Common Problems with the Ford B-Max
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Ford B-Max and average repair costs.
Compare Ford B-Max repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday April 16 2026
6 min read
The B-Max is a small MPV built on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. It was manufactured between 2012 and 2017 but has since been discontinued due to slow sales.
This guide examines known issues with the B-Max, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: The Ford B-Max is generally a reliable small MPV, but a few known issues are worth watching for. The main ones are PowerShift automatic gearbox problems, battery drain and other electrical faults, plus wet timing belt trouble on 1.0 EcoBoost models.
What’s wrong with the Ford B-Max?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Ford B-Max automatic transmission problems
Automatic B-Max models are the ones to treat most carefully. There have been lots of complaints about the automatic gearbox, with owners reporting juddering, rattling and rough gear changes. On a test drive, the car should pull away and change gear smoothly; if it shudders or feels hesitant, it's best to walk away.
Average auto gearbox repair price: £593.72
Ford B-Max manual gearbox problems
There isn’t the same level of concern around the manual gearbox as there is with the automatic. Even so, it’s worth checking that a manual car goes into gear smoothly and doesn’t feel stiff, noisy or awkward to drive, because wear and tear can still cause problems on higher-mileage cars.
Ford B-Max battery problems
Battery trouble is a known weak spot on some B-Max models. The battery can go flat if the car isn't driven regularly, and there have also been reports of electrical faults linked to the battery and charging system. If a B-Max is slow to start, keeps needing jump-starts or shows odd electrical behaviour, it’s worth checking the battery and alternator.
Average battery replacement price: £261.51
Ford B-Max 1.0 EcoBoost problems
The main issue to be aware of on the 1.0 EcoBoost B-Max is the wet timing belt. This belt runs in oil and can break down over time, which may contaminate the oil system and lead to more serious engine damage if it isn’t dealt with early. A strong service history matters a lot on these cars, especially proof that the correct oil has been used and servicing hasn’t been missed.
Average wet belt replacement price: £893.06
Ford B-Max turbo problems
Turbo problems aren’t a defining fault across every Ford B-Max; they depend on which engine the car has. The most common concern is on some 1.0 EcoBoost petrol models, where wet belt problems can contaminate the oil system and, in turn, damage parts such as the turbo if the issue is ignored.
On turbo diesel versions, loss of power, smoke or a whining noise can also point to turbo trouble, but there isn’t strong evidence of one B-Max-specific turbo fault across the whole range.
Average turbo replacement price: £798.84
Recalls
You’ll be pleased to hear that Ford hasn’t issued any official recalls for the B-Max, proving its reliability.
Ford B-Max 2012-2017 problems
1. PowerShift automatic gearbox issues
Ford’s Powershift gearbox is notoriously problematic, especially if the fluid level hasn’t been consistently maintained throughout its lifespan. When the oil gets too low, it causes serious problems, resulting in a broken gearbox.
What repair is needed for powershift automatic gearbox issues, and how much does it cost?
The issue needs to be diagnosed first, because the fault could be caused by worn clutch packs, overheating or another gearbox-related problem. Depending on what’s wrong, the fix might be a repair or a more expensive transmission overhaul. The average price of an auto gearbox repair on FixMyCar is £593.72.
2. DPF blockage
On diesel B-Max models, DPF blockage is one of the more common issues to look out for. Like many diesels, these cars are more likely to run into trouble if they’re used mainly for short journeys, because the filter doesn’t get hot enough to clear itself properly. Typical signs include warning lights, reduced performance and the car dropping into limp mode.
This guide explains how to avoid DPF problems.
What repair is needed for a DPF blockage, and how much does it cost?
The first step is to check for fault codes and confirm whether the DPF is actually blocked. Depending on the cause, the fix could involve a regeneration, a DPF clean or further repairs if another fault has caused the blockage.
DPF cleaning costs an average of £204.86 on FixMyCar.
3. Electrical faults
Electrical issues are another known weak spot on the B-Max. UK used car reviews mention examples that won’t start if they aren’t used every couple of days, pointing to battery drain, while other guidance highlights general electrical gremlins. If a B-Max is slow to start, goes flat quickly or has odd behaviour from its windows, mirrors or heated windscreen, the battery and electrical system are both worth checking.
What repair is needed for an electrical fault, and how much does it cost?
The first step is an electrical diagnostic to work out what’s draining the battery or causing the fault. In some cases the fix may be a new battery, but the garage may also need to trace a wiring or charging-system issue. Replacing a battery costs an average of £261.51 on FixMyCar.
4. Wet belt problems
If you’re looking at a B-Max with the 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine, the main thing to watch is the wet timing belt. This belt runs in oil and can break down over time, which may contaminate the oil system and lead to bigger engine damage if it isn’t caught early. That makes service history especially important on these cars.
What repair is needed for wet belt problems, and how much does it cost?
The belt needs to be replaced at the correct interval, and if there are signs of belt wear, the oil system should be checked too. If the belt has already broken down and contaminated the oil, the repair bill can rise quickly because more than just the belt may need attention.
The average cost of a wet belt replacement on FixMyCar is £893.06.
Is the Ford B-Max reliable?
The Ford B-Max has a good reliability record overall. In the 2017 WhatCar? reliability survey, it came 1st out of seven vehicles in the MPV category, and Ford came 9th out of 32 manufacturers.
That said, it isn’t completely fault-free. The main weak spots are the PowerShift automatic gearbox, battery drain, and a few electrical gremlins, so it’s still worth checking service history and being especially careful if you’re considering an automatic.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.