Ford Focus C-MAX road tests and consumer car reviews

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.8 Zetec 2004

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst car I have ever bought! I traded in a Ka and Mondeo, which I’d owned from new as I thought my expanding family would be better in a car designed for a family. After 100 trouble-free miles the bonnet lock decided to pack in. Not much of a problem unless you do plenty of miles and need to check your levels regularly! Next one was the good old engine warning light. The car spent 3 weeks in a garage and still came out ’broken’ after having amassed a bill of £700 - just for diagnostics! After replacing various sensors and resetting the light the problem still persisted. Fuel economy was down from a pathetic 380mile range to 250miles! Turns out the fuel pump was knackered after 36000miles!! £300 from ’Fraud’ and my fingers are crossed. As soon as the HP is up I’ll be switching to something Japanese. I almost feel sorry for whoever buys my car from me.

Ford Focus C-MAX Titanium Auto 2.0 ltr Petrol 2008

I bought this C-Max 2,0 tr Auto Titanium after having driven Ford galaxy for over 10 years. No comparison to the Galaxy, but still a very nice car to drive. The economy is not very good, and is worse than my previous 2,3 ltr Petrol Manual. Not sure yet on the overall reliability of the C-Max as I drove Galaxy for the 10 years and never submitted to Dealership for Warranty Work. The C-Max suffered an Engine Malfunction after 6000 miles, requiring a replacement Throttle Body which incorporated an elecronic switch.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2000 Diesel 2003

This is the biggest load of rubbish I have had the misfortune to buy. I bought the car second hand from a main Ford dealer and immediately had problems of sluggish turn over of engine coupled with flat battery if left for more than two days. After several visits to the dealership and leaving car for three days I was told it was the radio; a second hand one was fitted but did not seem to cure the problem. The clock kept going wrong. The cold weather set in, same old problem, fitted new battery under 90 percent warranty. still vehicle struggles to turn over to start. Thr vicious flywheel went causing a tremendous noise and I’ve had to have a new clutch fitted at same time, six hundred pounds plus fitting. Mileage thirty two thousand. several no throttle responses, I’ve had to change the valve in the exhaust manifold. No power assistance on cold mornings from the brakes, solid brake pedal, which I have ignord and has put itself right. Power steering fault keeps coming up on dash read out, which I ignore. Rear tailgate leaks water in to the boot when lifted all of which was fixed under warranty but it’s still leaking. The washer pump packed in another twenty five quid and fitted it myself. Now to continue not charging new alternator required , another three hundred quid plus fitting. This is the first car in my life that I will feel guilty about selling to some poor unsuspecting sole. This car has still only done forty thousand miles. WHAT NEXT?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCI Zetec 2004

Bought as had two small kids and wife needed mini MPV. Great boot, great when rear seat for kids when converted to a two seater, great long distance tourer, great performance and handling and comfort, so fast for a diesel minivan. BUT..soooo many breakdowns due to electrical and alternator issues, 3 faulty heated windscreens, faulty air con on long driving holidsay in baking conditions, dodgy time changing clock. Just had to get rid as too many breakdowns Disappointing as other car was a W reg Focus owned from new to 8 years old and never had an issue. Howeve, I will never have another Ford oand despite the dullness of the drive I am now a Toyota driver.

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.8 2004

After 2 weeks of purchasing the vehicle was loosing power & the engine management light was on, it also sufferd a intermitent starting fault. The vehicle was with the local Ford dealer for 1 entire month. They diagnosed & replaced the fuel pump I almost forgot I had the car. I still have a starting problem when pumping the accelerator pedal the car will then start but still suffers lack of power & now the alternator has failed the car has only covered 36000 miles. A local repairer has diagnostic equipment but it never pulls up any fault codes, I thought this would be a good family car having 2 young children sadly we have spent more time in courtesey cars & walking

