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Ford B-Max problems (2012–2017)

We have documented 3 engines and 1 gearbox for the Ford B-Max; the 1.0 EcoBoost, the PowerShift gearbox and the 1.6 HDi have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT in its 1.6 Ti-VCT 85/105/120/125 hp (revised actuator) version, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Ford B-Max has had no official safety campaigns, but owners fairly often report gearbox and clutch problems (including the Powershift automatic), ABS faults, poor durability of the mechanism on the rear sliding doors with no B-pillar, and minor electrical faults in the windows and sensors.[4][5][6][7]

Ford B-Max (2012–2017)
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.3out of 10

Ford B-Max rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 17 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine4.9From 2.9 to 7.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox6.4Manual: no faults · PowerShift: 2.8
  • Suspension7.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes8.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering9.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system9.31 fault
  • Headlights and lights7.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 36 of 47 among the MPVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Ford B-Max

  1. 1Critical severity: Degradation of the timing belt running in oil1.0 EcoBoost engine · repair €800–€1,200
  2. 2Critical severity: Oil pump belt and tensioner failure1.0 EcoBoost engine
  3. 3High severity: Juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)PowerShift gearbox
  4. 4High severity: Clutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)PowerShift gearbox
  5. 5High severity: Timing belt failure and premature wear1.6 HDi engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

33 sourcesHow we work

1.0 EcoBoost

Ford 1.0 EcoBoost (Fox) · Petrol

In the B-Max
2012–2017[8]
Names
1.0 EcoBoost 100 · 1.0 EcoBoost 120 · 1.0 EcoBoost 125 · 1.0 EcoBoost 140
Faults that affect it
3 · all of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
71
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125 (Fox, 2012-2017)2012–2017 · 100–125 hp · SFJA, SFJB, SFJC, SFJD

    With caution

    This is the version with the most documented cases of degradation of the belts running in oil and of coolant leak reports in early units; only recommended with the belts checked or replaced and no oil temperature or pressure warning lights.[9][10][11]

  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125/140 with cylinder deactivation (from ~2017)2017–2019 · 100–140 hp · M1JC, M1JJ, M1JU

    With caution

    Ford's 2023 recall in the US over the oil pump belt tensioner covers cars of this generation (Focus up to 2018 and EcoSport up to 2022), so the risk of seizure from this belt did not disappear with cylinder deactivation.[12][13]

Faults that affect the B-Max

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.0 EcoBoost has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
  2. Critical severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil pump belt and tensioner failureYes. In addition to the timing belt, the 1.0 EcoBoost has a second belt, also running in oil, that drives the oil pump. If the tensioner breaks, the belt loses teeth and can cut off oil pressure; in the US Ford has recalled more than 100,000 Ford Focus and EcoSport vehicles for this reason.
  3. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hoseThere are documented cases of turbo hoses that crack and drain the coolant without warning, which can overheat the engine and even seize it. We have not found a Ford campaign for the 1.0 EcoBoost in Spain; Ford's best-known fire recall concerns a different engine, the 1.6 EcoBoost.

B-Max 1.0 EcoBoost pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0 EcoBoost

PowerShift gearbox

Ford PowerShift (DPS6 and 6DCT450)

In the B-Max
2012–2017[7]
Name
1.6 Duratec Powershift
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
70
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • PowerShift DPS6 dry clutch, first generation (2011-2016)2011–2016 · DPS6, 6DCT250

    With caution

    It is the generation with the most documented juddering and slipping complaints and the one Ford revised most often (clutch and software); it is only worth considering if you check the software update history and take a long test drive, watching for hesitation when pulling away.[14][15]

  • PowerShift DPS6 dry clutch, revised clutch (2016-2023)2016–2023 · DPS6, 6DCT250

    With caution

    It improves the clutch's thermal behaviour compared with the first generation, but Auto Express still warns of vibrations and that the clutch can fail in the Fiesta VIII; do the same road test and check the gearbox history before buying.[16]

Faults that affect the B-Max

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The PowerShift has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentClutchJuddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)Yes: the dry-clutch DPS6 judders, hesitates when pulling away and slips in a very large number of cars. Ford revised the clutch and software at least six times without fully solving it, and in the US a 2020 court settlement covered close to 600,000 Ford Fiesta and Focus cars.
  2. High severityFrequency: Very frequentClutchClutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)Ford recalled the Focus III and C-MAX II with the Powershift gearbox over the risk of the clutch pressure plate breaking, in two successive campaigns (2018 and 2019) covering vehicles built between August 2012 and May 2018.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsCold hesitation and electronic faults in the control module (TCM)Both the DPS6 and the 6DCT450 depend on a control module (TCM) that manages the clutches; there is cold hesitation, resonance at idle and occasional electronic failures, and Ford has revised the software several times without a single fix.

