Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second-generation Ford Tourneo Connect (PJ2) is a high-roof van built on a joint-venture platform with a French commercial-vehicle maker, offering plenty of space for family or business use on a compact footprint. Alongside the standard version there is the Grand Tourneo Connect, around 40 cm longer with an extended wheelbase and an optional third row of seats, making it an affordable alternative to a full-size MPV. The line-up started in 2013 with robust but thirsty diesel engines (1.6 TDCi) and the torquey 1.6 EcoBoost petrol, before the more efficient 1.5 TDCi units arrived in 2015. The 2018 facelift brought cleaner 1.5 EcoBlue diesels and an optional 8-speed torque-converter automatic as an alternative to the failure-prone PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox.
The biggest weak spot across the whole production run is the combination of short-trip driving and the diesel particulate filter: anyone mostly using the Tourneo Connect for city traffic risks incomplete filter regeneration, coked-up EGR valves and sooted injectors. The early 1.6 TDCi engine is considered particularly prone to this, while the later 1.5-litre diesels became noticeably more reliable. Anyone considering the optional PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox should insist on a complete service history with regular oil changes - shift shudder and clutch wear from around 60,000-80,000 km is a well-known topic in the relevant forums. The conventional manual gearbox, by contrast, is considered robust, though the diesel variants occasionally develop a worn dual-mass flywheel.
There is also a number of smaller but annoying everyday issues: sticking sliding-door tracks that need regular cleaning, a leaking third brake light letting water into the tailgate wiring, and above-average alternator failures on early 2013 and 2014 model years. Used-car buyers should also check the recalls documented by Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA): a possibly insufficiently bonded panoramic glass roof on early models, a temporarily limited rear-view camera, lighting malfunctions on vehicles from the start of the facelift period, and a cross-model action regarding the DPF software. Checking the vehicle history via the KBA recall database is always worthwhile before buying.
For high-mileage buyers, the 120 hp 1.5 EcoBlue diesel with manual gearbox is the recommended engine: enough pulling power for fully loaded trips, moderate consumption, and the lowest diesel-related problem rate across the whole model range. Anyone mostly driving short distances should consider switching to a petrol engine - the 1.0 EcoBoost is efficient but, due to its oil-bathed timing belt, also demands consistent maintenance care. The base 75 hp diesel variants feel noticeably underpowered at full load and are better suited to solo use.
Overall, the Tourneo Connect II is a solid, practical family and commercial vehicle whose reliability depends heavily on the combination of driving profile and engine, as well as on the service history. A vehicle with a complete service record, regular longer trips, and the stronger diesel paired with a manual gearbox tends to cause few headaches. Before buying, a thorough test drive including a cold start is worthwhile, since gearbox and turbo problems often only show up after a few kilometres once the engine is warm, along with a check of the sliding doors and the seals around the panoramic roof.
120 PS
Tourneo Connect 1.5 TDCi 120 PS · Diesel
Recommended diesel with manual gearbox
Decent75–120 PS
1.5L EcoBlue Diesel
4 weaknesses
Good Choice150 PS
1.6L EcoBoost Benzin
11 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 is available with 6 engine variants — from 75 to 150 hp.
This revised 1.5-litre turbodiesel meets stricter emissions standards and is considered more mature than its predecessors, but shares the fundamental diesel weakness of pure short-trip driving. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors can clog without regular regeneration runs, and the turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone doing a lot of city driving should deliberately plan longer trips and stick strictly to service intervals.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
Delayed oil changes lead to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, potentially requiring costly replacement.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss. - ! Particulate filter regeneration incomplete on short trips
The revised engine also needs regular longer runs for active regeneration, otherwise incomplete particulate filter regeneration with power loss can occur.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, increased consumption. - ! EGR valve can coke up
As with the predecessor engines, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can clog under a lot of short-trip use and cause rough idle.
Symptoms: Rough idle, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This revised 1.5-litre turbodiesel meets stricter emissions standards and is considered more mature than its predecessors, but shares the fundamental diesel weakness of pure short-trip driving. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors can clog without regular regeneration runs, and the turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone doing a lot of city driving should deliberately plan longer trips and stick strictly to service intervals.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
Delayed oil changes lead to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, potentially requiring costly replacement.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss. - ! Particulate filter regeneration incomplete on short trips
The revised engine also needs regular longer runs for active regeneration, otherwise incomplete particulate filter regeneration with power loss can occur.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, increased consumption. - ! EGR valve can coke up
As with the predecessor engines, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can clog under a lot of short-trip use and cause rough idle.
Symptoms: Rough idle, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This revised 1.5-litre turbodiesel meets stricter emissions standards and is considered more mature than its predecessors, but shares the fundamental diesel weakness of pure short-trip driving. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors can clog without regular regeneration runs, and the turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone doing a lot of city driving should deliberately plan longer trips and stick strictly to service intervals.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
Delayed oil changes lead to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, potentially requiring costly replacement.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss. - ! Particulate filter regeneration incomplete on short trips
The revised engine also needs regular longer runs for active regeneration, otherwise incomplete particulate filter regeneration with power loss can occur.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, increased consumption. - ! EGR valve can coke up
As with the predecessor engines, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can clog under a lot of short-trip use and cause rough idle.
Symptoms: Rough idle, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.5-litre turbodiesel replaced the larger predecessor and is noticeably more reliable, though it remains a short-trip-sensitive diesel with familiar weak points. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors react poorly to frequent short cold starts without proper regeneration runs. The turbocharger does not tolerate delayed oil changes. Overall a solid engine for mixed use, provided service intervals are kept and occasional longer trips are part of the routine.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
As with the predecessor, neglected oil care leads to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, up to failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss, blue smoke in rare cases. - ! Particulate filter clogs under pure short-trip use
The successor engine is also prone to incomplete particulate filter regeneration under exclusively short-distance driving without regeneration runs, though less often than its predecessor.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve prone to coking
Deposits in the exhaust gas recirculation valve can cause increased soot output and rough idle, especially when service intervals are exceeded.
Symptoms: Rough idle, visible soot output, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.5-litre turbodiesel replaced the larger predecessor and is noticeably more reliable, though it remains a short-trip-sensitive diesel with familiar weak points. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors react poorly to frequent short cold starts without proper regeneration runs. The turbocharger does not tolerate delayed oil changes. Overall a solid engine for mixed use, provided service intervals are kept and occasional longer trips are part of the routine.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
As with the predecessor, neglected oil care leads to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, up to failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss, blue smoke in rare cases. - ! Particulate filter clogs under pure short-trip use
The successor engine is also prone to incomplete particulate filter regeneration under exclusively short-distance driving without regeneration runs, though less often than its predecessor.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve prone to coking
Deposits in the exhaust gas recirculation valve can cause increased soot output and rough idle, especially when service intervals are exceeded.
Symptoms: Rough idle, visible soot output, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.5-litre turbodiesel replaced the larger predecessor and is noticeably more reliable, though it remains a short-trip-sensitive diesel with familiar weak points. The particulate filter, EGR valve and injectors react poorly to frequent short cold starts without proper regeneration runs. The turbocharger does not tolerate delayed oil changes. Overall a solid engine for mixed use, provided service intervals are kept and occasional longer trips are part of the routine.
- !! Turbocharger sensitive to oil starvation
As with the predecessor, neglected oil care leads to insufficient lubrication in the turbocharger, causing bearing play and whistling noise, up to failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, power loss, blue smoke in rare cases. - ! Particulate filter clogs under pure short-trip use
The successor engine is also prone to incomplete particulate filter regeneration under exclusively short-distance driving without regeneration runs, though less often than its predecessor.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, power loss, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve prone to coking
Deposits in the exhaust gas recirculation valve can cause increased soot output and rough idle, especially when service intervals are exceeded.
Symptoms: Rough idle, visible soot output, occasional engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.6-litre turbodiesel comes from the joint-venture platform with a French partner and delivers solid everyday pulling power, but demands consistent care on short trips. Without regular longer runs, the particulate filter clogs, the exhaust gas recirculation valve cokes up, and the injectors tend to build deposits. The turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone mostly driving short distances should insist on a complete service history and regular longer trips to avoid consequential damage.
- !! Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage
With delayed oil changes or blocked oil passages, the turbocharger suffers from insufficient lubrication, leading to bearing play, whistling noise and, in the worst case, total failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, blue smoke from the exhaust, power loss. - !! Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use from 120,000 km
With predominantly short-distance driving, the particulate filter never reaches regeneration temperature and can clog from around 120,000 km, causing power loss and limp mode.
Symptoms: Power loss, particulate filter warning light, increased fuel consumption, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve cokes up and limits performance
The exhaust gas recirculation valve clogs with deposits, causing rough idle, increased soot output and, subsequently, further intake-tract problems.
Symptoms: Rough, uneven idle, visible soot smoke, engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.6-litre turbodiesel comes from the joint-venture platform with a French partner and delivers solid everyday pulling power, but demands consistent care on short trips. Without regular longer runs, the particulate filter clogs, the exhaust gas recirculation valve cokes up, and the injectors tend to build deposits. The turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone mostly driving short distances should insist on a complete service history and regular longer trips to avoid consequential damage.
- !! Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage
With delayed oil changes or blocked oil passages, the turbocharger suffers from insufficient lubrication, leading to bearing play, whistling noise and, in the worst case, total failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, blue smoke from the exhaust, power loss. - !! Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use from 120,000 km
With predominantly short-distance driving, the particulate filter never reaches regeneration temperature and can clog from around 120,000 km, causing power loss and limp mode.
Symptoms: Power loss, particulate filter warning light, increased fuel consumption, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve cokes up and limits performance
The exhaust gas recirculation valve clogs with deposits, causing rough idle, increased soot output and, subsequently, further intake-tract problems.
Symptoms: Rough, uneven idle, visible soot smoke, engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 1.6-litre turbodiesel comes from the joint-venture platform with a French partner and delivers solid everyday pulling power, but demands consistent care on short trips. Without regular longer runs, the particulate filter clogs, the exhaust gas recirculation valve cokes up, and the injectors tend to build deposits. The turbocharger is sensitive to delayed oil changes. Anyone mostly driving short distances should insist on a complete service history and regular longer trips to avoid consequential damage.
- !! Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage
With delayed oil changes or blocked oil passages, the turbocharger suffers from insufficient lubrication, leading to bearing play, whistling noise and, in the worst case, total failure.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under load, blue smoke from the exhaust, power loss. - !! Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use from 120,000 km
With predominantly short-distance driving, the particulate filter never reaches regeneration temperature and can clog from around 120,000 km, causing power loss and limp mode.
Symptoms: Power loss, particulate filter warning light, increased fuel consumption, occasional limp mode. - ! EGR valve cokes up and limits performance
The exhaust gas recirculation valve clogs with deposits, causing rough idle, increased soot output and, subsequently, further intake-tract problems.
Symptoms: Rough, uneven idle, visible soot smoke, engine warning light.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.0 EcoBoost is a turbocharged three-cylinder with surprisingly strong pull and good economy. The central issue is the wet timing belt in oil, which fails at overlong intervals and can disable the oil pump. Early versions also had coolant problems and timing-chain issues. Strict intervals and coolant-level checks are mandatory; well-kept it's a lively turbo-petrol engine.
- !! Degas Hose Coolant Loss from 80,000 km
The Gen3 engines also use sensitive coolant hoses at the expansion tank. Plastic fittings can become brittle and cause coolant loss that quickly leads to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak, temperature warning on the dashboard. - !! Oil-Bath Timing Belt Worn Prematurely from 100,000 km
The 1.0 EcoBoost uses a wet timing belt for the oil pump. Incorrect oil (without Ford WSS-M2C925-B) or overdue change intervals dissolve the belt. A case involving £3,500 damage at 70,000 km has been documented.
