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6DCT450

PowerShift 6DCT450 oil bath (2010-2023) gearbox: faults and reliability

Ford PowerShift (DPS6 and 6DCT450) version

With caution

It has a better reputation than the DPS6 and is not tied to any known class action, but several German workshops describe its clutches as prone to accelerated wear; insist on seeing the gearbox oil change history (every 50,000-60,000 km) before buying.[1][2][3]

Years
2010–2023
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
2
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
6
in our database

7 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Wet dual-clutch gearbox built by Magna (formerly Getrag), with a capacity of about 450 Nm according to its own designation, mechanically very different from the DPS6 even though Ford markets both as "Powershift". It debuted in the Ford S-MAX with the May 2010 facelift, replacing the Durashift automatic across almost the whole range except the 2.2 TDCi, and became widespread from 2014 in the higher-output automatic diesels of the Mondeo V, the Kuga, the Galaxy and the S-MAX itself; gebrauchtwagenberater.de says the Mondeo later replaced it with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic alongside the 2.0 EcoBlue diesel.[1][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: 6DCT450.

Faults of the 6DCT450 gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonClutchAccelerated wear of the wet clutch in the 6DCT450The 6DCT450, with its oil-bath wet clutch, tends to wear its clutches sooner than expected if the oil is not changed every 50,000-60,000 km; it affects the automatic diesel versions of the Mondeo, Kuga, S-MAX, Galaxy and some Focus models.Repair (garage): €1,800–€2,800
  2. 2Medium 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.

Cars fitted with the 6DCT450 gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Ford

Frequently asked questions

Is the 6DCT450 gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It has a better reputation than the DPS6 and is not tied to any known class action, but several German workshops describe its clutches as prone to accelerated wear; insist on seeing the gearbox oil change history (every 50,000-60,000 km) before buying.[1][2][3]

What faults does the 6DCT450 gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: accelerated wear of the wet clutch in the 6DCT450 (high severity) and cold hesitation and electronic faults in the control module (TCM) (medium severity).

Which cars use the 6DCT450 gearbox?

Ford Focus III (2011–2018), Ford Kuga II (2012–2019), Ford Mondeo V (2014–2018), Ford S-Max I (2010–2014), Ford S-Max II (2015–2023) and Ford Galaxy III (2015–2023).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Are you buying a car with the 6DCT450 gearbox?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. Ford Mondeo MK5 (2014-2022): Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · published 9 August 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Ford Kuga (Mk2, 2012-2019): Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Ford S-Max: Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. GetragWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Ford Focus (third generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo (2015-2022)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Galaxyfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French