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

Less than a year ago we bought our Ford Focus Zetec Max and have suddely found out that the automatic gear box needs replacing. When we bought it, it was only three and a half years old(first registered in May 2005) and also had just over 17,000 on the clock. On looking at our receipt and guarantee etc., typically it showed just a six month guarantee!!!! So we didn;t qualifiy. This is a second car as we have a first family car and my husband uses the focus just to travel to and from his soccer school locally and also to and from our local train station. We havn’t done many miles in the past 10/11 months since purchasing it. Jermyns our local Ford dealership where we bought it have quoted £4000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!to put a new auto gear box in. My husband has protested on the grounds that we cant believe that only having bought it this year, it should cost us so much that we seriously think it would financially not be worth our while paying such a high amount. So far Jermyns havn’t been that helpful to our cause. We have bought 2 previous car from them. They’ve suggested a part exchange deal (out of, as they say good will gesture). We feel that this gear box must have already been on it’s way out when we purchased it and are not happy at all. Clearly if we had done many more miles within the six month guarantee it would have shown the fault but due to such low mileage it’s happened outside this warrenty period.

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec 2006

Hi, just had had my C-Max back from the garage after it suffered a power failure whilst driving, engine management light on etc., etc. It has had a new coil pack and spark plugs put on and all seemed fine. I drove away from the garage and bugger me if 200 yards down the road everything failed, engine revs dropped,power steering failed and all the dash lights came on. It turns out that the power switch that goes to the side of the coil pack wasn’t in properly, and when i went over a speed bump it lost connection but did’t actually come out. Just a thought for all the others out there with a similiar problem of which there seems quite a few. Fingers crossed

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCI Zetec 2008

I have had a variety of Fords over the years; Sierra, Orion, Mondeo and latterly a Focus 1.8TDCI Ghia. My C Max is the best of the bunch - Love it!

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec 1800 2009

A great car, the 1800 has enough power for a 6th gear - high revving on motorway, economy affected by this. Come on Ford - give customers the choice.

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 TDCI Ghia 2004

I’ve had the car from 1 year old . It’s now done 64000 miles. I love the way the car drives, the room, and very poky engine. However, I am trading it in for a Honda as can not afford the constant repair bills. I have had the EGR problem from when I had it, Ford tweaked it, but it still has flat spot around 1900 revs, but I learned to live with it. Its had a new alternator (£350), brake pads don’t last long, especially the rear ones, new brake disks, it’s very heavy on tyres and I do not buy budget ones, even the back ones wear out quickly. I just had it serviced and a set of 4 tyres was £450.00. I was also told that both front wheel bearings needed replacing costing £200.00 each. The injector seals needed replacing - this is why I have a smell in cab - at a minimum cost of £300.00 but could be up to £900.00 if there are complications. I was going to purchase a new C-Max but will now be trading in for a reliable Honda.

Responses to this review

My 2004 1.6 has fumes inside the car again. Another injector seal needing replacement, the second, costing £155 to replace. This seems to be a common problem and I was wondering about taking it up with Ford? - John Hunter from Lanarkshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCI Ghia

This is the worst car I have ever owned, with problem after problem. I bought the car from new and as soon as I drove the car of the forecourt the engine management light came on, resulting in a 3 hour wait, a missed ferry and a hotel bill which Ford refused to pay for. Since, I’ve had problems with the gear box which was fixed under warranty after a big argument, battery, alternator, washer jets, brake calliper and the now the car rarely starts first time, if at all sometimes and it regularly cuts out, as in just switches itself of while your driving down the road. It’s happened to me on a roundabout and on the motorway, usually if you wait a minute then start the car again it fixes the problem but all the same... Don’t go near these things, they will cost you a fortune and are death traps.

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 Zetec 2003

Have read all the reports, am I lucky ?? Got the car from new 2003 from Gates of Harlow, we still have the car in 2009. Problems ?? Window would not go up in 2003 since then... not one thing to report. Miles run up 97,000, it’s gettting a bit "tired" now and we are thinking of a change but... we love the C-Max . Did 1,700 miles in one weekend down to Roma & back, the C-Max did not miss a beat. Sorry guys, we must be lucky??

