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.
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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
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Vehicle year: 2013
I travel all over the Bay Area, covering distances ranging from 5 to 100 miles, without a set drive to work. I often find myself completing a 25-mile loop that ends with a steep uphill quarter-mile grade, with about 5% battery left. Luckily, I live in Northern California where the weather is extremely mild, and I use the air conditioner less than 5% of the time, as it tends to drain the battery. Overall, I have been averaging 120mpg with this car, and since my electricity is free, it's been a great experience. I also own a Volt, which I find to be more efficient between 25 and 110 miles. However, I have found that the C-max's ICE is a little more efficient.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I've had my c-Max Energi for 8 months and I absolutely love it! Living in a town of about 200,000, I drive about 25 miles per day with occasional road trips 2-3 hours away. Luckily, I live in the south, so I haven't had the recharging issue others report. The best part is that I am getting 100 miles per gallon and using about $23 per month in electricity. It is also incredibly roomy and comfortable, has great pick-up, and is easy to park. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2017
In the energi model, the battery takes up about half of the small hatchback area. However, there is a cover over the battery that creates a decent-sized flat area for groceries, so you can still fit a full cart load. Larger items may not fit as well. The rear seats fold down, but the battery creates a hump in what would be a large flat space. This cargo arrangement works for me, but it may not be ideal if you have a full-sized stroller or lots of gear.
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Vehicle year: 2017
I waited patiently to replace my '08 Ford Ranger with a new one, but when they finally came out in '19, I was disappointed because they were so huge. After considering all my options, I found an off-lease '16 Ford CMax energi and bought it. In the past, I had rented Prius hybrids, but I found them to be noisy, ride like a buckboard, and have a cheap/cheesy interior with no acceleration when needed. However, the CMax energi shares none of those traits! It is quiet, has a good firm ride, and a comfortable leather interior. Even after two high-speed turnpike round trips, I have averaged 103 MPG, and I am not disappointed with the mileage and performance. Merging onto a 70 MPH highway is a snap! Although I miss my Ranger, I am learning to really love the CMax energi. It is a great car that fits my driving scenario well. I would have bought a 2019, but the Wayne, MI plant was retooled to build the new Ranger. So, CMax, CMax energi, and Focus took a hike. The new Ranger is just too big to fit in my condo's 2 car garage...it's almost 2 ft longer than my '08 extended cab XLT, which just fit. If I wanted a Monster Truck, I'd have bought an F150! I've shown my MPG because of Maine winter driving. To have heat and defrost, I must run the engine in EV-later mode a lot, so the MPGe is down to mid-seventies because of that. Still, it costs less than half of what it did to run my Ranger in the winter months. The CMax energi is a completely trouble-free car that is great in snow (with snow tires) and still fun to drive. In the past year, I have started to use the Parking Assist. Being I swapped out the small 12 VDC battery last fall because it was the original one and they recommend replacing it every 5 years as a rule of thumb.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Using it almost exclusively on electric mode. I make a lot of short trips and can go about 24 miles in all electric mode. Great rebates from Ford, Federal government and State of California. My utility company will pay for charging the first year and after that on all-electric mode it is about 1.5 cents per mile. I am very happy with the car.
Are you having problems with your Ford C-max energi?
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.
Geovanni Hansen 2025-04-05
Vehicle year: 2014
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!