Ford C-Max Mk1 (2003-2010): known problems and buying guide

Avoid a 2.0 TDCi with a shuddering PowerShift gearbox, and check turbo, EGR and DPF history before buying.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.8 FFV, 125 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€425	€2,800	110	Bioethanol (E85) / Petrol	Q7DA, QQDB	Manual (5)	2007–2010
1.6 TDCi, 109 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€417	€2,700	63	Diesel	G8DB	Manual (5)	2007–2010
1.6, 100 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€454	€2,700	54	Petrol	SHDC	Manual (5)	2007–2010
2.0 CNG, 126 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€386	€2,449	52	Natural gas	SYDA	Manual (5)	2007–2010

Years and engines: 2003-2010. Petrol 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0; diesel 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 TDCi.
Most common: the PowerShift gearbox on the 2.0 TDCi shudders and loses gears. Diesel turbo, EGR and particulate filter faults are also reported.
Reliability: 2/5, because turbo, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve), DPF (diesel particulate filter) and PowerShift repairs are costly.
DIY: 2/5, because gearbox, turbo and EGR work needs a garage. Fluid, battery and tyre checks are simple.
Prefer: a petrol car with a manual gearbox and proof of timing belt work.
Avoid: a 2.0 TDCi with PowerShift that shudders or leaks oil.

1.6 petrol, Duratec 100 PS (SHDC) and Ti-VCT 115 PS (SIDA): on the Focus Mk2 1.6 115 PS, the Ti-VCT cam adjusters can stick (AUTO BILD, Kolesa.ru). The timing belt is covered under Maintenance.
1.8 and 2.0 Duratec HE petrol (QQDB, Q7DA, SYDA): ignition coils can fail and cause rough running or misfires. On the Focus Mk2 the timing chain can stretch from about 150,000 km (Auto.ru, Kolesa.ru).
1.6 TDCi diesel (HHDA 90 PS, G8DB 109 PS): the turbocharger can fail, the EGR valve can stick, and charge air hoses can come loose or crack until about 2006 to 2008. See Known issues.
1.8 TDCi diesel (KKDB 115 PS): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
2.0 TDCi diesel (UKMA 136 PS, IXDA 110 PS): the EGR valve, the particulate filter and the PowerShift gearbox are the main risks.
5-speed manual IB5 (shared with the Focus Mk2): second gear can jump out and the synchros and bearings wear.
6-speed manual (on the 2.0 TDCi): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
4-speed automatic 4F27E (2.0 petrol): on the Focus Mk2, the valve body and solenoids wear from about 150,000-200,000 km (Auto.ru, Za Rulem, Kolesa.ru).
CVT, Durashift (1.8 petrol and 1.6 TDCi 109 PS, 2005-2007): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
Wet PowerShift, 6-speed dual-clutch (2.0 TDCi from 03/2008): a gearbox with its clutches in oil. See Known issues.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Wet PowerShift clutch and mechatronic faults	2.0 TDCi with PowerShift	30,000-120,000 km	No confirmed price
IB5 manual second gear and synchro wear	5-speed manual IB5	50,000-80,000 km	No confirmed price
1.6 TDCi turbocharger failure	1.6 TDCi 90 and 109 PS	Not stated	No confirmed price
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) faults	1.6 TDCi 109 PS, 2.0 TDCi	Not stated	600 EUR (AUTO BILD test, Germany, 2006)
EGR valve sticking from coking	1.6 and 2.0 TDCi	Not stated	No confirmed price
Electric power steering pump (EHPAS)	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Front suspension bushes and mounts	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Alternator and starter battery faults	All cars	Not stated	ADAC workshop, incl. fitting, 310-530 EUR (Germany, year not stated)

On a 2.0 TDCi with PowerShift, drive from rest and in traffic. Shudder, jerks or a lost gear point to the wet PowerShift. Check for oil under the gearbox. A scanner can read stored gearbox faults.
On a 1.6 TDCi, ask for turbo history. Blue or grey smoke, a loud whine or lost power is a bad result.
On a diesel, check for heavy judder or black smoke. Both point to a sticking EGR valve. Ask whether it was cleaned.
On a diesel, ask about DPF cleaning or replacement and check for a DPF warning light. A scanner can read stored filter faults.
On a manual, shift into second and third when cold and when warm. Second gear jumping out or grinding is a bad result.
Turn the wheel at a standstill. A power steering warning light, heavy steering or a howl points to the pump.
Listen for knocks and creaks over speed bumps. Check the last MOT (HU) report for worn suspension.
Check the battery age and the charging voltage. A flat battery or a charge warning light points to the alternator.
Open the tailgate and close it. If it opens by itself, check the handle switch.
Check open recalls for the car's VIN with a Ford dealer.

Operational	€190
Workshop	€148
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€122
Total per month	€460
New-car depreciation (not included)	€52

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.