Ford C-max energi problems
The Ford C-Max (stylized as Ford C-MAX and previously called the Ford Focus C-Max) is a car produced by the Ford Motor Company from 2003 to 2019. It has a five-door compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) design. The Ford Grand C-Max has a longer wheelbase.
Ford introduced the C-Max in the United States as its first hybrid-only line of vehicles, which includes the C-Max Hybrid, released in September 2012, and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, launched in October 2012. Although the C-Max was initially available only in Europe, the first generation was partially available in New Zealand.
First generation (2003)
The Ford Focus C-Max is preceded by the eponymous show car, which was designed by Daniel Paulin and unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show.
C-Max Mk I was the first product to use the Ford C1 platform, also used by the Ford Focus Mk II and the compact MPV Premacy/Mazda5. Its internal code name is C214.
It seats five passengers and has a large amount of cargo space, which can be increased by folding the rear seats flat. Some models feature diagonally sliding outer rear seats. It also shares the control blade independent rear suspension from the Focus.
Social links
Ford C-max energi model years
Common Ford C-max energi problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford C-Max Energi, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Failure: Some owners have reported transmission failures in the 2013 C-Max Energi, which can result in drivability issues and potentially costly repairs.
- Charging Problems: Complaints have been made about the 2014 C-Max Energi not keeping a charge, indicating potential issues with the charging system or battery.
- Electrical Issues: The Ford C-Max Hybrid, which shares similarities with the Energi model, has been noted for electrical problems, suggesting a broader concern with the electrical systems in these vehicles.
- MyFord Touch System: Consumers have raised complaints about the MyFord Touch infotainment system being confusing and difficult to operate, impacting the overall user experience of the vehicle.
- Stalling: Some drivers have experienced stalling issues with the Ford C-Max Energi, which can pose safety risks and lead to inconvenience on the road.
These reported problems highlight a range of issues that Ford C-Max Energi owners have faced, from electrical and battery-related concerns to transmission and operational issues. Addressing these issues promptly and through authorized dealerships is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.
How long does a Ford C-Max Energi battery last?
The make and model of your hybrid vehicle can affect its battery's life, but as a general rule the hybrid battery in Ford vehicles is warrantied to last roughly 8 years or to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Is there any problem with the Ford C-Max?
The C-Max Mk2 also has problems that include a loose door frame weather strip, leaky manual transmissions, coolant pump leaks, and a failure of the keyless entry system. However, don't worry, because here we explain what the issues involve and how the DIY mechanic can save large sums of money by repairing them at home.
How reliable is the Ford C-Max Hybrid?
The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the C-Max is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
What is the recall on the Ford C-Max transmission?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Recalls Ford C-max energi
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Ford C-max energi.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford C-max energi 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-10-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
Latest negative Ford C-max energi car reviews
Latest positive Ford C-max energi car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2015
I've been driving the C-Max for 18 months now and it's been a fantastic ride! The car is very well executed and Ford has done a great job of automating it with automatic lights, wipers, and more. Although it's a CVT, the acceleration is good and the power and handling are great up to 90 MPH. Above that, it's not as fun, but it's perfect for city driving and traffic. It's especially great for electric-only rides in heavy traffic without turning on the engine at all, up to 85 MPH. I've driven 20,000 miles in LA and I'm looking forward to many more. The higher seating, weight, and drive feel more like a cross between a mini minivan and a hot hatchback (which is very heavy at almost 4,000 pounds). My best tank MPG was about 85 MPG, almost 1,100 miles on a 12-gallon tank, and the least has been around 65 MPG. The car is due for a second oil change shortly, making it a 10,000 interval for maintenance which is always a good bonus. There's not much I would fault the car for, maybe a bit higher ride and ground clearance would be good, but I do like the ride. I got the plug-in, but the hybrid-only ones were more fun, much lighter, and sharper rides. The back seat is very comfortable and I often have passengers. Ford has a winning formula for the car of the future, with the perfect size, power, and the whole package.