Responses to this review

Hello David. Just wondered what the problem was with your window? Was it the motor or something else? Thanks Richard - Richard H from England

Richard, In answer to your question, it was the window motor which was at fault, "just one of those things" Gates said at the time. 2010 will see I think ,the s-max on the drive if all is well - David Russell from Essex

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 TDCI LX 2004

Pile of rubbish... Engine replaced after 40,000 under warranty, now I’m having the same faults with this engine (out of warranty). Engine looses power randomly, no fault codes or engine management lights show up on the dash. Sometimes pulling over and restarting the engine cures this problem but sometimes it doesn’t and I have to continue the journey with no power and struggling to get up to 3,000 rpm. (limp/safe mode) POWER STEERING!!!! Where to start. Useless and a down right death trap. My model has the electronic power steering pump, and a can barely turn the steering from centre when going round a corner, then all of a sudden BAM, power steering kicks in and I look like a drunk driver as the car suddenly decides to turn.... More severe on right hand turns than left hand turns. This has had Ford totally stumped and said it could cost up to £2000 to have fixed! What a joke. Totally hate this car, OK it might have useful boot space and nice headroom in the back but be prepared for it to fall apart as you drive it. Ford are crummy cars with shocking build quality, customer relations are equally appalling and I will NEVER buy a Ford again. The C-Max should be taken off the road by VOSA...

Responses to this review

Becci, the same steering problem has happened to me, I have actually taken the car off road on a sharp corner before now and agree that it is very dangerous. I took it to two different garages and both said that they couldn’t fix it ’til it properly broke!! This is all after I had to have the EGR valve replaced, four new tyres and the air con sorted...I have two small children and certainly can’t afford to spend £2000 on repairing the steering, am stuck with it for now - Clare Baxter from Bedfordshire

Ford Focus C-MAX 2000cc TDci. 2006

Great car. Pros: I pull a caravan and have been impressed with its power. The more weight you put on the back, the better it pulls! Very smooth and comfortable with plenty of acceleration. Economy (solo) can be as high as 60 mpg but for general motoring I expect to maintain the high 40s. Exceptionally manoeuverable and easy to drive. Very versatile luggage space. Cons: Can be heavy on front tyres and I have an expensive air con problem to get sorted.

Ford Focus C-MAX

I just logged on to find out more about mpg on this car and can’t believe what I’m hearing. This happened to me after having the car for 2 months; the car just cutting out. The ngr valve was replaced and touch wood it hasn’t happened again, has anyone experienced the clock keep changing time?

Responses to this review

There is a software fix for the clock but, as always, Ford will charge you for the update! - Jon from Cheshire

YES !!! Clock changes for no reason (always has done). I've had the C-Max from new 2003-2009 and I just put up with it... - David Russell from Essex

Yes, I forgot to add in my review that my clock changes also. Ford have no idea why (no surprises there really) so I’ve just lived with it... Becci from Kent

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6tdci zetec automatic

Having driven back to London from Lancashire I parked the car outside my partners house. When I came to go out later on whenever I put the car into gear and released the foot brake the engine would stall; after several attempts I resorted to placing the auto box in neutral and revving the bollox off it, then placing it back into drive. This seemed to clear the problem until the other day, whilst driving at 30mph in central London the engine decided to stall. Any clues to what is happening?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCi 2005

My daughters car purchased from new in 2005 and has been fault free until six months ago, began with engine cutting out, not starting, loss of power steering & ABS - cause alternator, but as car out of warranty, had to pay up. Latest fault is problems starting and loosing power, press accelerator and no response, pumping accelerator eventually gets revs up followed by a big cloud of black smoke. I’ve read on other reports about EGR valve being replaced. Dealership are at a loss, but say bring it in and we can put it on the diagnosis computer at £75 / hour and maybe we can fix it! Very disappointed with Ford Customer Services response to what is clearly a problem but as a retired Ford employee I’m not surprised, remember the Firestone tyre debacle - cost Ford billions.

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec 16 TDCi. 2006

Owned car for two years, 6m, not one problem must b lucky. 0nly one thing is the paint, mine is black scratches as soon as you look at it.

Responses to this review

Black looks good but shows dirt and scratches easily, try grey next time - hides everything well. - Amy from London

Ford Focus C-MAX 2006

1825mm - yes, that’s the width of the C-MAX. Now you try and find a car that wide, that cheap. Well, I couldn’t, especially as I wanted a TD auto. So began the investigations. Horror story after horror story, and yet the "What Car?" types give accolade after accolade. "As good as the Focus!" they say, and then you turn over to page 2, and read through the customer complaints. I come from Impreza country, and Focus’s are fodder to be ignored as a complete waste of effort. I shall now adopt this philosophy with the C-MAX BEFORE buying it. I am sorry for those who have, as clearly, once again, myriads are duped and manipulated into directions they all wished they had never gone. I am buying a Volkswagen Caravelle, where others can breathe my exhaust fumes beneath me, and in thirty years time, I can drive past the rust ridden graveyards of former Dagenham Dustbins, no doubt with over 400,000 miles on the clock, and a breakdown free history. One thing I can certainly claim, is that Caravelle’s will always grow old gracefully, whereas the C-MAX will be retired before it’s middle-aged, with so many ailments, the National Health Service will never be able to keep it alive. But then, it doesn’t deserve it, does it. It’s a cheap vehicle, built with a cheap outlook with cheap support and backup. Interestingly, Ford equates to: Fodder Others Regret Driving = FORD.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

NEVER EVER BUY A C-MAX! This is the worst car I have ever encountered, mine has had a new engine at 48,000mls, the power steering has failed on numerous occasions and now the car is making a strange rattling sound when you take your foot off the accelerator. Don’t know what it is not investigated yet so if anyone has experienced the same problem please comment. I bought this car because I needed a large car, but I didn’t want the huge people carrier! I wish I had now because this car is a death trap!!! All us C-MAX drivers should go to trading standards because we’ve been ripped off. I paid £18000 and have spent at least 8,000 to keep it road worthy. The problems just keep coming!!!!!!!

Responses to this review

Hi Helen, just read your report just to see if anyone had the same probs as us? Yes my steering failed along with abs engine management system then wouldn't start, went into safe mode, but what i was really interested me was that my cmax also rattles when i take my foot off the accelerator. It's been into my local Ford dealer for 2 weeks they don't know what it is, so it's in the hands of trading standards as we havent had the car for too long. So sorry i can't help but your are not alone, never had a Ford before now, my wife wont drive it or put the kids in it. I will tell my Ford dealer about your problems as well!! - Shaun Akers from Norfolk

My car didn’t even get out the garage as had power steering probs, since then it has had the same problem 3 times, broke down again xmas eve, I AM going to trading standards on Tuesday as this car is a death trap. I have a disabled child and the car was purchased so as to not have to worry about breaking down, it hasn’t even done 4000 miles yet!! - Tracy Jones from Middlesex

Ford Focus C-MAX TDCDI LX 2004

I bought this car from my local Ford dealership. It was the manager’s car and I purchased it when it was one year old. The past few years I have enjoyed the car with very few problems. But over the last few months it has started to give problems. I have just received it back from the dealer after spending £340 having a new EGR valve fitted. This has not cured the problem which is lack of acceleration (almost cutting out) and very "lumpy" driving in all gears. Happy to hear of similar experiences and hopefully solutions.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2l TDCi Zetec 2007

This is my second new TDCi C Max. I drove Citroens for years so it was a big decision to buy Ford. I tow and found that it had more pulling power. I had no problems with the first, but 4 weeks after I got this one. It was on the back of a tow truck heading west to Angouleme in west France. having stopped and failed to restart. I had it back in three days with the computer "reset" Two weeks later, whilst still in France it stopped again, but as I’d kept the engine running, but no acceleration, it regained its power before the breakdown service arrived. It was checked out at the dealer on my return but no problem was found. In April 2008 on my return from SW Scotland I lost the power assisted steering and was lifted home. A new unit was fitted on warranty. In October it went again, but I was able to drive it the short distance home and borrow my wife’s car to continue on my necessary journey. The following day it had corrected itself and when checked at the dealership, no fault was detected. This occurred again in December following heavy rain. This was outside my brother’s home and the problem had again cleared by the following morning. Nothing more frustrating that an intermittent fault, or is there... On January 30th, the day after another visit to Scotland, I put the car through an intensive car wash. After parking up, I found that the steering had again failed. I was in the supermarket car park with a boot full of shopping, which my wife had to take home by taxi while I awaited roadside assistance. It was taken to the same dealer where it remains. I like the model, but hate my model. I suppose my real gripe is with Ford Customer Relationships, itself an interesting expression. I use my car during the course of my work and my wife has her own car for her convenience, but mainly to visit her mother daily in a nursing home. I contacted Ford on their 0845 number and requested the use of a rental car at their expense. I was told that they could not do this without a diagnosis. My diagnosis is that my car is unusable through no fault of mine and is in need of specialised repairs. The dealer is unable to determine the fault and following contact with Ford engineers and following their advice have been unable to find the fault. My dealership has no car available, so we re-contacted Ford CR today to be told. No diagnosis, no car! This took 25 minutes to go nowhere, a little like my car you may think. I have no real understanding of car mechanics, but it did occur to me to mention that my car had been very wet on two of the occasions and they may look at water egress. My dealer says I can have a car for the weekend and then again from Tuesday next. I am going on, but I’m not expecting a "diagnosis" until after then! I am fortunate that we have a second vehicle that I have been able to use to carry on my work, or else I would have had to hire at my expense. Apart from the inconvenience and frustration, I realise that the whole set up is a bit of a sham and that customer care, once you have purchased a pig, doesn’t really exist. I will soon be changing my car and this whole experience of Ford apathy and lack of anything that resembles customer care, means that I will return to Citroen as my preferred option. I suppose the truly saving grace is that this has only happened whilst stationery or at very slow speed.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCi ZETEC 2006

Do not buy this car - if you are unlucky enough to own one - get rid of it before it kills you, your family or an innocent third party. Strong words, why so damming you may ask? Last week, my wife was driving our children home on a dark country road when without any warning what-so-ever, her C-Max power assisted steering and ABS brakes simultaneously failed. I am not talking about heavy steering here - the brake peddle went hard and the steering wheel would not move more than 10 to 15 degrees from centre. Fortunately my wife was cool headed enough to eventually bring the car to a halt from around 35mph before careering into a ditch or having a "head-on" with an on-coming articulated lorry. The cause was a faulty alternator - replaced under warranty - only after a blazing row with Ford Customer Relations.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Was sold a 6 month old demo c-max at polar ford in thirsk. Was all good until we were on holiday in Wales, halfway up a hill when we lost power and the car cut out! After 10 minutes it started up fine and had no more problems. Then, with our 3 month old daughter in the back of the car on a very busy motorway the c-max cut out again at 70mph! We managed to pull over without causing an accident! After contacting the dealership we purchased from we were advised "it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about".....how stupid do Ford think we are?! Needless to say we sold the car within the following 6 months........and lost a grand total of £6000! We bought the car when they had just been brought out and cost a very pricey £12,000 - £13,000. We now have a Mondeo and in all honesty I think Ford customer services is total rubbish. We have just found out that we were sold a vehicle with no paint and perforation warranty because "the previous owner never had the paintwork checked and the service history book stamped for it ". I will next be purchasing a Vauxhall!

Ford Focus C-MAX Titanium 2008

Ready to buy the 1.8 Titanium. The test drive proved very informative. Living in a hilly urban area driving through crowded streets was an 8 out 10 rating. Open road the same. My main gripes are cosmetics. After about 7-8 miles I was constantly changing `cheeks’ on the very firm driving seat. Also... considering the Titanium is only second to the top models the trim options are extremely poor with only 2 choice colours (Non Metallic) but plenty as `optional extras’. Worse... there is only one choice of upholstery trim and that’s a dull grey black. Cheap Skate FORD.

