Ford S-Max Mk1 (2006-2015): known problems and buying guide

A weak family MPV. The Powershift gearbox, diesel DPF and clutch are the main risks. Buy only with gearbox and DPF service proof.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
2.0 TDCi, 163 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€510	€5,500	139	Diesel	TXWA	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	2010–2015
2.0 TDCi, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€512	€5,490	79	Diesel	UFWA	Manual (6)	2010–2015
2.0 TDCi, 140 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€502	€5,500	70	Diesel	UFWA	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	2010–2015
2.2 TDCi, 200 PS, 6-speed automatic Research	€600	€5,700	55	Diesel	KNWA	Automatic (6)	2011–2015
2.0 TDCi, 163 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€523	€5,990	52	Diesel	TXWA	Manual (6)	2010–2015

Seven-seat MPV built 2006 to 2015, front-wheel drive only. Petrol engines from 2.0 to 2.5 turbo and EcoBoost, diesels from 1.6 to 2.2 TDCi.
The main risks are the Powershift automatic, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the clutch. Worn suspension parts and oil loss are common too.
Reliability: 2/5, because the Powershift gearbox, the DPF and the clutch repairs are costly.
DIY: 2/5, because gearbox, clutch and turbo work needs a garage. Most buyer checks need only a look and a test drive.
Prefer: a naturally aspirated petrol such as the 2.0 Duratec. For a diesel, ask for DPF work and a clean service history.
Avoid: a Powershift car without a gearbox service record, a diesel with no DPF history, and a car that loses oil.

2.0 Duratec petrol 145 PS (TBWB, also flexi-fuel): oil loss applies (see Oil loss).
2.3 Duratec petrol automatic 160 PS (SEWA, to 2010): oil loss applies (see Oil loss).
2.5 five-cylinder turbo petrol 220 PS (HUWA, to 2010): oil loss applies (see Oil loss).
1.6 EcoBoost petrol 160 PS (JTWB, facelift): a clutch recall covers manual cars (see Recalls).
2.0 EcoBoost petrol 203/240 PS (TNWA, TPWA, facelift): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.8 TDCi diesel 116 PS (TYWA, to 2010): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.6 TDCi diesel 115 PS (T1WB, facelift): turbocharger faults are reported (see Turbocharger).
2.0 TDCi diesel 130/140 PS (AZWA, UFWA): DPF faults are reported (see DPF).
2.0 TDCi diesel 163 PS (TXWA, facelift): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
2.2 TDCi diesel 175 PS and 200 PS (Q4WA, KNWA): a fuel-line seal recall covers these engines (see Recalls).
5-speed manual (IB5, on the 2.0 petrol): clutch and flywheel wear apply (see Clutch).
6-speed manual (MMT6, M66): clutch and flywheel wear apply (see Clutch).
6-speed automatic (Aisin AWF21, Durashift): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
6-speed Powershift dual-clutch (MPS6, 2010 on): judder, oil leaks and clutch wear, see Powershift gearbox.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Powershift gearbox	Powershift, 2010 on	About 70,000-120,000 km (AKPPHELP garage on drive2)	GBP 3,500 (owner on PistonHeads, 2022)
Diesel particulate filter (DPF)	All diesels	Not stated	EUR 1,000 or more (owner estimate on carwiki.de, year not stated)
Clutch and dual-mass flywheel	Manual gearboxes	About 120,000-150,000 km	EUR 1,010-1,370 with labour (ADAC, Germany, year not stated)
Suspension and steering joints	All	About 60,000-80,000 km in city use	No confirmed price
Oil loss	All engines	Not stated	No confirmed price
Turbocharger	Diesels, 1.6 TDCi named most	Not stated	No confirmed price
Exhaust system	All	Not stated	EUR 750 with labour, after the catalytic converter (ADAC, Germany, year not stated)

Ask for the gearbox service record, with oil changes on time. Drive from cold and pull away gently. Jerks, a warning light or limp mode are bad signs. A scanner reads the gearbox fault codes.
Ask for DPF cleaning or regeneration records. A DPF warning light, or a regeneration fault that a scanner reads, means the filter is clogged. A scanner is needed for the fault codes.
Drive from rest and up a hill. Judder, slip or grinding means the clutch or flywheel may need replacing. Ask for the invoice.
Start the car cold and listen for exhaust leaks. Check the pipes and the silencer for holes and rust.
On a diesel, check for lost power or a warning light. Ask whether the turbo or its hoses were fixed. A limp mode points to a boost fault, and a scanner reads the boost codes.
Turn the steering from lock to lock and push each wheel up and down. Knocks from the steering or the suspension mean worn bushes, joints or tie-rod ends.
Check the oil level on the dipstick, and look under the engine for oil. A car that loses oil needs a leak check before purchase.
Check the rear wheel arches, the rear sill, the bottom of the doors and the boot floor for bubbles, holes or lifting paint. Look under the wheel arch liners.
Check every campaign in the Recalls table by VIN. Ask the seller for proof that the work was done.

Operational	€201
Workshop	€176
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€154
Total per month	€531
New-car depreciation (not included)	€76

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.