Ford S-Max reliability
The Ford S-Max fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 41.5% of 43,941 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
23 DVSA recalls for the Ford S-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.
Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update
Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.
Fix: Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 67 vehicles
25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist.
Fix: Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 14 vehicles
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: S-MAX · 561 vehicles
Brake Hose Leak
On affected vehicles there is the possibility of the front brake hoses leaking.
Fix: Replace both front brake hoses and modify the hose routing and ride height sensor if necessary.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 7,482 vehicles
23S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue
Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block
Fix: Software update
Recalled models: S-MAX/GALAXY · 424 vehicles
THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION
It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.
Fix: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced
Recalled models: S-MAX · 9,388 vehicles
A number of vehicles fitted with adaptive headlamps will not display a warning message
Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Headlamps will not display a warning message should a failure of the module that controls the Adaptive Headlamps occur.
Fix: Update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 2,260 vehicles
The rear suspension toe link could corrode over time leading to reduced material and load capacity and finally breakage of the bolt
The Rear Suspension Toe Link bolt is exposed to corrosion growth which over time leads to reduced material and load capacity and finally to a breakage of the bolt.
Fix: Replace the bolt utilising an alternative bolt supplier and update all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 39,441 vehicles
Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly
Fix: Replace Driver air bag assembly
Recalled models: S-MAX · 219,738 vehicles
Potential battery acid leakage around negative terminal
Possible thermal incident within the battery monitor sensor wiring
Fix: Install a fused jumper loom into the battery monitor sensor wiring
Recalled models: S-MAX · 56,154 vehicles
Overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to 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: A coolant level sensor needs to be fitted to provide an audible and visual warning to the customer and in extreme circumstances reduce the engine power.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 4,026 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: S-MAX · 66,497 vehicles
Possible low torque condition with the air conditioning clutch fastener
A/C Compressor pulley may become detached.
Fix: On affected vehicles fit a new A/C compressor clutch pulley.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 3,021 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: S-MAX · 122,199 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: S-MAX · 48,595 vehicles
Headlamps may switch off without warning
Vehicles fitted with Adaptive LED Headlamps could experience a condition where the loss of a control signal in combination with a software error may cause the headlamps to switch off. There is a risk of collision if defect happens at night.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and updated software will be loaded to the affected modules.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 9,705 vehicles
Fire may occur
It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles inspect the fuel spill rail/return pipe and if required replace the spill rail with a new modified rail.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 1,985 vehicles
Panoramic roof panel may detach
It has been identified that a small number of vehicles built with a panoramic glass roof may not have been bonded correctly. This could ultimately result in detachment of the panoramic glass roof.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and check the adhesion of the roof. If found to be defective the roof will be removed and re-bonded.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 7 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: S-MAX · 13,029 vehicles
Glass roof panel may detach
It has been identified that the panoramic glass roof panel may not have been correctly bonded to the vehicle. Should this be the case the roof panel could detach.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the panoramic glass roof panel renewed.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 9 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: S-MAX · 17,972 vehicles
Heated windscreen earth point may not be tightened - risk of burn damage to trim
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the heated windscreen earthing point may not have been tightened to the specified torque. An incorrect torque may lead to electrical arcing and in extreme cases this arcing may cause scorching or burning of the surrounding trim components.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject earthing point inspected for correct installation and torque.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 5,153 vehicles
Possibility of engine cut out
It has been identified that the fuel pipe connector between the engine fuel line and fuel tank may not be totalled secured. This may result in a disconnection of the fuel line with the possibility of engine cut out and loss of fuel onto the road surface. Whilst the vehicle is in the dealership the opportunity will be taken to carry out a slight modification to the alternator to prevent the possibility of a short circuit occurring with other components.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the integrity of the fuel line connector checked. Additionally the alternator cable will be modified by removing a portion of sleeving that may be in contact with the end eyelet.
Recalled models: S-MAX · 209 vehicles
Checking a Ford S-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.