-
Vehicle year: 2016
We chose to buy the plug-in hybrid because most of our shopping consists of 16-mile trips to the grocery store and the doctor's office. The car can go more than that distance on batteries alone, so we save on gas costs. Additionally, the body is based on the wagon and the sitting position is upright, making it much easier for handicapped people like me to get in and out of, which was a big selling point. Ford also gave very generous rebates and discounts, making it a relatively inexpensive car for what it is. We compared it with the Audi Etron and the BMW 320e, the only other plug-in hybrids available. After a year of driving, all in city traffic, it's a great car. We charge it up regularly and get about 18 miles on a charge in hot weather with the AC on. Getting in and out of the car is easy for old handicapped people. In hybrid mode, it gets 44.3 MPG, and in electric mode, it uses no gas at all. We are not big users of electronics, so we can't judge the electronics such as Bluetooth because we don't use them. The 120 V charger that came with the car charges in about 5.5 hours. I bought a 240 V charger that charges in about 2.5 hours. The maximum mileage on one charge has been 21 miles, but 18 is average, and in winter, it's less, maybe 16 miles.
-
Vehicle year: 2014
We've been driving the Energi since it was new, and it has been a reliable car for us with only a few minor electronic component/software issues that were quickly resolved. Over the last 20k miles, we haven't had any problems. We mainly use it for around town traveling and get a consistent 110 miles per gallon, which is great. On electric only, we get 15-20 miles per charge, and we can go up to 1300 miles per gas tank, sometimes even up to 2000 miles per tank. Using it in hybrid mode only, we get around 40 mpg. We save some money in the long run since the price of electricity at home is somewhat lower, and we can charge it for free at Whole Foods. I love not having to go to the gas station for 3-4 months. The Sync entertainment/Navigation system is not my favorite, but the Bluetooth syncs well with my phone. The acceleration, road noise, handling, and seating comfort are all good. I recently tried a Volt, but I found that the C-Max's visibility is 100% better. I also appreciate the auto-opening/closing trunk. The battery takes up part of the trunk, but it hasn't been a problem in daily life. Ideally, we would have another car for long trips, but overall, we are happy with the Energi. The only downside is that it doesn't have a spare tire, so if we get a flat, we have to be towed or have a new/fixed tire delivered to our car (or pray that the tire service mobility kit works).
-
Vehicle year: 2016
A few weeks ago, I traded in my 10-year-old BMW Z4 3.0si for the C-Max Energi with the higher trim level. While the C-Max Energi is not as thrilling to drive as my Z4, it's not meant to be. The Prius is the real competition, and after driving my friend's Prius last night, I can confidently say that the C-Max outshines it in every way. It has better acceleration, road feel, interior quality, and more comfortable seats, not to mention a nicer info-entertainment center. I learned how to drive a hybrid for mileage on a Ford Escape Hybrid, which I love. It has 250K miles and only $2500 in repairs, and it can even tow 3,500 lbs. With the C-Max, I can get around 50 mpg in straight hybrid mode when driving easy around town, and mid-30s to low 40s on the freeway. Plus, the car's big battery allows me to get even better mileage in pure electric mode. As a Lyft and Uber driver, I've had passengers comment on how spacious and comfortable the car is, and how great the Bluetooth phone sounds. Some have even been thrilled by the automatic parking system. Thanks to the federal and state money, combined with the rebate Ford offered and the deal I got from my local Ford dealer, I'm paying as little for this car as I would for a base Honda Accord. While I'll miss my Z4, the C-Max is a more functional and cost-effective choice. It's also much easier to get in and out of.
-
Vehicle year: 2017
I have owned both a 2014 CMAX Energi Titanium and a 2017 model. With 70% highway and non-local trips, I am achieving over 60 mpg. I reserve the EV for stop-and-start situations and generally match the speed limit. The interior is comfortable, with great visibility and handling. Despite the larger battery pack taking up some cargo space, I can still fit a lot of furniture, goods, and materials in the car with the rear seat down. The loading area is not flat, but I can still fit many things through the rear hatch and place them on the rear seat area, as well as fill the nooks and crannies with loads of treasures. The only downside is the Ford Navigation System, which is woeful in so many ways compared to my friends' vehicles. I rarely use the factory navigation and instead resort to my smartphone for directions and maps. I put 45,000 trouble-free miles on my 2014 CMax Energi and have had only minor warranty issues in the first 5,000 miles of my 2017 model. I am planning to buy my 2017 at lease end in 2020, as it is such a nice vehicle for me in every way. I feel very ecologically positive charging at night and at power company sites, and I get great gas mileage.
Are you having problems with your Ford C-max energi?
