If you’re considering buying a Ford car with an automatic Powershift transmission, it’s essential to be aware of the common problems associated with this gearbox. Below is a real account of our experience with the Ford S-Max and its Powershift issues.
Our Ford S-Max Story
We purchased our 2011 Ford S-Max in 2016 from a local dealership. It had fewer than 30,000 miles, one previous owner, and appeared to be in great condition—everything you want in a used family car. For the next eight years, the car ran smoothly, proving to be a reliable choice for our family. That was until we started to experience Ford transmission errors.
The First Signs of Ford Transmission Trouble
By the time the issues began, the S-Max had covered just 70,000 miles, mainly used for local driving rather than long-distance journeys.
The first sign of trouble was a yellow ‘transmission limited function’ error warning on the dashboard. The car became stuck in gear, and the engine would rev loudly when we tried to accelerate.
The issue would resolve by turning the engine off and on again, at which point the Smax would drive normally again…until the next transmission error popped up on the dashboard.
Initially, these Ford transmission errors were infrequent. We took the car to be scanned by Ford diagnostics, but no underlying issue could be identified. In hindsight, a gearbox service might have extended the life of our S-Max, but as Ford Powershift issues became more widely recognised, finding a garage willing to work on the gearbox was a challenge.
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the ‘brain’ of the Powershift transmission. The TCM is responsible for managing gear shifts and ensuring smooth operation, so when it malfunctions, it can result in erratic or faulty transmission performance.
Ford Powershift Issue Becomes a Known Problem
Unfortunately, by the time we encountered these Ford gearbox issues, Powershift problems were notorious. Most garages we contacted didn’t want to work on the transmission, explaining that it wasn’t worth attempting repairs unless we opted for a full gearbox replacement. Given the age and declining value of the car, this wasn’t a cost-effective solution.
Other factors, such as the introduction of the ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ), further reduced the car’s value.
We relied on the value of selling our car to pull together the funds for a replacement car, except now our car was worth nothing. So, despite these Powershift issues, we continued using the S-Max for another year and a half whilst saving for a more spacious 7 seater car for our growing children. During this time, the S-Max gearbox problems became more frequent and severe.
In the end, these gearbox issues pushed us to start searching for a replacement — you can find out which 7-seater we chose and why, including the surprises we discovered along the way.
Driving with Powershift Issues
As the transmission errors increased, driving became more challenging.
We could no longer drive on motorways, as it was dangerous to have a transmission error on such a fast road (meaning the car would be stuck in gear and not be able to pick up speed), with no quick way to pull off and restart the engine.
Gear changes became clunky, and the car struggled to move off smoothly. Ultimately, the transmission problems made the S-Max unreliable and unsafe to drive.
The Risks of Buying a Used Ford with Powershift Transmission
When we bought our S-Max, Powershift issues weren’t widely known. Ford Motor Company faced class-action lawsuits in the US and Australia over the gearbox, but awareness in the UK was limited. Ford eventually phased out the Powershift gearbox in 2018, so if you’re considering a newer model, you should be in the clear.
However, if you’re thinking of buying a used Ford from the 2010-2018 range with a Powershift transmission, be prepared for potential issues. These problems aren’t isolated incidents—most Powershift transmissions will fail over time, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
Ford Models with Powershift Gearboxes
If you’re considering a Ford, it’s essential to know which models are equipped with the problematic Powershift transmission.
The most affected cars include the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Mondeo, Ford Kuga, Ford Galaxy, and Ford S-Max, all produced between 2010 and 2018. These models, especially when fitted with Powershift gearboxes, are prone to transmission issues that ultimately lead to defective transmissions.
If you’re looking at a used Ford from this period, be sure to check whether it has a Powershift transmission and proceed with caution.
How to Tell if a Car Has a Powershift Transmission
Fortunately, identifying whether a Ford vehicle has a Powershift transmission is straightforward. Many PowerShifts are indicated by the Powershift logo on the gear stick itself.
Additionally, you can tell if a car has a Powershift transmission by checking the gearbox label under the bonnet. The label will have a designation that indicates the type of transmission.
Signs of Powershift Transmission Issues
If you’re considering purchasing a used Ford with a Powershift transmission, it’s important to recognise the early signs of potential transmission problems. Common faults include jerky or rough gear changes, especially at lower speeds. You might also notice a delay in acceleration, where the car hesitates before responding to the throttle.
Additionally, warning lights like a ‘transmission error’ message on the dashboard can be a red flag that something is wrong. Other common issues include unusual noises, such as clunking or grinding during gear shifts, or the car struggling to move out of a particular gear.
These early signs can occur sporadically, but as the issues worsen, they can become more frequent, severely affecting the driveability of the vehicle.
Ford’s Response and Legal Action
Ford’s response to Powershift transmission issues has been met with mixed reviews. While there have been customer service programmes and extended warranties in some countries, many owners feel the response hasn’t been enough to address the widespread nature of the problem.
Several class action lawsuits were filed in the United States and Australia, claiming that the Powershift transmission was faulty and prone to premature failure. In some cases, these legal actions led to settlements, but Ford didn’t issue a full recall for Powershift vehicles globally.
In the UK, Ford Powershift transmission issues have been less publicised, but awareness is growing.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Powershift Issues
While Powershift transmission problems are notorious, there are some maintenance tips that might help delay or mitigate these issues.
One of the most important things you can do is ensure regular servicing of the gearbox, particularly changing the transmission fluid according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keeping up with routine maintenance is essential, as neglecting services can exacerbate Powershift-related problems.
Be sure to find a mechanic who is familiar with a dual-clutch transmission, as they may have specific recommendations for prolonging the life of your powershift gearbox.
If you experience early signs of transmission issues, such as jerky gear changes or dashboard warnings, addressing them immediately can sometimes prevent further damage.
Be Cautious with Powershift Gearboxes
In summary, if you’re buying a used Ford with an automatic Powershift gearbox, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks. Ford transmission errors and Powershift issues are common and can result in costly repairs. If you’re set on a Ford, consider models from 2018 onwards, where these gearbox problems have (hopefully!) been resolved.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you had any experiences with Ford Powershift transmissions? Whether positive or negative, your insights could help other families make informed decisions. Drop us a comment below!
5 comments
Hi. Thanks for sharing your story. My S Max is a 2017 auto with 85k miles on tthe clock. Transmission Limited Service warning now coming on and reverse gear not working at all. I am going at the end of my tether trying to go down all angles as i now face a repair bill of potentially £3.5k – £4k. Are you aware of any recent Ford initiatives to help with repair? It is clearly a common issue anf i just wish i had come across your page beforehand. Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Asim (fellow disgruntled SMax owner)
I’m not aware of any initiatives from Ford but it’s worth contacting them to ask. This is a well known long standing issue with the transmission, I’m sure Ford are well aware of it.
Thank you for the post.
We are currently having the same exact problem with our 2013 Smax 2.0 tdci power shift. At first the transmission limited function would disappear after stoping and restarting the engine. As the temperatures dropped the problem became more persistent. I’m not sure what I am supposed to do. Called the Ford service, appointment offered in a month.
Did you end up fixing the car ? I came across TCM reset techniques on YouTube, thinking of tying those this week.
We didn’t end up fixing it. The problem just got progressively worse until the car was undriveable.
Thank you.