Ford C-Max problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 218 owner complaints and 12 recalls on file for the Ford C-Max (2013–2018). The 2015 C-Max has the most serious complaints, most often about driver assistance & safety tech.

Complaints
218
Recalls
12
Model years
6
Worst year
2015

Complaints by model year

92201350201442201513201613201782018
NHTSA complaints per Ford C-Max model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Ford C-Max years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2015 Ford C-Max — 42 complaints, 8 crashes; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
  2. 2013 Ford C-Max — 92 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2014 Ford C-Max — 50 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2017 (13 complaints).

Every Ford C-Max model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2018 C-Max82011Airbags
2017 C-Max130201Acceleration & Cruise Control
2016 C-Max131123Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2015 C-Max428076Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2014 C-Max503138Electrical System
2013 C-Max920108Electrical System

Most common Ford C-Max problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    45 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    38 complaints
  • Steering
    36 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    18 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    16 complaints
  • Engine
    15 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    11 complaints
  • Airbags
    10 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    9 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    6 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Ford C-Max received by NHTSA each month.

Ford C-Max recalls

  • Recall 25V695000Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V413000Jun 10, 20222,925,968 vehiclesModel years 2013–2018

    Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 20V331000Jun 8, 20202,147,323 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 18V592000Sep 10, 201849,197 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 17V052000Jan 24, 201717 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 16V643000Sep 6, 20162,046,297 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 15V436000Jul 8, 2015374,781 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V597000Sep 26, 2014746,842 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 14V514000Aug 22, 2014508 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2014

    Risk: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V237000May 7, 2014594,785 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

  • Recall 14V164000Apr 2, 201443,135 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

  • Recall 13V475000Oct 17, 201323,000 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.

Other Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology