Ford S-Max
1.6 EcoBoost SCTi 118 kW/160 hp, S-Max I facelift (WA6 2010-2015)
Good Diesel
160 hp TDCi: the golden compromise in the S-Max.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The 1.6 EcoBoost JTWA (S-Max MK1 FL, Galaxy MK2 FL) is also affected by cylinder head cracks from overheating. The Ford recall on cooling system monitoring applies to this variant as well.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, rising engine temperature
The PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox in combination with the 1.6 EcoBoost JTWA exhibits the well-known shudder on take-off. Gearbox software updates and oil changes every 60,000 km are essential.
Symptoms: Judder on take-off, slipping gearchanges at low speeds, gearbox warning light
The 1.6 EcoBoost JTWA turbocharger wears prematurely when maintenance intervals slip. In the S-Max/Galaxy under heavy load with full payload, wear accelerates.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, declining boost pressure, blue smoke
The 1.6 EcoBoost (2010–2014) was delivered with an unsuitable head gasket. Coolant loss leads to overheating and gasket failure. Recall 17S09 applies to S-Max/Galaxy as well. Repair costs exceed £3,500 when the head is damaged.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; overheating; white exhaust smoke; bubbling in the coolant expansion tank.
Faulty head gasket (2010–2014) prevents adequate coolant flow. Coolant loss can cause the cylinder head to crack from overheating. Oil leaking onto a hot engine creates a fire risk.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak; overheat warning; smoke from engine bay; in extreme cases, engine bay fire.
The oil feed line to the turbocharger is prone to leaks. Oil starvation causes bearing damage in the turbo. Typical failure pattern: shaft seal failed, oil enters the intercooler.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration; oil film in intake tract or intercooler; increased oil consumption; power loss at higher revs.
Injectors on the 1.5 EcoBlue JTWA develop adaptation faults; fault codes for injection correction force expensive replacement of all injectors. Knock under part throttle is typical.
Symptoms: Loud diesel knock especially when warm; hesitation at part throttle; fault code for injection quantity deviation; power reduction.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
An overflowing windscreen washer reservoir damages the wiring harness that runs below it. Cable insulation is attacked by the fluid, which can lead to engine stalling, AC failure and fault code P0003.
The central locking on the S-Max WA6 is known to be fault-prone: doors open spontaneously or cannot be opened, particularly the tailgate. In the worst case doors open while driving.
According to TÜV reports, the S-Max WA6 frequently has suspension, steering and driveshaft issues flagged. Broken front springs and worn driveshaft CV boots are typical.
The TPMS tyre pressure sensors on the S-Max WA6 corrode at the valve stem and mounting, causing seal failure. In the worst case the valve can fracture and cause sudden pressure loss, especially at higher speeds.
Rust blisters develop on the S-Max WA6 tailgate as the vehicle ages, caused by inadequate factory sealant at panel edges and folds. Vehicles without Titanium trim specification and its poorer underbody sealant are particularly affected.
Tie rod ends and anti-roll bar drop links on the S-Max WA6 show above-average wear that is regularly flagged at MOT inspections. Steering precision suffers noticeably, and advanced wear creates an accident risk.
The optional parking heater in the Ford S-Max WA6 is prone to ECU and glow pin failures. Owners report frequent breakdowns especially on older vehicles, with repair costs disproportionately high.
Reports & Tests
1440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2006–2015). Most reported: Steering (363), Electrical (331), Engine (166).