Ford Focus C-MAX Ghia 2004

Hey - I had a C-Max auto....never again! Transmission Failure warning came on but nothing seemed wrong with the car. The garage (Hartwels Oxford) had it for over a week - chased them every day with no response. Finally the cost to replace a faulty (something) £2,000. What - but the car drives fine. Yes we agree but ’computer says no!’ Where are the real engineers - all they tell me is a fault code and present a massive bill - oh and £90 /hr labour........my solicitor would be cheaper to employ. Cack cack cack!

Ford Focus C-MAX FORD FOCUS 2000LTR TDI 2004

I have a c-max and have just taken it in to a Ford garage, engine management light came on, diagnostic said the EGR valve needed replacing. Only £325 to replace. It might be nearly 4 years old but it has only 17,000 on the clock. Customer service just say pay and will look into it for you. Does it really take 2 hours to fit? Oh and they gave me the the technical depart telephone number but no one answers. Why have Ford not sorted this problem out. My car too has cut out whilst driving along, very dangerous, garage then said car was ok back then. Who will be responsible if it causes an accident?

Ford Focus C-MAX 2004

Just a note to say modified egr valves have been fitted from about March 06 so together with modified software should cure problem. Valve has to be programmed by Ford ids though but there are many independents that have the kit now... I have and i know others have too. Regards

Ford Focus C-MAX C-Max 2.0 litre diesel 2003

I have a Ford C-Max 2.0 litre diesel and I am very disappointed with the car. After a year of buying the car I started having problems with the power. The car started losing power for no reason while driving. I have taken the car back to Ford dealer three times already and they replaced lots of parts but I still have the same problem. This happened while still under warranty and even after three attempts Ford dealer still cannot tell me what is wrong with it.

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec 2004

My C-MAX 2.0ltr diesel is in for a service with a Ford dealer. I had told them about the lack of power in the car and smoke coming out of it when the car is turned off. They have just phoned me to say that the Egr valve is faulty on the car, the cost to me to have it fitted by Ford is £400. This is the last straw, I have had this problem with this car on and off over the last 3 years and it’s only done 26,000 miles. Ford never found the problem until it was out of warranty, funny that. Money talks. Come on Ford, do the right thing.

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec Diesel 2007

Expected to buy car tomorrow but read the faults submitted and I may not. Thanks for your comments, it was going to be a 1.6 as there would normally be only two of us in the car but would now consider a 1.8 or is it 1.9 Have they put the faults right on the 05/06/07 cars, or even the 08 plate, no answer no buy.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCi Zetec 2004

I really like this car - does everything I need and drives really well, but... I’ve also had similar problems to others. After 1 year the EGR valve stuck and it let me down a few times before Ford admitted a problem. The symptoms were that the car started fine but didn’t restart after a short journey - if it hadn’t had time to warm up properly. Having sorted this, I then had a problem with it losing all power at speed on the moterway with a baby in the back and massive wagon’s up my backside. Ford’s computer said ’no’ so Ford told the dealer to hand the car back with no action. I complained to Ford and got a smooth ’not our problem’. I have now got starting problems again and been let down again this morning. Car now out of warranty. TIP from AA man. Carry a rubber mallet. Take off the engine cover (I now leave mine off) and tap the aluminium pipe to the right of the engine as you look at it, somewhere along the middle of it. This frees the valve and the car starts. Not a permanent solution, but has got me going when I’ve been stuck. Planning to sell but still love the car...

