Ford S-Max II (2015-2023): known problems and buying guide

Weak spots are the Powershift gearbox, the EcoBlue belt and oil loss. Buy only with gearbox and belt service records.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
2.0 EcoBlue, 190 PS, 8-speed automatic Research	€547	€18,000	264	Diesel	BCCC	Automatic (8)	2019–2021
2.0 EcoBlue, 190 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€557	€18,000	264	Diesel	BCCC	Automatic (8)	2019–2021
2.0 EcoBlue, 150 PS, 8-speed automatic Research	€549	€15,990	140	Diesel	YMCB	Automatic (8)	2019–2021

Large MPV built 2015 to 2023, with five or seven seats. Petrol 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 TDCi diesel to 2018, 2.0 EcoBlue diesel from 2018, and a 2.5 hybrid from 2021.
The main risks are the Powershift gearbox (2015-2018), the timing belt that runs in oil on the 2.0 EcoBlue, and oil loss.
Reliability: 2/5, because the Powershift gearbox and the EcoBlue belt can cost a lot, and oil loss is common.
DIY: 2/5, because gearbox and belt work needs a garage. Most buyer checks need only a look and the service records.
Prefer: a well-kept car with low mileage and full service records. Auto Bild and t-online both advise this.
Avoid: a 2015-2018 Powershift car with no gearbox oil records, and a 2.0 EcoBlue with no proof of a belt change.

1.5 EcoBoost petrol, 160 and 165 PS, manual: a clutch pressure plate recall covers these manual cars (see Recalls).
2.0 EcoBoost petrol, 240 PS, automatic (2015-2018): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
2.5 hybrid, 190 PS (2021-2023): the oil-pan recall covers hybrids built 2020 to 2023 (see Recalls).
2.0 TDCi diesel, 120 to 210 PS (2015-2018): turbo, EGR, dual mass flywheel and injector faults apply, mainly to the stronger versions. The 150 PS code YMCB is shared with the 2018-on EcoBlue.
2.0 EcoBlue diesel, 150, 190 and 240 PS (2018 on): the timing belt in oil is the main risk. Turbo, EGR and injector faults apply too.
6-speed manual: the clutch recall covers the 1.5 EcoBoost with this gearbox (see Recalls).
6-speed Powershift dual-clutch, wet (2015-2018): the top risk, see Known issues.
6-speed automatic: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
8-speed automatic (2018 on): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
Hybrid eCVT: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
All-wheel drive: no fault confirmed in the sources read.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Powershift gearbox	Wet dual-clutch, 2015-2018	173,000 and 225,000 km (garage cases on Mondeo cars with the same gearbox)	No confirmed price
EcoBlue timing belt in oil	2.0 EcoBlue, 2018 on	Inspect from 70,000-80,000 km; change at 100,000-110,000 km	No confirmed price
Oil loss	All engines and the drive	Not stated; seen at the first inspection	No confirmed price
Diesel injectors	2.0 TDCi and 2.0 EcoBlue	High mileage, not stated	No confirmed price
Turbocharger	Stronger diesels	High mileage, not stated	No confirmed price
EGR valve	Stronger diesels	High mileage, not stated	No confirmed price
Dual mass flywheel	Stronger diesels with manual gearbox	High mileage, not stated	No confirmed price
Brake hoses and lines	All	Not stated; carwiki.de says after a few years	No confirmed price

Ask for the gearbox service record, with the correct oil and change dates. Drive from cold and pull away gently. Judder, jerky shifts or limp mode are bad signs. A scanner should show no gearbox fault codes.
Ask for an invoice for the timing belt change. A 2.0 EcoBlue past 110,000 km with no record has an overdue belt.
Ask a Ford dealer to check the VIN for open recall 23S27 (hybrid oil pan). An open campaign must be done first.
Ask for the injector work record. A rough idle, misfire or lost power points to the injectors. A scanner reads the fault codes.
On a stronger diesel, check for jerking or lost power under load. A scanner reads the turbo codes, such as P2599.
Ask whether the EGR valve was cleaned or replaced at high mileage. A warning light or fault code means it needs a look. A scanner reads the codes.
On a manual stronger diesel, ask for a clutch and flywheel record. A car with no such work at high mileage needs a close look.
Check the oil level on the dipstick. Look under the engine, gearbox and drive for wet spots. A low level between services means a leak.
Look at the brake hoses and lines at each wheel and along the underbody. Cracks, bulges or wet spots mean they need replacing before purchase.

Operational	€210
Workshop	€156
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€180
Total per month	€546
New-car depreciation (not included)	€94

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.