My Garage

Popular searches

Safety recalls

Ford S-Max safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Ford S-Max since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the Ford S-Max. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
23 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 23 launched 2006 to 2026
  • Most recent 5 May 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/181
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 15 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2018 3 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your Ford S-Max?

Not every Ford S-Max is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

Ford S-Max recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 2006 to 2026

2018 had the most, with 3. 2026 runs to 14 September 2026. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

Ford S-Max safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’06 1
’07 2
’08 1
’09 1
’10 1
’11 0
’12 0
’13 1
’14 0
’15 0
’16 1
’17 0
’18 3
’19 3
’20 1
’21 1
’22 2
’23 0
’24 3
’25 1
’26 1

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every Ford S-Max recall, newest first

2026 1 recall

Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update

Launched 5 May 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/181 Manufacturer ref. 26C13

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.
Vehicles affected
67 S-Max vehicles
Built
20 Nov 2020 to 27 Mar 2023

2025 1 recall

25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Launched 7 July 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/243 Manufacturer ref. 25S54

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.
Vehicles affected
21 S-Max vehicles
Built
24 Nov 2021 to 2 Nov 2022
Also covers

2024 3 recalls

X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Launched 19 December 2024 DVSA recall R/2025/094 Manufacturer ref. 24E06

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.
Vehicles affected
4,642 S-Max vehicles
Built
15 Jun 2018 to 15 Mar 2019, 20 Mar 2019 to 14 Jan 2020 and 15 Jan 2020 to 26 May 2021, and 3 other periods

Brake Hose Leak

Launched 23 May 2024 DVSA recall R/2026/076 Manufacturer ref. 22B44

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.
Vehicles affected
7,510 S-Max vehicles
Built
4 Dec 2014 to 3 Oct 2018

23S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue

Launched 26 February 2024 DVSA recall R/2023/175 Manufacturer ref. 23S27

Defect
Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block
Remedy
Software update
Vehicles affected
26,381 across everything the recall covers
Built
17 Mar 2021 to 23 Dec 2022
Also covers
DVSA lists it as
“S-MAX/GALAXY”

2022 2 recalls

THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION

Launched 29 July 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/239 Manufacturer ref. 22C16

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
Vehicles affected
9,388 across everything the recall covers
Built
11 May 2022 to 29 Jul 2022

A number of vehicles fitted with adaptive headlamps will not display a warning message

Launched 23 June 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/182 Manufacturer ref. 22C08

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.
Vehicles affected
2,260 across everything the recall covers
Built
9 Nov 2018 to 25 Apr 2022
Also covers

2021 1 recall

The rear suspension toe link could corrode over time leading to reduced material and load capacity and finally breakage of the bolt

Launched 22 February 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/005 Manufacturer ref. 20S75

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.
Vehicles affected
39,441 across everything the recall covers
Built
20 Jan 2015 to 18 Feb 2020
Also covers

2020 1 recall

Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment

Launched 30 October 2020 DVSA recall R/2020/013 Manufacturer ref. 20S32

Defect
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly
Remedy
Replace Driver air bag assembly
Vehicles affected
219,738 across everything the recall covers
Built
5 Jan 2006 to 28 Feb 2017

2019 3 recalls

Potential battery acid leakage around negative terminal

Launched 29 August 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/212 Manufacturer ref. 18P11

Defect
Possible thermal incident within the battery monitor sensor wiring
Remedy
Install a fused jumper loom into the battery monitor sensor wiring
Vehicles affected
56,154 across everything the recall covers
Built
13 Feb 2014 to 11 Feb 2019

Overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack

Launched 14 June 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/020 Manufacturer ref. 17S09

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.
Vehicles affected
4,026 across everything the recall covers
Built
2 Jun 2010 to 20 Dec 2014

Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture

Launched 22 February 2019 DVSA recall R/2018/351 Manufacturer ref. 18S39

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.
Vehicles affected
66,497 across everything the recall covers
Built
7 Jul 2016 to 18 Apr 2018

2018 3 recalls

Possible low torque condition with the air conditioning clutch fastener

Launched 7 November 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/213 Manufacturer ref. 18S23

Defect
A/C Compressor pulley may become detached.
Remedy
On affected vehicles fit a new A/C compressor clutch pulley.
Vehicles affected
3,021 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2014 to 20 Apr 2018

Clutch pressure plate may fracture

Launched 16 July 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/082 Manufacturer ref. 18S07

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.
Vehicles affected
122,199 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Aug 2009 to 30 Jun 2016

Oil sump may crack due to the engine overheating

Launched 12 March 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/053 Manufacturer ref. 17S45

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.
Vehicles affected
48,595 across everything the recall covers
Built
25 May 2015 to 19 Oct 2015

2016 1 recall

Headlamps may switch off without warning

Launched 20 June 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/113 Manufacturer ref. 16S21

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.
Vehicles affected
9,705 across everything the recall covers
Built
6 Oct 2014 to 8 Feb 2016

2013 1 recall

Fire may occur

Launched 13 September 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/103 Manufacturer ref. 3C522

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.
Vehicles affected
1,985 across everything the recall covers
Built
12 Jan 2012 to 11 Feb 2013

2010 1 recall

Panoramic roof panel may detach

Launched 14 December 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/216 Manufacturer ref. 0C-346

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.
Vehicles affected
7 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2009 1 recall

Hard brake pedal may occur during engine warm up

Launched 21 May 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/050 Manufacturer ref. 9U225

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.
Vehicles affected
13,029 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Nov 2008 to 12 Mar 2009

2008 1 recall

Glass roof panel may detach

Launched 12 March 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/038 Manufacturer ref. 8C163

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.
Vehicles affected
9 across everything the recall covers
Built
27 Sept 2006 to 5 Oct 2006
Also covers

2007 2 recalls

In low ambient temperature hard brake pedal may occur

Launched 5 December 2007 DVSA recall R/2007/133 Manufacturer ref. 7C127

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.
Vehicles affected
17,972 across everything the recall covers
Built
2 Nov 2005 to 30 Dec 2006

Heated windscreen earth point may not be tightened - risk of burn damage to trim

Launched 10 January 2007 DVSA recall R/2007/003

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.
Vehicles affected
5,153 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Dec 2005 to 28 Jun 2006
Also covers

2006 1 recall

Possibility of engine cut out

Launched 17 July 2006 DVSA recall R/2006/118

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.
Vehicles affected
209 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Feb 2006 to 11 Jun 2006
Also covers

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 23 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Ford S-Max. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.