Vehicle recall R/2018/351

Ford C-Max and others recall: Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture

DVSA recall R/2018/351 names the Ford C-Max, Ford Kuga, Ford S-Max, Ford Galaxy, Ford Mondeo and Ford Focus. It was launched 22 February 2019. It covers vehicles built 30 June 2016 to 30 May 2018.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2018/351
Launched: 22 February 2019
Issued by: FORD
Manufacturer reference: 18S39
Vehicles: 66,497 across the whole recall

What can go wrong

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 the bonnet components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under the bonnet area.

The fix

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.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. DVSA gives one vehicle number for the whole recall: 66,497.
Model	Built
Ford C-Max	30 June 2016 to 21 April 2018
Ford Focus	30 June 2016 to 18 May 2018
Ford Galaxy	7 July 2016 to 18 April 2018
Ford Kuga	30 June 2016 to 28 May 2018
Ford Mondeo	30 June 2016 to 30 May 2018
Ford S-Max	7 July 2016 to 18 April 2018

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2019/045 Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are lowered 12 February 2019, Ford Focus
R/2019/085 Bolts fixing front suspension to vehicle may not be tightened to correct torque 6 March 2019, Ford Focus
R/2018/375 A brake pedal hinge bolt does not meet specification 21 December 2018, Ford Focus
R/2018/257 The tilt/slide roof opening panel glass s not correctly bonded to its mounting 19 December 2018, Ford Mondeo
R/2018/261 Some vehicles may have an incorrectly assembled rear door latch spring that will cause the manual child lock to not function correctly 30 November 2018, Ford Focus
R/2018/213 Possible low torque condition with the air conditioning clutch fastener 7 November 2018, Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy, Ford S-Max and others

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources