable power loss, blue smoke. Turbo warning light may be absent.
Design-related uneven distribution of EGR exhaust gas causes excessive soot ingestion into the middle cylinders. Soot particles cause abrasive wear via piston rings — compression loss and engine replacement.
Symptoms: Rough idle, elevated oil consumption, white or black smoke, high fuel trim correction values in fault memory.
The NOx sensor in the SCR exhaust aftertreatment system fails prematurely. Fault code P20EE is typical. AdBlue consumption increases measurably as the system reverts to a base map. Sensor replacement is relatively inexpensive.
Symptoms: Check engine light P20EE, increased AdBlue consumption, occasional no-start after many km
The EGR valve of the 2.0 EcoBlue clogs with soot deposits, causing power loss and engine fault. Short-trip driving significantly accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Engine fault warning, power drop, stumbling under load, increased fuel consumption
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).