EngineHigh
1.0 EcoBoost coolant and wet-belt issues on neglected cars
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check coolant level, look for overheating history and confirm belt work
2016 Ford Grand C-Max problems
A 2016 Ford Grand C-Max is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2016 Ford Grand C-Max is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
EngineHigh
1.6 and 2.0 TDCi DPF blockage on short-run cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for regeneration warnings and smoke under load
SuspensionMedium
Rear bushes and springs worn on loaded family cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for clonks and check rear ride height
TransmissionHigh
Juddering, hesitation, or harsh shifting from the Powershift automatic gearbox, often caused by missed fluid changes or TCM failure.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Select drive and reverse multiple times while stationary to feel for harsh clunks, then perform a low-speed pull-away to check for clutch judder.
EngineMedium
Exhaust fumes in the cabin and a rhythmic chuffing noise due to failed copper injector seals on 1.6 TDCi models.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Remove the plastic acoustic engine cover while the engine is idling. Listen for chuffing and look for black, tar-like carbon build-up around the injector bases.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
BodyworkHigh
Sliding door mechanisms and runners sticking or failing
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Open and close both sliding doors repeatedly
ElectricalMedium
Dashboard and door module faults, central locking failures
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Lock and unlock and test all door switches
InteriorMedium
Standing water in the boot floor or spare wheel well caused by degraded tailgate seals or cracked roof ditch seam sealant.
- Typically appears
- 5-8 years
- What to inspect
- Lift the boot carpet and inspect the spare wheel well for rust, dampness, or a musty smell. Check the roof seams near the tailgate hinges for hairline cracks.
Inspecting a 2016 Ford Grand C-Max?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carFord Grand C-Max · frequently asked questions
Are the sliding doors a problem?
They are the most common complaint, so test them thoroughly before listing.
Is the 1.0 EcoBoost a risk?
Cooling problems on early units can cause serious damage; check for overheating history.
Is it a genuine seven-seater?
The third row suits children and occasional use.
Does it still sell?
Yes, cheap seven-seaters with sliding doors remain in demand.
Is the Powershift automatic transmission reliable?
The dual-clutch Powershift gearbox requires strict maintenance to remain reliable. The oil and filter must be changed every three years or 38,000 miles. Neglected units are prone to clutch pack wear, sensor failures, and mechatronic unit faults, which manifest as severe juddering or total loss of drive. Always verify the service history before purchasing.
When should the timing belt be replaced on the TDCi diesel engines?
Ford officially recommends replacing the cambelt on the 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 TDCi engines every 125,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. However, many UK specialists advise shortening this interval to 80,000 miles or 8 years to mitigate the risk of premature tensioner failure or belt snapping, which causes catastrophic engine damage.