B-Max PowerShift gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the PowerShift

1.6 HDi

PSA/Ford 1.6 HDi, e-HDi, TDCi and BlueHDi (DV6) · Diesel

In the B-Max
2012–2017[17]
Name
1.6 TDCi
Faults that affect it
4 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
59
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016)2009–2016 · 92–95 hp · DV6D, DV6DTED, 9HP

    Buy

    According to the testimonies collected by Fiches-Auto, the 92 hp is clearly more reliable than the other outputs; with correct maintenance and the belt up to date it has no specific serious faults documented.[18][19]

Faults that affect the B-Max

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.6 HDi has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionLeaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder headIt is common for the copper washers of the 1.6 HDi injectors to stop sealing: the engine blows gases, carbon forms around the injector and soot gets into the oil. It is cheap to repair, but if left it contaminates the oil and is one of the causes of turbo failure.Repair (garage): €110–€310
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlAdditive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and cloggingThe DPF on the 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi works with an additive (cerine) that runs out at 80,000-120,000 km and has to be topped up for around €100-120 (price in Spain). With a lot of town use the filter clogs and the warning appears; if it is left, a new DPF costs around €1,500.Repair (garage): €100–€1,500Appears at around 80,000 km
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 1.6 HDi EGR valve gets dirty easily, especially in town use, and causes jerking and stalling at idle. On the 8V engines the EGR cooler also fails, consuming coolant with no visible leaks.

B-Max 1.6 HDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 HDi

1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT

Safest option

Ford 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6 Ti-VCT (familia Sigma/Zetec-SE/Duratec) · Petrol

In the B-Max
2012–2017[3]
Names
1.4 90 · 1.6 Ti-VCT 105
Faults that affect it
3
Risk index on this car
23
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.4 Ti-VCT 90/96/97 hp2008–2017 · 90–97 hp

    With caution

    On the Fiesta, fiches-auto.fr documents testimonials of excessive oil and coolant consumption, including coolant in the spark plug wells; on the B-Max, by contrast, no equivalent complaints have been found for the 1.4.[3][20]

  • Gebrauchtwagenberater expressly confirms that the variable valve timing actuator problem, present in the Focus II, «did not reach» the B-Max, and that on the Focus III and C-Max II that reputation improved «thanks to the absence of faults».[1][2][3]

Faults that affect the B-Max

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-expected oil consumptionThere are documented testimonials of higher-than-expected oil consumption in the Ford Fiesta, both on the 1.25 (with oil reaching the air filter through the crankcase ventilation) and on the 1.4, where it is combined with coolant consumption.Appears at around 40,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingThermostat, water pump and coolant lossYes: there are testimonials of coolant consumption and loss in the Ford Fiesta, including one case of coolant in the spark plug wells of the 1.4, as well as thermostat and water pump failures documented across the Ti-VCT range.
  3. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionMisfires from coils or spark plugsThere are documented cases of ignition coils replaced several times on the Ford Focus II (1.6 Ti-VCT) and of spark plugs changed at 60,000 km on the Ford Fiesta 1.25, which points to earlier-than-expected ignition system wear on some units.Appears at around 60,000 km

B-Max 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT pageAll versions and faults of the 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT

Faults of the Ford B-Max outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Ford B-Max

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,561 inspections of 900 cars registered between 2012 and 2017, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 3.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 3.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.3%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 17% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.3%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.1%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 18.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Ford B-Max

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 1.0 EcoBoost (2012–2017)

Degradation of the timing belt running in oil

Critical severity

Oil pump belt and tensioner failure

Critical severity

Coolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hose

Critical severity

If it has the PowerShift gearbox (2012–2017)

Juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)

High severity

Clutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)

High severity

Cold hesitation and electronic faults in the control module (TCM)

Medium severity

If it has the 1.6 HDi (2012–2017)

Timing belt failure and premature wear

High severity

Leaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder head

Medium severity

Additive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and clogging

Medium severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

If it has the 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT (2012–2017)

Higher-than-expected oil consumption

Medium severity

Thermostat, water pump and coolant loss

Medium severity

Misfires from coils or spark plugs

Low severity

Wear parts for the Ford B-Max

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Ford B-Max?