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6 TDCI 2006

I bought this car in August 2007 and since December have had the most aggravating experience of my life. The car started cutting out for no reason while driving and the first three times the Ford dealer in Edinburgh just re-set the computer and told me it was fine. The fourth time, after they couldn’t find the fault, I looked on the forums and read about the faulty EGR valve causing these kinds of problems. The next day after I told the garage this, they miraculously said that the EGR valve needed changing. I waited a week for them to do this, and then a few days after getting the car back, I got stranded at Prestwick airport with the same problem and had to get towed back to Edinburgh. So the car is now in for the FIFTH time and four times the AA have had to tow me to the garage. Ford will not provide any replacement vehicle for me so I have had to hire a car four times which has cost me several hundred pounds. Now- they say that the EGR valve they fitted last week must have been faulty too!!!!! and have ordered another one. Because they don’t know how long it will take to come in, Ford still will not help me out with any vehicle hire!!! Both the dealer and Ford customer services have been very, very abysmal and as soon as they tell me the car is repaired I will trade it in at the same garage as I have no confidence in Ford or Ford Customer Services whatsoever.

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6TDCi Zetec Auto 2004

Purchased the car second hand from Seniors of Market Harborough. First noticed problem after 4 or 5 weeks when the car lost power at 1700 - 2000 revs when starting off. When the power kicked in there was a putter of black smoke coming out of the exhaust. Quite disconcerting! The car went back under warranty and eventually had its computer ECU updated by the local Ford dealer, they hoped this would fix the problem. It didn’t! And whilst I was finding this out, I had one of those power losses which Ford call ’get you home mode’. Fortunately I had just got off a dual carriageway when this happened as it only allows you to go at 20mph. Back to Ford main dealer again on 19th December 2007, they have changed the transmission fluids, checked the wiring and generally cleaned up. However, another test drive showed that the problem is still there. It has now been suggested that the EGR valve needs changing. I am now waiting for Seniors to decide if they want to pay out any more or exchange. C Max has lost all of my confidence. Seniors have been brilliant. They have given me a loan car for the whole period. Cannot praise them enough. But it is now the 12th February 2008 and I am still C Max less.

Ford Focus C-MAX Zetec Diesel Auto 2004

Thought I had the perfect car until it lost power randomly. A really frightening experience. Bought from a car supermarket under warranty. The fiddled with it, had it back three times and then finally sent it to Fords who have had another three attempts. Nearly 4 weeks and still no car. Surely Ford knows about this fault as it’s well documented. My first Ford and hopefully my last.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2ltr ghia tdci 2004

only had it 2 months, 70000 miles on clock, no rds on radio, known fault, back door started to open itself, scary, back window shades don’t retract too good, apart from these minor details this c max is comfortable and very fast, just started with electronic handbrake fault too, doesn’t come off on first push of switch, takes 2 or 3 goes, Japanese equivalents far better, inside and out, but ford engine is better, had a galaxy for 10 years before this and it knocked the spots off the c max

Ford Focus C-MAX 2005

very interesting to read Michael Williams’s report regarding fear factor with his C-Max I have had my 2.00TDCI Ghia for one year having bought it from Brooklyn Ford Evesham. First year only driven by their manager. First time it happened I took it in and because their was no computor indication of the fault they couldn’t find anything, second time they still couldn’t but suggested it was the air filter which they changed, lasted a week before it happened again. Usually it happens when pulling away however last Monday it happened five times and then at 60mph on the motorway and then last Friday and as I had free road in front of me I tested to see how long it would last for before coming off the accelerator( which cures the problem , almost immediately ) and it stayed at 15mph for 500 metres. Back in to Ford this week and hopefully this information will solve the problem....I await in anticipation

Ford Focus C-MAX 2007

I’m really surprised to find continuously on the Net reports about this car.As an owner I’ve never had any real problems with my 2.0TDCi C-max.As a matter of fact I’ve started to believe that all this kind of malfunctions appears to cars made in G.B. I clearly remember that before ordering my car I asked them where it’s been made and the answer was "Colonia,Germany."I’m really sorry to believe this but till now all bad reports come from U.K. However,those men in Ford should have do ne something in order to save the company’s good profile.Looking forward to read any comments on my report. Dimitris, Hellas

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCi

Been caught out in some hairy situations, very dangerous pulling into traffic - engine has died no power , has not stalled and power returns pumping accelerator. Spoken to a collegue had the same problem. After two years of investigation, turned out to be the ’air mass sensor after the air filter housing’ . My vehicle currently with Ford to see if they can resolve problem, have informed Ford have to wait and see if they take any notice - would appear to be an inherent fault!

