Ford makes some of the most affordable and reliable cars on the market. One of such cars is the Ford B-Max, which is an MPV. This car is small but spacious, economical, and practical. But what are the common problems that the Ford B Max comes with?
Common problems of the Ford B-Max are diesel particulate filter issues, automatic gearbox problems, battery drain problems, electrical issues, steering system issues, and faulty rear window. When compared to other cars in its class, the Ford B-Max doesn’t have a lot of problems.
What are the common problems with Ford B Max?
Automatic gearbox problems
The main problem that most Ford B-Max users have complained about is the automatic gearbox. Problems with the gearbox start as early as 20,000 miles. Some of the things that you may experience when this happens are slippage, vibrations, and different shift patterns in the MPV.
Some of the signs of a bad automatic gearbox are slipping, overheating, fluid leakage, check engine light coming on, unusual sounds, and shaking or grinding. If you notice any of these signs after hitting over 20,000 miles, just know that you have a bad automatic gearbox.
Fixing an automatic gearbox can be time-consuming and costly, but it is very important. Alternatively, you can decide to replace the entire transmission.
DPF problems
This issue is common on the Ford B-Max fitted with the 1.5-liter engine. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) starts to develop problems when it has been shut off partway through the regeneration process. This causes contamination of the oil system with fuel, causing oil levels to rise slowly. As a result, it can cause damage to the engine.
Another DPF problems are that the DPF becomes clogged. This is common across Ford models. However, this can be avoided through regular cleaning. But if the DPF is damaged or worn out, you will have to replace it.
Steering system problems
Another problem that Ford B-Max users should expect to undergo is the steering system having issues. The steering may be hard to turn or not very responsive. This is normally caused by leaking power steering fluid. Other reasons may be worn-out power steering belts or the contamination of power steering fluid.
To fix this issue, you will have to start by checking the steering fluid. Ensure the car has the ideal fluid level and if the fluid level is low, refill it. But if the steering pump is damaged or cracked, you may have to replace it for a smooth operation.
Battery drain problem
Several users have reported battery drain on their Ford B-Max. Most of the cases were because of electrical failure in the car. So, before you conclude that you have a bad battery, check if the electronics in your car are functioning well. Besides, some people forget to turn off the electrical that ends up draining the battery.
Faulty rear windows
Some Ford B-Max users have reported having a faulty rear window. As a result, closing or opening the window becomes troublesome. The main cause of this problem is faulty window seals. Since the window seals are not properly installed, they can become defective as they age. So, you will have to replace the bad window seals with new ones.
Electrical problems
The main cause of electrical problems on the Ford B-Max is the quickly draining battery. So, if the battery becomes drained, some electrical parts will be affected. As a result, you may end up with a blown fuse, wiring problems, and so on. Always ensure that the battery on your Ford B-Max is always charged to avoid most of these problems.
FAQ
Is the Ford B Max reliable?
Yes, the Ford B-Max is a very reliable car. It is among the few Ford models with less than 200 complaints. Besides, the cost of parts and service is cheap, meaning that you won’t have to spend a lot to maintain this car. Most reliability agencies give this car a rating of above-average reliability, which is also good.
Is Ford B Max expensive to maintain?
No, the Ford B-Max is one of the cheapest Ford models to maintain. Its spare parts are cheap and so is the service. Besides, there are a few complaints about the car, meaning that it does not break down often. On top of that, it has low fuel economy and inexpensive road tax.
Is the Ford B-Max a small car?
Yes, Ford B-MAX is a supermini MPV. Despite being a small car, this car is more spacious than most cars in its class. Thanks to its raised design that provides more room for people and cargo. It is one of the best small MPVs on the market as it’s very practical. So, you can carry more than an average MPV.
Why did Ford stop making Ford B-Max?
Ford stopped making the Ford B-Max because it was not very profitable. Ford had announced earlier that it will continue to discontinue unprofitable models and replace them with profitable models. The Ford B-Max was one of those models. However, the owners of this car are very satisfied and happy with their purchase.
How long does the Ford B-Max last?
Even though the Ford B-Max has not been on the market for long, it is one of the most durable supermini MPVs. For the past decade that this car has been in existence, users have reported fewer problems, making it very reliable. So, the Ford B-Max should lock over 200,000 miles if it’s maintained well.
Summary
The Ford B-Max is a wonderful supermini MPV with a spacious interior and functional sliding doors, and it’s very practical. On top of that, this MPV is fuel-efficient, reliable, and comes with tons of safety features. Despite having many nice features, the Ford B-Max also comes with some problems that interested buyers should be prepared to deal with.
All in all, this is a nice and affordable car that small families will love to have. It is very economical and cheap to own. However, its initial price is slightly higher than that of its competitors.