IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Ford C-MAX Mk2

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2016 Ford C-MAX Mk2. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

2
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

PowerShift Transmission Clutch Judder and Mechatronic Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Both the dry-clutch DPS6 (6DCT250) fitted to 1.6 petrol models and the wet-clutch MPS6 (6DCT450) fitted to 2.0 TDCi diesel models suffer from transmission drivability faults and internal wear. On wet-clutch diesel units, neglecting the critical 3-year or 37,500-mile transmission fluid and filter change causes contaminated fluid to clog the mechatronic valve body solenoids and clutch packs. This produces severe low-speed judder, harsh gear shifts, sudden neutral drop-outs, and transmission malfunction warnings. On dry-clutch petrol models, clutch pack glazing and transmission control module (TCM) circuit failures are common.

Est. Repair Cost: £900–£2,400
Warning Signs:

Violent shudder or hesitation when crawling away from stationary, Harsh or banging shifts between first, second, and third gears, Transmission Limited Function or Transmission Malfunction dashboard warning lamp, Refusal to engage reverse gear or slipping clutches under gentle throttle

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive thoroughly in slow crawling traffic and stop-start queues to assess clutch bite smoothness
  • Check service history for documented transmission fluid and external cartridge filter renewals every 37,500 miles
  • Shift between Park, Reverse, and Drive on level ground to ensure instant gear selection without clunking
  • Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes in the transmission control module using an OBD-II scanner
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Grand C-MAX Sliding Door Track Roller Wear and Latch Failure

ModerateBodywork & Rust

On seven-seat Grand C-MAX models, the twin sliding rear side doors rely on concealed lower roller carriages, centre hinge runners, and electronic latch actuators. In typical family use, road grit and moisture accumulate in the lower sill tracks, causing the plastic-coated roller bearings to seize and disintegrate. This leads to the heavy door dropping, jamming in its guide channel, and scraping the vehicle quarter panel paintwork. Concurrently, the internal door latch microswitches and child-safety solenoid mechanisms suffer electrical failure, triggering continuous false door ajar warnings or refusing to lock via the central locking system.

Est. Repair Cost: £140–£420
Warning Signs:

Sliding door binds, sticks, or requires excessive physical effort to open and close, Grinding or scraping noise as the door rollers travel along the lower sill track, False door open dashboard warning preventing central locking from arming, Paint gouges along the door sill runner channel from a misaligned roller carriage

What to Inspect:
  • Operate both sliding doors from fully open to latch multiple times from inside and outside
  • Visually inspect the lower roller carriage track for grit accumulation, broken nylon, or scored paint
  • Confirm the child locks engage properly and the central locking fob locks both rear sliding doors
  • Check that the door seals sit flush against the B-pillar and C-pillar without wind gaps
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2016 Ford C-MAX Mk2

  • On seven-seat Grand C-MAX models, slide both rear side doors repeatedly to ensure the lower nylon rollers glide smoothly and the latches engage without binding.
  • Check 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol models for complete service records and verify that coolant hoses and degas bottle recall work have been carried out.
  • On models fitted with the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, test for shudder when creeping forward in traffic and confirm fluid changes every 3 years.
  • Inspect 1.6 TDCi diesel models for soot buildup and injector blow-by around the cylinder head, listening for a rhythmic chuffing noise from failing copper seals.
  • Test the folding rear seat mechanisms thoroughly; ensure the outer rear seats slide and fold flat properly and the Grand C-MAX centre walk-through seat stows neatly.
Check a 2016 Ford C-MAX Mk2 by Registration