Scotty Botsford 2025-11-21
Vehicle year: 2013
If you are considering purchasing a used or new cmax energi, it is important to be aware of potential costly problems. In my experience, I needed a $1700 rear main seal replacement to stop an oil leak and a $100 software update to prevent the car engine from turning on when the battery is full in L gear. Additionally, I recently spent $500 on tires and alignment due to bad wear. Therefore, I highly recommend having the car inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase. They should pull back the plastic cover under the engine and inspect for leaks, as well as test the car in Low gear immediately after recharging the EV battery to full and let it regen going down hill. Checking the wear on the tires is also important. On a positive note, the car has many upgrades and features that my wife and I both enjoy. As someone who has owned electric, plug-in hybrid, and gas cars, I can attest to the lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan of electrified powertrains. However, I would caution against buying a first-year car model, as I believe the cmax energi was rushed to market without sufficient testing or R&D. It is worth noting that my odometer says 116k miles, but the car display says 82k gas engine and 34k miles electric, indicating a design flaw. A quick Google search for 'cmax rear main seal leak' will reveal many posts on cmax forums about this issue. Thank you to the reviewer who posted about their transmission going out at 160k miles and costing $7000 to repair. I realized that my leak could become a major problem if not fixed. Overall, I hope this information helps inform your decision and leads to a positive car-buying experience.Since my car is out of warranty, I am concerned about paying $1700 for the repair, especially if it leaks again after 2 years. Even though Ford offered me a $300 discount on the repair, $1400 is still a lot of money for me. However, I appreciate their effort to help me with the cost of repair. I reminded them of all the Fords I have owned in my lifetime and mentioned that this would be the last Ford I buy if they can't recognize this as a design flaw or help me with the cost of repair. Ford HQ made me take my vehicle back for an inspection before even trying to work out a discount, but the inspection was free with a $30 oil change at a Ford dealer. They only gave me 30 days to take their discounted offer. I will consider doing it soon. On to the tires, I suggest getting an alignment and rotating them to avoid buying new tires before you need to. I've seen uneven wear in two of these cmax, so it's something you should pay attention to. Not a biggie, but something to pay attention to. The engine turning on when the battery has been fully charged only happens in Low gear when I pull out of the garage and coast immediately down a slight hill incline. The engine kicks on and revs pretty loud. I now never put the car in Low gear until the battery has depleted a little. When it's fully charged, I leave it in Drive, not Low. Apparently, it's a software issue that costs around $100 to fix. Ford has no recall on this that fixes it. I have experienced this in another cmax energy as well as mine recently. If you pull over, turn the car off, then on again, the engine won't go back on, and it will run on Electric as designed. I hope this information has been helpful.I really hope that Ford can stand behind their products and find a permanent solution to this issue. It's frustrating to have to keep going to the dealer for repairs, especially when this doesn't seem to be a common problem in other hybrids. Despite this issue, I do have respect for Ford for not taking a bailout in 2008. However, if expensive repairs continue to be a problem, it may be difficult for me to consider purchasing another Ford product in the future. It's surprising that a company with over 100 years of experience and 400 million cars built cannot design a car with a better crucial seal.
