2016 Ford S-MAX Mk2
Browse our directory of 2016 Ford S-MAX Mk2 vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
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Common Problems & Reliability
The 2016 Ford S-MAX Mk2 has 4 known issues. 3 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair.
1.5 EcoBoost Cylinder Block Coolant Intrusion & Overheating
SeriousA structural slit between the cylinder bore liners allows engine coolant to breach the head gasket and leak directly into cylinders 2 and 3, causing engine misfires, white exhaust vapor, and fatal engine seizure.
Symptoms: Lumpy cold start idle with shaking engine, Thick sweet-smelling white smoke on startup...
Est. repair cost: £1,800–£4,500
PowerShift 6-Speed Dual-Clutch (6DCT450) Valve Body Shudder & TCM Faults
SeriousThe 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission suffers from clutch wear debris clogging internal solenoids in the mechatronic valve body, causing harsh engagement, slipping, and gearbox limp mode.
Symptoms: Violent shuddering through seat when pulling away in 1st gear, Delayed gear engagement when selecting drive or reverse...
Est. repair cost: £800–£2,200
Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Motor Drive Belt Snapping & Sudden Assist Loss
SeriousThe internal toothed belt driving the recirculating ball steering rack from the electric assist motor degrades from road spray and salt, snapping and instantly leaving the driver with heavy unassisted steering.
Symptoms: Sudden heavy steering with "Steering Assist Fault" warning message, High-pitched whirring from steering rack when turning wheel...
Est. repair cost: £600–£1,400
Panoramic Glass Sunroof Roller Blind Guide Rail Jam & Motor Strip
MinorThe cables and plastic guide runners for the electric panoramic roof roller blind jump their tracks or snap, jamming the blind in a half-open position and stripping the plastic motor drive gears.
Symptoms: Roller blind moves unevenly or catches on one side, Grinding or clicking sound from overhead console when operating blind...
Est. repair cost: £200–£550
Buying Tips for the 2016 Ford S-MAX Mk2
- Avoid early 1.5 EcoBoost petrol models (pre-2019) due to well-documented issues with coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, requiring a new engine.
- Check the Powershift automatic gearbox (if fitted to early diesels) for shuddering; later models switched to a more reliable conventional torque converter.
- Verify the SYNC 2 or SYNC 3 infotainment system works without freezing; SYNC 3 (post-2016) is highly preferred for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
- Inspect the power-folding rear seats (if optioned) to ensure the electric motors haven't failed or jammed due to trapped debris.
- Listen for clunks from the front suspension when pulling away, indicating worn MacPherson strut top mounts or lower control arms.
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