IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Ford Mondeo Mk5 (CD391)

The CD391 Mondeo reached UK showrooms in late 2014, two years after its Detroit reveal, with 1.0/1.5 EcoBoost petrols, 1.6/2.0 TDCi diesels, a 187PS hybrid and a much roomier cabin than the Mk3.

What changed for 2014

  • •CD391 hatchback, saloon and estate on the global CD4 platform
  • •1.0 EcoBoost 125PS and 1.5 EcoBoost 160PS petrol engines
  • •2.0-litre 187PS petrol-electric hybrid, Ford's first European hybrid
  • •Range-topping Vignale trim arrived in 2015 with extra sound insulation and leather

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !PowerShift dual-clutch judder and oil leaks on 2.0 TDCi automatics
  • !Rear trailing-arm bush wear causing rear-end wander and inner tyre wear
  • !Corroded rear brake pipes and subframe on salted cars
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.5 EcoBoost Cylinder Block Coolant Intrusion & Head Gasket Failure

SeriousEngine

A manufacturing groove between cylinders 2 and 3 in the open-deck engine block allows coolant to seep into combustion chambers, causing severe misfires, white exhaust smoke, and catastrophic hydraulic lock.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£4,500
Warning Signs:

Rough running and misfires on cold start that clear after 30 seconds, Sweet-smelling white smoke billowing from exhaust, Unexplained coolant loss from expansion reservoir with no external puddle

What to Inspect:
  • Check coolant level in expansion bottle and look for oily froth or sweet smell
  • Inspect service history for replacement revised engine block (short block replacement)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

PowerShift 6-Speed Dual-Clutch (6DCT450) Mechatronic Shudder & Clutch Slip

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The wet-clutch 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission suffers from clutch pack contamination and mechatronic solenoid sticking if transmission oil and filter changes exceed the mandatory 37,500-mile limit.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,200
Warning Signs:

Violent shuddering through vehicle when pulling away from a standstill, Harsh downshifts when slowing to a junction, "Transmission Limited Function" message on dashboard

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive in heavy stop-start traffic and reverse up a gentle slope
  • Check service invoices for 3-year / 37,500-mile PowerShift fluid changes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Integral-Link Trailing Arm Bush Tearing & Squeaking

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The complex multi-link rear suspension bushes split and delaminate under heavy motorway loads, causing rear-end wandering, uneven tyre wear, and annoying creaking over road undulations.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£550
Warning Signs:

Creaking or groaning noise from rear axle when going over speed bumps, Rear of car feels loose or steps out over wet manhole covers, Inner edge wear on rear tyres

What to Inspect:
  • Visually inspect rear lower trailing arm voided bushes for rubber tears or metal-on-metal contact
  • Check past MOT advisories for suspension bush play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2014 Ford Mondeo Mk5 (CD391)

  • Test the PowerShift from cold through every gear and reverse
  • Check the hybrid's high-voltage battery health and service history
  • Inspect the rear tyres for inner-edge wear from worn trailing-arm bushes
2015–2018
Check a 2014 Ford Mondeo Mk5 (CD391) by Registration