Turbo failure on Ford C-Max - Scrap or repair? | Ask Honest John

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Turbo failure on Ford C-Max - Scrap or repair?

We bought a 2006 Ford C-Max 1.6 2006 three years ago for £5000. Sadly the turbo has failed for the third time! It was only replaced two months ago so we cannot face it happening again and want to replace with a more reliable car.

Whilst we really liked the size of the C-Max, we only really need space for a buggy. Should we persist with the Ford or replace it with something else? We have £6000 to spend.

Asked on 23 March 2015 by PeterBarratt

Answered by Honest John

The reason why the turbos keep failing is because whoever replaced them did not also replace the oil feed pipe to the turbo bearing. This gets choked with carbonised oil, so sufficient oil cannot reach the bearing and the bearing fails. Whenever a turbo is replaced, the oil feed pipe needs to be replaced as well. So whoever did replaced the first turbo was responsible for the subsequent failures. To replace the C-Max I'd look at Toyota Verso 1.6i and 1.8i Valvematics.

Tags: buying a used car technical issues turbo engines

Similar questions

Redress with Ford for turbo engine failure at 65,000l

Can we have redress with Ford after turbo failure at 65,000-miles for a 2007 C-Max? They have not told us why it has failed or given a sufficient explanation.

Should I get a petrol or diesel engine for driving long distances?

What is the best petrol engine concerning resale value and longevity? I'm looking to get something used, about the size of the Skoda Yeti. I'll be driving long distances and a diesel seems the best option...

Would you recommend buying a high mileage 2002 Subaru Impreza II WRX 2.0?

I've found a 2002 Subaru Impreza II WRX 2.0, 110,000 miles, fitted with the Prodrive Performance Pack (ECU reprogramming, downpipe, exhaust). Will this be a reliable engine? From the looks of it, it's...

Related models