Problems with tyres and wheels on Ford: affected models and engines

Reviewed on 8 October 2026How we work

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Ford models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Transit Connect IFragile wheel nuts with cracks in the tapered seatYes: in 2007 the UK's DVSA recorded a recall (6u079) for wheel nuts with incorrect heat treatment, which can become brittle and crack at the tapered seat, affecting 222 Ford Connects built between October and November 2006. The fix was to replace the nuts.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareFord C-Max IIManufacturing cracks in alloy wheelsIn 2018 Ford recalled C-MAX cars built in a very specific batch from September-October 2016 because a casting defect could cause cracks in the alloy wheels.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Fiesta VIIBuckling of the 16 and 17-inch alloy wheelsThe 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels of the Fiesta VII can buckle after hitting a pothole or kerb, which shows up as a clear vibration while driving as soon as the car is under way.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonFord S-Max IPremature front tyre wear on the S-MaxIt is the most repeated complaint in the S-Max I testimonials: the outer edges of the front tyres wear quickly, because of the car's weight and the alignment or bushes. There are cases of tyres being replaced every 20,000 km.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIPremature tyre wear on the GalaxyThis is the most frequently cited problem in Galaxy II testimonials (11 cases): the weight and long wheelbase of the MPV punish the front tyres, and uneven wear points to alignment or suspension.

By Ford model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with tyres and wheels do Ford cars have?

In 5 models from Ford there are 5 documented faults with tyres and wheels. The most important: fragile wheel nuts with cracks in the tapered seat, manufacturing cracks in alloy wheels and buckling of the 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Ford models have the most problems with tyres and wheels?

Ford Transit Connect I (1 fault), Ford Galaxy II (1 fault), Ford S-Max I (1 fault) and Ford Fiesta VII (1 fault).