Symptoms: Brief flickering of the oil pressure warning light, engine noise under load, cracked or missing belt teeth found on inspection — often total failure without prior warning. - !! Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070) from 60,000 km
The front cover seal on early 1.0 EcoBoost engines (up to approx. February 2015) was not oil-resistant. Oil attacks the seal, causing gradual coolant loss. TSI 15-1070 addresses the problem.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak, temperature warning, whitish steam from engine bay.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbo direct-injection unit with strong pull from low revs and good efficiency. The known issue is coolant loss from cylinder-head cracks, shown by dropping level and overheating, which can get expensive. The timing chain is considered durable but benefits from clean oil. Check coolant level and thermal behaviour before buying, then a torquey engine.
- !! Recall 17S09: Missing Coolant Level Sensor
Recall campaign: engine can overheat without a coolant level warning, causing cylinder head cracks and fire risk from oil onto hot surfaces. Approximately 56,000 vehicles affected in Germany.
Symptoms: No warning despite low coolant; first symptom is often already severe engine damage or smoke. - !! Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate Can Fracture
Fragments from the clutch pressure plate can be ejected and strike engine components, causing smoke and fire in the engine bay. 1.0/1.5/1.6 EcoBoost models with manual gearbox are affected.
Symptoms: Smoke development, sudden power loss, in extreme cases engine bay fire. - !! Cylinder Head Crack from Unreported Overheating from 100,000 km
Without a coolant level warning the engine can overheat and the cylinder head can crack. Repair costs usually exceed the car's value at Focus DYB age.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, coolant loss, engine stops.
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Panoramic glass roof insufficiently bonded On vehicles built between 2013 and 2014, insufficient bonding of the optional panoramic glass roof can cause wind noise and water ingress, and in extreme cases the roof can detach. | Low | |
| Recall: Possible loss of drive, parts may detach The cross-model recall 26S25 also covers second-generation vehicles built between June 2018 and early 2022: a drivetrain component can detach, leading to loss of drive and debris on the road. | Low | |
| Recall: Malfunctioning lighting equipment Two separate German KBA recalls (22C32, 25C74) cover vehicles built between June 2018 and September/October 2019: lights may malfunction or fail, reducing visibility in traffic. | Low | |
| Recall: Limited rear-view camera function On vehicles built between June 2014 and December 2018, the rear-view camera may show a delayed or limited image. A free software update fixes the fault. | Low | |
| Recall: DPF software does not meet regulations On diesel models built between May 2014 and early 2022, the particulate filter regeneration control deviates from type-approval requirements (increased particle count). A free software update at a Ford dealer fixes it. | Low | |
| Automatic fuel flap closure malfunctions On early second-generation models, the automatic fuel flap closure does not always latch reliably, which can cause fuel to spill during refuelling. Later model years received a fix. Symptoms: Fuel flap does not open or close cleanly, fuel spills while refuelling. | Low |
Test Reports
ADAC
ADAC breakdown statistics show a clear improvement across model years: vehicles first registered in 2018 recorded around 22.9 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while those first registered in 2023 saw only about 5.7. Frequent causes were starter problems, the particulate filter, the battery and the timing belt.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 (2013–2022) — 30 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M1JL (1.0L EcoBoost), JQDA (1.6L EcoBoost). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Body, Electronics. Considered reliable: TDCi-1.5-Connect (1.5L TDCi), EcoBlue-1.5-Connect (1.5L EcoBlue).
Tourneo Connect (TDCi-1.6-Connect, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage, Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use, EGR valve cokes up and limits performance. Power: 75 PS.
Tourneo Connect (TDCi-1.6-Connect, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage, Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use, EGR valve cokes up and limits performance. Power: 95 PS.
Tourneo Connect (TDCi-1.6-Connect, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger prone to oil-starvation damage, Particulate filter clogs during short-trip use, EGR valve cokes up and limits performance. Power: 116 PS.
Tourneo Connect (M1JL, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: Degas Hose Coolant Loss, Oil-Bath Timing Belt Worn Prematurely, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070). Power: 101 PS.
Tourneo Connect (JQDA, 2013–2018) — Stay Away!: Recall 17S09: Missing Coolant Level Sensor, Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate Can Fracture, Cylinder Head Crack from Unreported Overheating. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Tourneo Connect? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Tourneo Connect PJ2? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee