The PowerShift transmission – a six-speed automatic gearbox with dual clutch – in the Ford B-Max causes recurring problems that significantly affect driving comfort and safety. Jerky gear changes, slipping and sudden loss of power occur regularly, especially in vehicles with a mileage between 30,000 and 100,000 kilometres. This transmission proves sensitive to overheating and wear, which can lead to costly repairs. How do you recognise the symptoms and what can you do about them?
The most common symptoms of a failing PowerShift
A defective PowerShift gearbox reveals itself in various ways. You usually notice it first during daily city driving, where the transmission is subjected to the greatest stress.
Jerky gear changes are the most frequently reported problem. The transition from first to second gear is unpredictable and accompanied by clearly noticeable vibrations. When pulling away from traffic lights or from a standstill, the car feels as if it is hesitating or jolting. This is caused by wear to the clutches and problems with the clutch control module.
Hesitation when accelerating poses a direct danger in traffic. The car reacts with a delay to the accelerator pedal, which is risky when overtaking or when entering a roundabout. Power is not immediately available, making it difficult to avoid unexpected situations.
Problems with downshifting occur mainly when slowing down. The transmission does not shift smoothly down into a lower gear and this is accompanied by abnormal noises. Some owners report a lurch forward while braking, or the power cutting out completely.
‘ Ford has acknowledged these problems and proactively carried out clutch replacements on thousands of vehicles. ’
Why your Ford B-Max transmission is slipping
The slipping of the PowerShift has several technical causes that are related to the design and use of the system.
Overheating of the clutch material tops the list. The dual clutch is not designed for intensive use in stop-start traffic. With repeated acceleration and braking, the temperature of the clutches rises rapidly, causing the material to lose its grip. This is seen particularly in vehicles that are mainly used in the city.
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) – the electronic unit that controls the gear changes – regularly fails due to soldering faults in the computer chip. These arise from heat build-up and normal ageing of components. When communication starts to falter because of these soldering faults, gear changes become harsh and unpredictable.
Contaminated transmission fluid also plays a role. The fluid degrades through use and becomes polluted with metal particles from worn components. This reduces lubrication and increases friction, which further worsens the shifting process. Leaks in the system lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure, making gear changes difficult or even impossible.
Mechanical defects make the problems worse
Internal wear to synchronisers, forks and actuators – small electric motors that move the shift fork – is common after several tens of thousands of kilometres. These parts are responsible for the physical shifting between gears. When they wear or seize, harsh shifts, grinding noises and unintended dropping out of gear occur. Some vehicles display a specific problem with second gear, where the synchroniser wears and produces a grinding noise.
Ford has acknowledged these problems and proactively carried out clutch replacements on thousands of vehicles. The brand later introduced improved clutch materials to increase heat resistance.
How expensive is it to repair a slipping transmission
The cost of repairs varies greatly depending on the extent of the damage and which parts need to be replaced. A simple fluid change costs between 150 and 300 euros and in some cases already brings improvement.
Clutch problems are more expensive. Replacing the clutches requires removal of the complete transmission unit. This work costs between 1,500 and 3,000 euros, including labour and new parts. The labour intensity makes this repair costly.
Replacing a defective TCM costs about 500 to 800 euros. Sometimes reprogramming the module is sufficient, which is cheaper. In the case of mechanical damage to forks, actuators or synchronisers, a complete overhaul is often necessary. This repair quickly adds up to 2,500 to 4,000 euros, because the transmission has to be completely dismantled.
In the event of severe damage, replacement of the complete transmission is sometimes the only option. A new or reconditioned gearbox costs between 3,000 and 5,000 euros, depending on the model and year of manufacture. Second-hand transmissions are cheaper but offer no guarantee of a long service life.
Driving safely with a slipping PowerShift is risky
Driving with a slipping or defective PowerShift transmission involves safety risks. The unpredictability of the shifting behaviour makes it difficult to respond adequately in traffic.
When there is hesitation during acceleration, you cannot trust that power will be available when you need it. This is dangerous when joining motorways, during overtaking or in emergency situations where you need to accelerate quickly. The sudden loss of power or switching to limp mode – where the car goes into an emergency programme with limited performance – puts you at risk.
Jerky gear changes affect control of the vehicle. During harsh transitions between gears the car unexpectedly jumps forward or slows down, which takes other road users by surprise. In traffic you need to anticipate the behaviour of others, and your own vehicle must respond predictably.
When you notice these symptoms, it is wise to have a diagnosis carried out immediately. Continuing to drive often makes the damage worse and increases the repair costs. In many cases, a warning light appears on the dashboard indicating that the system has detected a fault.
‘ Early intervention often prevents more serious damage and ultimately saves money. ’
Preventive maintenance extends service life
Although the PowerShift transmission has design limitations, preventive maintenance will extend its service life and postpone serious problems.
Replace the transmission fluid regularly, even though Ford claims that the fluid lasts for the life of the vehicle. In practice, changing the fluid every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometres improves performance and reduces wear. Always use the fluid specified by Ford to prevent problems.
Check regularly for leaks under the car. Transmission fluid is often red or brown in colour. Leaks indicate damaged seals or cracks in the housing, which must be rectified quickly to prevent further loss of pressure.
Adapt your driving style in heavy traffic. Avoid aggressive acceleration and frequent pulling away from a standstill. Use cruise control on motorways where possible to relieve the transmission. In traffic jams, consider putting the car in neutral during longer stops, although this only works with manual control.
Not ignoring symptoms prevents more serious damage
Vibrations, strange noises or jolts are signs that something is wrong. Do not wait to visit the garage until the problem gets worse. Early intervention often prevents more serious damage and ultimately saves money.
Have a diagnosis carried out by a specialist with experience of PowerShift transmissions. This gearbox requires specific knowledge and equipment. A technician reads fault codes, checks the TCM and tests the actuators. Some garages swap actuators around to determine whether the problem is linked to a specific component.
Pay attention to warning lights on the dashboard. An illuminated check engine light or transmission warning calls for immediate action. Do not ignore these signals, as the system is detecting irregularities that can lead to failure in the short term.
User experiences point to a structural problem
Many owners of the Ford B-Max with PowerShift report frustration about the reliability of their transmission. Repeated visits to the garage for the same problem are common, even after repairs. The unpredictable behaviour in daily use makes the car less pleasant to drive.
Some owners advise others not to buy a Ford with PowerShift and recommend manual versions for those who value reliability. Others report that early clutch replacements and TCM updates temporarily solve the problem, but that the symptoms return over time.
The continuous heat load during normal use remains a weakness of the system. Even with improved clutch materials, the transmission remains sensitive to overheating in city traffic and warm conditions.
More information about transmission problems
The PowerShift transmission in the Ford B-Max requires extra attention and maintenance. By recognising symptoms early and taking preventive measures, you extend the service life and postpone costly repairs. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about transmission problems with various car brands and practical maintenance advice. Discover more about automatic gearboxes and how to prevent problems.
Frequently asked questions
Typical symptoms include jerky, unpredictable shift points and vibrations, especially at low speed and when shifting up from 1st to 2nd gear. In addition, hesitation when accelerating often occurs, causing the car to respond slowly to throttle input. There can also be problems with downshifting, such as a lurch forward when braking, loss of power and abnormal noises (grinding, squeaking or banging). Furthermore, drivers report slipping out of gear, clutch judder (especially when reversing uphill) and noticeable vibrations through the gear lever.
In the Ford B-Max with PowerShift, jerky and unpredictable gear changes, hesitation when accelerating and problems with downshifting are particularly common. These are mainly caused by overheating and premature wear of the clutch material, defects or soldering issues in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and contaminated or degraded transmission oil. Mechanical wear to components such as synchronisers, shift forks and actuators also plays a role. Ford later introduced improved clutches and TCM calibrations for this, but heat and material issues remain a core cause.
Yes, there are preventive measures that can extend the service life of the PowerShift transmission in a Ford B-Max. Regularly changing the transmission fluid and checking for leaks and warning lights helps limit wear and overheating. Avoid aggressive acceleration, especially in heavy city traffic and at high temperatures, to reduce the load on the clutches. Do not ignore vibrations, jolts or abnormal noises, but have them checked immediately by a specialist with PowerShift experience.
The average costs for diagnosing PowerShift problems in the Ford B-Max are usually between €100 and €250, depending on the depth of the diagnosis and the use of main dealer or specialist equipment. Common repairs such as replacement of the clutch and/or TCM roughly vary between €800 and €2,500, depending on parts prices and labour hours. In the event of severe internal mechanical damage, a complete overhaul or replacement transmission can however reach €3,000–€4,000 or more. Prices vary greatly by country, workshop and the availability of reconditioned parts.
Yes, Ford has acknowledged the PowerShift transmission problems in, among others, the B-Max. The brand has introduced large-scale clutch replacements and improved clutch materials. There have also been proactive service campaigns and software updates (TCM calibrations) to improve shift quality. In practice, these actions functioned as recognised solutions, comparable to recall or service campaigns.