Ford C-Max reliability
The Ford C-Max fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 22.2% of 57,237 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
18 DVSA recalls for the Ford C-Max
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.
Recalled models: CMAX · 26 vehicles
Seat belt anchorage bolt partially engaged
Seat belt anchors and seat bolts may not be secured as per specification
Fix: Check tighten and torque all identified bolts to specification
Recalled models: C-MAX · 11 vehicles
Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
Recalled models: C-MAX · 66,497 vehicles
Clutch pressure plate may fracture
Affected vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
Recalled models: C-MAX · 122,199 vehicles
Casting defect may cause alloy wheel(s) to crack
A small batch of alloy wheels may have a casting defect that may initiate a fatigue crack and result in wheel failure.
Fix: Check wheels on affected vehicles for a specific batch code. Replace those wheels which have the identified batch code.
Recalled models: C-MAX · 80 vehicles
Oil sump may crack due to the engine overheating
The engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0L Duratorq Diesel engines. In extreme cases an overheated engine can result in a breach of the oil sump leading to loss of the engine oil.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download revised software for the control module calibration that improves overheat detection and provides an instrument cluster warning indicator to the driver and engine de-rate strategy.
Recalled models: C-MAX · 48,595 vehicles
The engine cylinder head may crack
Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.
Recalled models: C-MAX · 15,228 vehicles
Side and/or knee airbag may fail to deploy in a collision
The airbag initiator may be defective and may prevent the side airbag(s) and/or knee airbag deploying in the event of an accident. In a collision the airbags not deploying could put the occupants at further risk.
Fix: Recall the 1943 vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the side and knee protection airbags complete with initiators.
Recalled models: CMAX · 1,943 vehicles
Fire may occur
Engineering investigations have identified that vehicles operated in countries which have high road salt usage during winter months may experience an increased risk of corrosion build up. In extreme cases the corrosion can propagate into the electronic circuits and result in overheating. In rare cases the overheating may be sufficient to ignite the module and surrounding wiring and components.
Fix: A supplemental wiring loom that removes the power supply to the fan control module when the ignition is switched off is required to be fitted to affected vehicles. An additional water shield must also be fitted to protect the module against water entry and corrosion build up.
Recalled models: CMAX · 34,119 vehicles
Risk of fire
Due to high road salt usage in winter the engine cooling fan module may suffer from corrosion and may overheat and ignite.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to modify wiring loom and to fit water shield to module.
Recalled models: CMAX · 26,586 vehicles
Headlights and indicators may malfuntion
Vehicles affected could demonstrate symptoms such as headlamps and indicators flashing unintentionally and/or headlamps switching off. The concern is due to software errors.
Fix: The vehicles that are likely to be affected are to be recalled to have modified software applied to the Body Control Module and Power Train Control Module.
Recalled models: CMAX · 4 vehicles
Risk of fire
Due to high road salt usage in winter the engine cooling fan module may suffer from corrosion overheat and may ignite.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to modify wiring loom and to fit water shield to module.
Recalled models: CMAX · 1,299 vehicles
Hard brake pedal may occur during engine warm up
During engine warm up it is possible that the non return valve within the vacuum pump may stick. It is possible that if sufficient brake applications are made before the valve releases the vacuum stored within the brake booster will be used up and a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances may result.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised design of non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.
Recalled models: CMAX · 13,029 vehicles
Failure of power steering hose could result in an engine bay fire
It has been identified that a batch of vehicles may have been fitted with section of power assisted steering hose that is not to specification. This could result in premature failure of the hose with loss of steering assistance and in extreme cases the possibility of an engine bay fire occasioned by escaping hydraulic fluid coming into contact with hot components.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject hose production code checked. The hose will be changed should it fall within the given criteria.
Recalled models: CMAX · 14,878 vehicles
In low ambient temperature hard brake pedal may occur
Hard brake pedal may occur in low ambient temperatures which is caused by a non return valve in the vacuum pump sticking.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.
Recalled models: CMAX · 17,972 vehicles
Wiper motor may fail and overheat
Water may enter the wiper motor via the wiper arm spindle. If the water contains salt it is possible that an electrical short circuit can cause the wiper to fail. In extreme cases the short circuit can result in the wiper assembly overheating. The increased temperature can be high enough to melt the trim components in the area of the motor assembly.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a revised cover and sealing grommet which will replace the existing sealing system.
Recalled models: CMAX · 68,996 vehicles
Fuel return pipe leak
The fuel return pipe is not specification and will degrade. This could lead to seapage of fuel.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fuel return pipe.
Recalled models: CMAX · 904 vehicles
Electronic parking brake may not apply
If the ignition key is switched from ON to OFF and the key removed within 0.5 seconds the parking brake may fail to automatically apply.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and reprogramme the electronic parking brake module
Recalled models: CMAX · 5,285 vehicles
Checking a Ford C-Max before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.