Brice Halvorson 2025-08-04
Vehicle year: 2014
If you are considering purchasing a used or new cmax energi, it is important to be aware of potential costly problems. In my experience, I needed a $1700 rear main seal replacement to stop an oil leak and a $100 software update to prevent the car engine from turning on when the battery is full in L gear. Additionally, I recently spent $500 on tires and alignment due to bad wear. Therefore, I highly recommend having the car inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase. They should pull back the plastic cover under the engine and inspect for leaks, as well as test the car in Low gear immediately after recharging the EV battery to full and let it regen going down hill. Checking the wear on the tires is also important. On a positive note, the car has many upgrades and features that my wife and I both enjoy. As someone who has owned electric, plug-in hybrid, and gas cars, I can attest to the lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan of electrified powertrains. However, I would caution against buying a first-year car model, as I believe the cmax energi was rushed to market without sufficient testing or R&D. It is worth noting that my odometer says 116k miles, but the car display says 82k gas engine and 34k miles electric, indicating a design flaw. A quick Google search for 'cmax rear main seal leak' will reveal many posts on cmax forums about rear main seal leaks at 28k, 48k miles, and even after repair leaking again 5k miles later. I am grateful to the reviewer who posted at 160k miles that their transmission went out and repair cost $7000, as it made me realize that my leak could become a major problem if not fixed. Overall, I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about purchasing a cmax energi.Since my car is out of warranty, I am concerned about paying $1700 for the repair, especially if it leaks again after 2 years. Even though Ford offered me a $300 discount on the repair, $1400 is still a lot of money. However, I appreciate their effort to help me out. I reminded them of my loyalty to Ford and mentioned that this would be the last Ford I buy if they can't recognize this as a design flaw or help me with the cost of repair. My car is only worth about $8000 on kbb.com with 116,000 miles, so I need to consider my options carefully. On to the tires, I recommend getting an alignment and rotating them regularly to avoid uneven wear. This will save you money in the long run. I've seen this issue in two of my C-Max cars, so it's something to pay attention to. As for the engine turning on when the battery is fully charged, I've found that leaving the car in Drive instead of Low gear helps. Apparently, it's a software issue that costs around $100 to fix, but Ford has no recall for it. Overall, I hope this information has been helpful to you.I really hope that Ford can stand behind their products and find a permanent solution to this issue. It's frustrating to have to keep going to the dealer for repairs, especially when this doesn't seem to be a common problem in other hybrids. Despite this issue, I do have respect for Ford for not taking a bailout in 2008. However, if expensive repairs continue to be a problem, it may be difficult for me to consider purchasing another Ford product in the future. It's surprising that a company with over 100 years of experience and 400 million cars built cannot design a car with a better crucial seal. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Paris Stamm 2025-07-26
Vehicle year: 2014
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the C-Max Energi. I initially thought I could drive it just a few miles per day, plug it in at night, and avoid gas stations altogether. However, I ran into a bit of an issue. It turns out that while the lithium ion battery charges, the 12 volt battery that initially cranks the engine doesn't charge at the same time. As a result, if you don't drive extended miles every few days or so, the 12 volt battery will gradually be drained. I learned this the hard way when my battery died twice. According to my local dealer, this is because the Energi doesn't have an alternator. Just something to keep in mind! Let me know if you have any questions.
Brendon Flatley 2025-04-23
Vehicle year: 2013
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the CMax energi. While I've had some issues with the transmission making a 'whiring' sound during deceleration at around 160,000 miles, I've been fortunate to have only needed to replace the 12V 'starting battery' for $140. I've driven well over 150K miles and have only had to rotate tires and change fluids. I typically drive 200 miles per day on Southern California freeways commuting to various construction sites, and I often drive into Los Angeles, the deserts and mountains for work. Despite the high mileage, the car has been very comfortable at freeway speeds, where I drive with the flow of traffic, often 80 mph. I'm very happy with my 42+ mpg, especially considering the distances between charges. While there may be other options out there, I've found this car to be a great value overall. Thanks for listening!
Destin Baumbach 2025-04-13
Vehicle year: 2017
We signed the papers to lease this car on Saturday, August 13, 2016. The odometer read 62 miles. After familiarizing ourselves with the car, we were excited to hit the road! However, the car wouldn't start. No one knew what to do, but eventually, they got it going. The salesman explained that they reset the code. We drove home with a Ford employee following us, just in case. Thankfully, we made it home without any issues. On Wednesday, August 17th, the car wouldn't start again. This time, the odometer read 122 miles. I had the car towed to the nearest dealership and left it there. The service manager called and informed me that the 'electronic control module for hybrid' needed replacing, but unfortunately, the part was on back order. Does this mean that there is a run on this part? I was disappointed because I bought this car to replace my 14-year-old car, hoping for a reliable vehicle. I'd like to keep in touch with Ray Brisbine of CA, who seems to have had the same experience. I wonder if his problems were resolved. After two weeks, we finally got the car back from the dealer service. The service manager told us that Ford engineers called him and said the car did not need a new control module, but rather the computer needed re-programming. So, Ford engineers talked the dealer tech people through a complete re-programming of my c-max energi. We've had it back for four days now, and it is running well. We hope that this is 'the fix'. The service manager said that they have gotten a recall for all c-max energi cars, probably for this reprogramming. We still have a minor problem: holding the lock sensor area for a second does not work to lock the doors. However, unlocking does work. Despite these issues, we found the Ford dealership to be very helpful during this period, even giving us a lender car to keep for the duration of the repair.