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'm so glad you're considering the Energi! It's great to hear that you've found a car with significant electric range and a practical hybrid backup system. While the Volt is certainly sporty, it sounds like it may not be the best fit for your everyday needs.
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Vehicle year: 2015
This car was a blast to drive and own! I loved passing by gas stations and feeling stylish and modern in my SUV. However, after 11 months of ownership, I ran into some issues. It took 6 weeks to find parts to repair damage to the charge port and 4 weeks to find parts to repair passenger doors that were damaged while parked at the mall. The transmission also began slipping and things went downhill from there. Despite three trips to the dealer, there was still no resolution. However, the dealer has been incredibly nice throughout the process. Although the transmission module does not exist anywhere in the world, Ford is currently working with me to resolve my situation and get me into another vehicle. Despite the issues, I still loved the car and felt great driving something green that I actually liked. I especially loved the 'Go Times' feature, which allowed me to program the car to have the interior at a certain temperature by a certain time of the day. It was perfect for icy cold mornings, while my husband had to defrost his Prius, my C-Max purred silently melting the mess from mine. Although this feature hits your MPG rate pretty hard, I routinely saw 58-60 MPG electric/gas combined for my commute, with the first 21-26 miles being electric. My weekend errands were 100% electric. :) However, in the winter, between driving conditions and the Go times, I saw it drop to 38-40 MPG. The car did lack some space due to the batteries, and not having a spare felt almost 'naked'. Perhaps a redesign of the hatch to be a door and mount the spare there would be a good idea. The electronics were a bit annoying, even for a technology professional like myself, and almost pointless. MyFord could do more to inform you, but overall, I had a great experience with this car.I ran the Vehicle Health Report because the engine light came on. It informed me to check the dash for a check engine icon, which was really helpful. Although switching lanes on the highway was a bit rough, the ride was mostly comfortable and there was next to no interior noise. The car does ride low, which can be an issue during snow storms and mud season on my dirt road. It could use a little more height. However, getting into and out of the front and back seats was easy, and I appreciated the lumbar support. The ambient lighting was a nice touch that allowed me to customize the lighting to my mood. I also love not having a gas cap. It would be great if all vehicles had a charging outlet that is always on, like this one. I hope Ford works out the kinks in this car and adds a 4-wheel drive option. There is definitely a market for fuel-efficient SUVs, despite what some automakers believe. Making it 4-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive would give the driver the option of when they want to prioritize fuel efficiency or driving performance. Unfortunately, I was forced to shovel the ground after every storm as snow tires and low gear did not improve grip at all. I even got stuck in my own driveway a couple of times, which was embarrassing and required me to call for a tow truck to help get me out.
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Vehicle year: 2014
Hi there! While it may not be the flashiest car out there, the C-Max Energi has a lot going for it. It's spacious, quiet, comfortable, and gets amazing MPGe. In fact, I've only used about $45 in gas over 21,000 miles! Plus, having a level 2 charger makes life so much easier. Since I don't have a long commute, I mostly drive within the electric-only range of about 30 miles. The only downside is that the batteries take up some cargo space. Personally, I think FORD could make a few improvements to make this car even better. For example, they could increase the battery size to provide a 100+ mile electric range, upgrade the onboard charger to speed up charging, and integrate the battery more efficiently to free up some cargo room. Even if this means reducing the gas tank size, I'd be okay with it. With these changes, the C-Max Energi could become a world-class leader in my opinion!
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Vehicle year: 2017
This hybrid has won me over to the technology. Fabulous tech and feedback on driving & braking to improve gas mileage is wonderful. Four years of driving this car and would buy another in a heartbeat. Car continues to amaze me. Better than I ever imagined. Thrilled that I purchased it.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased my C-Max Energi last May, one of the last 2013 models on the dealer's lot. I got it for well below invoice and 0% for 72 months. Originally, I was going to buy a Focus Electric, but I needed more room and was worried about range anxiety. The C-Max Energi was the smarter choice for me. Even with a battery pack in the trunk, I can fit a stroller out back, and it swallows groceries with ease. With the rear seats down, a wheelchair will fit too. I drive mostly in the city, about 80%, and 20% on the freeway. I'm achieving 120 mpge (EV mode) and 53 mpg (hybrid mode). On a 120v charge, I can go 26 miles without needing to visit the gas station. I made the right choice with this car and I love it!****UPDATED REVIEW - 09/02/16**** I've owned this car for close to 2.5 years now and I continue to love it. It's very fun to drive, handles great, and is fairly efficient too. For daily family usage, there's plenty of space to haul everything we need. My AER (Actual Electrical Range) from a single charge ranges from 23-25 miles without hyper milling. I've taken trips from OC to Santa Cruz to SF (which includes a steep grade and many hills) without any issues. I average 75 mph and get 37 MPG with EV range leftover and little more than a quarter tank of gas left. This is with my wife, 1-year-old, luggage, and other stuff packed into the car. On the way back to LA, I observed 38 MPG. I saw 40 MPG going down and 41 MPG on the way back from a trip from OC to San Diego over the summer. For local trips from OC to Santa Monica/Hollywood/Pasadena/Costa Mesa, I observed 53 - 57 MPG. My current lifetime MPG is 150.2. I haven't looked at the Lifetime MPGe number, so I will update this later. I drive my car in pure EV mode 85% of the time since I purchased it. I only need to visit the gas station every 3-4 months.****UPDATED REVIEW - 10/16/19**** This is still a wonderful car. My current mileage is 50,972.Hey there! Just wanted to give you a quick update on my commute. Since the last time we spoke, there have been some slight changes. I also wanted to let you know that I've installed Level 2 charging at home, which has been a game-changer. Now, my AER ranges from 16-18, and I'm getting about 4.1-4.3 kWh from empty to full charge before the gas engine kicks in. I estimate that my HVB capacity is at 76%, which means it has degraded about 24%. Thanks for listening!
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!