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Own a Ford B-Max? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ford B-Max reliable?

We have documented 3 engines and 1 gearbox for the Ford B-Max; the 1.0 EcoBoost, the PowerShift gearbox and the 1.6 HDi have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT in its 1.6 Ti-VCT 85/105/120/125 hp (revised actuator) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Ford B-Max has had no official safety campaigns, but owners fairly often report gearbox and clutch problems (including the Powershift automatic), ABS faults, poor durability of the mechanism on the rear sliding doors with no B-pillar, and minor electrical faults in the windows and sensors.

Which Ford B-Max engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, the safest option is the 1.25/1.4/1.6 Ti-VCT in its 1.6 Ti-VCT 85/105/120/125 hp (revised actuator) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Gebrauchtwagenberater expressly confirms that the variable valve timing actuator problem, present in the Focus II, «did not reach» the B-Max, and that on the Focus III and C-Max II that reputation improved «thanks to the absence of faults».[1][2][3]

What problems does the Ford B-Max have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Ford B-Max has had no official safety campaigns, but owners fairly often report gearbox and clutch problems (including the Powershift automatic), ABS faults, poor durability of the mechanism on the rear sliding doors with no B-pillar, and minor electrical faults in the windows and sensors. The most important documented faults are: clutch wear and gearbox faults, including the Powershift automatic (gearbox and clutch, high severity), ABS failure caused by the hydraulic unit and premature wear of the brake discs (brakes, medium severity), poor durability of the mechanism, locks and wiring of the rear sliding doors (bodywork and interior, medium severity) and electric window faults and minor sensor or electronics faults (electrical system, low severity).[4][5][6][7]

What faults does the Ford B-Max have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: degradation of the timing belt running in oil (1.0 EcoBoost, critical severity), oil pump belt and tensioner failure (1.0 EcoBoost, critical severity), juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6) (PowerShift, high severity), clutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX) (PowerShift, high severity) and timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Ford B-Max?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2015 (6.0/10); the worst rated is 2012 (5.6/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Ford Focus: Probleme, Rückrufe, KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Ford C-Max Mk2: Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Ford B-Max: alle bekannten ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford B-Max (2012-2017)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Used Ford B-MAX reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Ford B-MaxWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Ford B-MaxWikipedia (English) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Ford B-MAX Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2012-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Alerta Ford: la correa de distribución del 1.0 EcoBoost puede romper el motor y la NHTSA ya investigaMotor16 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Los Ford 1.0 EcoBoost tricilíndricos están dando problemas de correas bañadas que recuerdan al caso PureTechMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?Carbuyer · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  12. Ford's Self-Clogging 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Is Finally Getting RecalledThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  13. The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. Ford Focus (third generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. Ford Fiesta (sixth generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Used Ford Fiesta (Mk7, 2017-2023) buyers guide: a solid second-hand superminiAuto Express · Motoring press · published 26 June 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  17. Ford 1.6 TDCi Engine: Problems, Specs & Reliability GuideFord Engines (fordengines.co.uk) · Other source · published 20 July 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026
  18. Fiabilité 1.6 HDIFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · published 22 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  19. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.6 HDI 92 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  20. Fiabilité et pannes Ford FiestaFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  21. Correa en Aceite Motor Ford EcoBoost 1.0LIndustrias Dolz · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  22. Self-Clogging Ford Oil Pumps Lead Feds to Investigate 1.0-Liter EcoBoost EnginesThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  23. Gripa el motor por problema en el manguito se queda sin refrigeranteOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  24. Ford Focus recallsAutoinsider · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  25. Ford C-Max recallsAutoinsider · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  26. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo (2015-2022)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  27. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ? (1.6 HDi 112/115)L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  28. Plan d'entretien 308 (T9) Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi 100 S&S BVM5Peugeot (documento alojado en forum-peugeot.com) · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  29. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ?L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  30. Boletín de servicio: sustitución del turbo en motores DV6 (versión reducida de la Información de servicio nº 77)Turbotec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  31. Changer les joints d'injecteurs 1.6 HDI : procédure et étapesInjecteurland · Technical documentation · published 23 January 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  32. El filtro de partículas en motores diéselMidcar · Technical documentation · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  33. Cómo funciona el filtro de partículas de PSACarbon Cleaner · Other source · published 13 February 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish