Ford S-Max recalls

23 official safety recalls for the Ford S-Max from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Emergency call system may lose functionality

    Reported May 5, 2026Model years 2020–2023DVSA recall R/2026/18112,956 vehicles affected

    The automatic and manual emergency call functions may stop working. The telematics control unit software will be updated.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update
    Defect
    Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.
    Remedy
    Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.

  2. Powertrain software update may not have installed correctly

    Reported July 7, 2025Model years 2021–2022DVSA recall R/2025/243594 vehicles affected

    The correct software update may not have installed, so the condition that can cause an under-hood fire may still exist. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
    Defect
    Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist.
    Remedy
    Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.

  3. Diesel particulate filter may crack

    Reported December 19, 2024Model years 2018–2022DVSA recall R/2025/094213,392 vehicles affected

    The diesel particulate filter may crack. The software will be updated to prevent cracking, and filters already cracked will be tested and replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
    Defect
    Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
    Remedy
    Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.

  4. Front brake hoses may leak

    Reported May 23, 2024Model years 2014–2018DVSA recall R/2026/07635,821 vehicles affected

    The front brake hoses may leak. Both front hoses will be replaced, and the hose routing and ride height sensor will be modified if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    Brake Hose Leak
    Defect
    On affected vehicles there is the possibility of the front brake hoses leaking.
    Remedy
    Replace both front brake hoses and modify the hose routing and ride height sensor if necessary.

  5. Engine failure may damage the oil sump or engine block

    Reported February 26, 2024Model years 2021–2022DVSA recall R/2023/17526,381 vehicles affected

    Engine failure may cause a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block. A software update will be applied.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    23S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue
    Defect
    Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block
    Remedy
    Software update

  6. eCall feature may stop working

    Reported July 29, 2022Model years 2022DVSA recall R/2022/23946,940 vehicles affected

    A malfunction may cause the eCall feature to stop functioning. The remedy is to replace the telecommunication module.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION
    Defect
    It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.
    Remedy
    The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced

  7. Adaptive headlamp failure may not trigger a warning

    Reported June 23, 2022Model years 2018–2022DVSA recall R/2022/1824,520 vehicles affected

    A failure in the adaptive headlamp control module may not display a warning message. The remedy is to update the instrument panel cluster software.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    A NUMBER OF VEHICLES FITTED WITH ADAPTIVE HEADLAMPS WILL NOT DISPLAY A WARNING MESSAGE
    Defect
    Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Headlamps will not display a warning message should a failure of the module that controls the Adaptive Headlamps occur.
    Remedy
    Update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software.

  8. Rear suspension toe link bolt may corrode and break

    Reported February 22, 2021Model years 2015–2020DVSA recall R/2021/00578,882 vehicles affected

    Corrosion may reduce the rear suspension toe link bolt's material and load capacity until it breaks. The bolt will be replaced with one from an alternative supplier.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK COULD CORRODE OVER TIME LEADING TO REDUCED MATERIAL AND LOAD CAPACITY AND FINALLY BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT
    Defect
    The Rear Suspension Toe Link bolt is exposed to corrosion growth which over time leads to reduced material and load capacity and finally to a breakage of the bolt.
    Remedy
    Replace the bolt utilising an alternative bolt supplier and update all affected vehicles.

  9. Driver airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported October 30, 2020Model years 2006–2017DVSA recall R/2020/013EU Safety Gate A12/01240/20659,214 vehicles affected

    The driver airbag may not deploy correctly. The driver airbag assembly will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    TAKATA AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE ON DEPLOYMENT
    Defect
    Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly
    Remedy
    Replace Driver air bag assembly

  10. Battery monitor wiring may overheat

    Reported August 29, 2019Model years 2014–2019DVSA recall R/2019/212168,462 vehicles affected

    A thermal incident may occur in the battery monitor sensor wiring. The remedy is to install a fused jumper loom in the wiring.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POTENTIAL BATTERY ACID LEAKAGE AROUND NEGATIVE TERMINAL
    Defect
    Possible thermal incident within the battery monitor sensor wiring
    Remedy
    Install a fused jumper loom into the battery monitor sensor wiring

  11. Engine cylinder head may crack and leak oil

    Reported June 14, 2019Model years 2010–2014DVSA recall R/2019/02012,078 vehicles affected

    Localised overheating may crack the cylinder head and cause a pressurised oil leak, which could lead to an engine compartment fire. A coolant level sensor will be fitted to provide audible and visual warnings and, in extreme circumstances, reduce engine power.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD MAY CAUSE THE CYLINDER HEAD TO CRACK
    Defect
    localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
    Remedy
    A coolant level sensor needs to be fitted to provide an audible and visual warning to the customer and in extreme circumstances reduce the engine power.

  12. Clutch pressure plate may fracture

    Reported February 22, 2019Model years 2016–2018DVSA recall R/2018/351EU Safety Gate A12/0028/19398,982 vehicles affected

    The clutch pressure plate may fracture, causing a smell, reduced speed and performance, or a thud or bang. Fragments could strike components under the bonnet, creating a risk of smoke and fire. Stop-start vehicles will get software that detects prolonged clutch slip and reduces engine performance; other vehicles will get an alternative clutch kit.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE COULD SUFFER CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE FRACTURE
    Defect
    A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
    Remedy
    To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.

  13. Air conditioning compressor pulley may detach

    Reported November 7, 2018Model years 2014–2018DVSA recall R/2018/21312,084 vehicles affected

    The air conditioning compressor pulley may detach. A new compressor clutch pulley will be fitted.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE LOW TORQUE CONDITION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING CLUTCH FASTENER
    Defect
    A/C Compressor pulley may become detached.
    Remedy
    On affected vehicles fit a new A/C compressor clutch pulley.

  14. Clutch pressure plate may fracture

    Reported July 16, 2018Model years 2009–2016DVSA recall R/2018/082977,592 vehicles affected

    The clutch pressure plate may fracture, causing clutch smell, reduced speed and performance, and possibly noise. Fragments could damage under-hood components and create smoke or fire risk. Stop-start vehicles will get software that detects prolonged clutch slip and reduces engine performance; other vehicles will get an alternative clutch kit.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE MAY FRACTURE
    Defect
    Affected vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
    Remedy
    To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel �Wrench light� and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.

  15. Engine overheating may crack the oil sump

    Reported March 12, 2018Model years 2015DVSA recall R/2018/053291,570 vehicles affected

    The engine control module may not detect overheating adequately. In extreme cases, overheating may breach the oil sump and cause oil loss. Revised software will improve overheat detection and add a dashboard warning and engine de-rate strategy.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    OIL SUMP MAY CRACK DUE TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING
    Defect
    The engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0L Duratorq Diesel engines. In extreme cases an overheated engine can result in a breach of the oil sump leading to loss of the engine oil.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download revised software for the control module calibration that improves overheat detection and provides an instrument cluster warning indicator to the driver and engine de-rate strategy.

  16. Headlamps may switch off without warning

    Reported June 20, 2016Model years 2014–2016DVSA recall R/2016/113EU Safety Gate A12/0768/1638,820 vehicles affected

    A lost control signal combined with a software error may switch off the adaptive LED headlamps, increasing collision risk at night. Dealers will update the software on affected modules.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    HEADLAMPS MAY SWITCH OFF WITHOUT WARNING
    Defect
    Vehicles fitted with Adaptive LED Headlamps could experience a condition where the loss of a control signal in combination with a software error may cause the headlamps to switch off. There is a risk of collision if defect happens at night.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and updated software will be loaded to the affected modules.

  17. Fuel return pipe may leak and cause a fire

    Reported September 13, 2013Model years 2012–2013DVSA recall R/2013/1035,955 vehicles affected

    Fuel may leak at the injector spill rail connection, pool on the engine or reach the road and create a skid risk. Fuel contacting hot engine parts could cause an under-bonnet fire. The spill rail and return pipe will be inspected, and the rail replaced if required.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FIRE MAY OCCUR
    Defect
    It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.
    Remedy
    Recall all affected vehicles inspect the fuel spill rail/return pipe and if required replace the spill rail with a new modified rail.

  18. Panoramic glass roof may detach

    Reported December 14, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/21614 vehicles affected

    The panoramic glass roof may not be bonded correctly and could detach. Its adhesion will be checked, and a defective roof will be removed and rebonded.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    PANORAMIC ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH
    Defect
    It has been identified that a small number of vehicles built with a panoramic glass roof may not have been bonded correctly. This could ultimately result in detachment of the panoramic glass roof.
    Remedy
    Recall all affected vehicles and check the adhesion of the roof. If found to be defective the roof will be removed and re-bonded.

  19. Brake pedal may become hard during warm-up

    Reported May 21, 2009Model years 2008–2009DVSA recall R/2009/05078,174 vehicles affected

    The vacuum pump valve may stick during engine warm-up. Repeated braking could use up stored vacuum, causing a hard pedal and longer stopping distances. A revised valve will be fitted.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    HARD BRAKE PEDAL MAY OCCUR DURING ENGINE WARM UP
    Defect
    During engine warm up it is possible that the non return valve within the vacuum pump may stick. It is possible that if sufficient brake applications are made before the valve releases the vacuum stored within the brake booster will be used up and a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances may result.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised design of non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.

  20. Panoramic glass roof panel may detach

    Reported March 12, 2008Model years 2006DVSA recall R/2008/03818 vehicles affected

    The panoramic glass roof panel may not be bonded correctly and could detach. The panel will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    GLASS ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH
    Defect
    It has been identified that the panoramic glass roof panel may not have been correctly bonded to the vehicle. Should this be the case the roof panel could detach.
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the panoramic glass roof panel renewed.

  21. Brake pedal may become hard in cold temperatures

    Reported December 5, 2007Model years 2005–2006DVSA recall R/2007/13353,916 vehicles affected

    A non-return valve in the vacuum pump may stick in low temperatures, causing a hard brake pedal. A revised valve will be fitted to the brake vacuum pump.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE HARD BRAKE PEDAL MAY OCCUR
    Defect
    Hard brake pedal may occur in low ambient temperatures which is caused by a non return valve in the vacuum pump sticking.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a revised non return valve to the brake vacuum pump.

  22. Heated windscreen earth point may cause arcing

    Reported January 10, 2007Model years 2005–2006DVSA recall R/2007/00310,306 vehicles affected

    An incorrectly tightened heated windscreen earth point may cause electrical arcing, which can scorch or burn nearby trim. The earth point will be inspected for correct installation and torque.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    HEATED WINDSCREEN EARTH POINT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED - RISK OF BURN DAMAGE TO TRIM
    Defect
    It has been identified that on subject vehicles the heated windscreen earthing point may not have been tightened to the specified torque. An incorrect torque may lead to electrical arcing and in extreme cases this arcing may cause scorching or burning of the surrounding trim components.
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the subject earthing point inspected for correct installation and torque.

  23. Fuel line may disconnect and cause engine cut-out

    Reported July 17, 2006Model years 2006DVSA recall R/2006/118418 vehicles affected

    The fuel pipe connector may not be fully secured, allowing the fuel line to disconnect, the engine to cut out and fuel to spill onto the road. The connector will be checked, and alternator cable sleeving will be modified to prevent possible contact with other components.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE CUT OUT
    Defect
    It has been identified that the fuel pipe connector between the engine fuel line and fuel tank may not be totalled secured. This may result in a disconnection of the fuel line with the possibility of engine cut out and loss of fuel onto the road surface. Whilst the vehicle is in the dealership the opportunity will be taken to carry out a slight modification to the alternator to prevent the possibility of a short circuit occurring with other components.
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the integrity of the fuel line connector checked. Additionally the alternator cable will be modified by removing a portion of sleeving that may be in contact with the end eyelet.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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