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.8 TDCi Titanium

The all New Ford C-MAX. Yes, now this is suprising. Never liked the styling on previous models however Ford pushed the boat out with the new one! The Drive was great however even the new car had it’s squeaks and rattles, the Titanium has all the specification one needs and excellent functionality. Being a fan of Diesel cars the 1798 Diesel Engine is the one for me. I think all Ford Diesels are excellent value for money! Titanium specification includes: 17in Multi Spoke Alloys, Air Conditioning, Anti Lock with EBD, Driver Airbag, Electric Park Brake, Fr + Rr Velour Mats, Front Foglamps, Immobiliser, Overhead cons+mirror, Ovrhd Cnsl Wth RrObs, Passenger Airbag, Passenger Seat Adj, Power Rear Windows, Quickclear, Rear Head Restraints, Remote Locking, Side Curtain A/Bag, Solid Paint, Sony Aud/Sngl Slt CD, Sony CD, Span Cloth Upholstry, Split Rear Seat, Volume Sensing Alarm. For full details on this vehicle please got to the Manufacturers site and or visit you local Ford Dealer. Working in Car Finance ’Acorn’. I will say this vehicle offers great value for money when looking at Finance Packages too.

Ford Focus C-MAX 2.0 TDCi Ghia

In general, I've found this a comfortable car with plenty of power if needed. The 136bhp 6 speed engine is lively and has considerably more power than the 1.8 model. Incidentally, I test drove the 1.6 and found it underpowered and sluggish (I have a 1.6 Focus for comparison) - I wouldn't recommend this engine size in the Cmax.

Good points:
Exciting engine, pretty good economy (45.2mpg average), the rear sliding seat system is very useful, a large boot and lots of toys including voice recognition, auto lights, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, electronic handbrake, bluetooth, decent stereo etc (note some of these are non-standard extras)

Bad points:
-Unsurprisingly with a higher centre of gravity, it doesn't corner as well as the Focus (which is excellent). However, that said, it is considerably better than I thought it would be and better than many lower cars such as the Peugeot 307.
-The auto wipers even on the most sensitive setting are sometimes not sensitive enough.
-The electronic handbrake takes some getting used to. If it thinks you are on a hill it won't let you take it off unless you depress the foot brake. This requires a new style of hill start where you achieve the biting point without the use of the accelerator. Fortunately the engine / clutch are more than capable of holding it on the hill (and indeed pulling off) without the use of the accelerator. Achievable, but as I said, it takes some getting used to.
-In 6months and 8000miles I've had one fault: The voice recognition unit packed up and was replaced under warranty.

One final point is that before purchasing I read many forums and one common fault with the Cmax relates to some cars frequently stalling when pulling off. I think I may have test driven one car with the fault as I stalled it 3 times in 2miles. Be aware of this on any test drive and don't purchase one with this fault as the forums suggest that Ford don't know how to correct it.
In general, I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend it.

Ford Focus C-MAX 1.8 Zetec

Good Points - Seating, room, comfort(5*), driving fun, gearchange, suspension.

Bad points - lots of interior rattles, leak into boot not covered under warranty (12 months only for leaks!!), quality of paintwork. Stalls easily & difficult to start in hot weather.

Overall - if the quality was upto the driving experience and comfort I'd give 5 stars.

Ford Focus C-MAX

Although this is a good size family car with lots of gadgets, I feel you could get more for your money on something else.From new I have also experienced a clutch problem where it had to be replaced with less than 2k miles on clock! The same problem has since come back with still less than 10k miles.Dealer has hinted this is not the first time this problem has been reported on the c-max.