2014 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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Common 2014 Ford C-max energi problems
The 2014 Ford C-Max Energi is a plug-in hybrid wagon that offers a mix of fuel economy, electric-only range, utility, and refinement. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported with this vehicle.
One of the most common issues is the car taking too much fuel and lacking power. This problem is often caused by a possible crack in the intercooler pipe. When the intercooler pipe cracks, it can lead to a loss of coolant, which in turn can cause the engine to overheat and lose power. This issue can be resolved by replacing the damaged intercooler pipe with a new one.
Another problem that some owners have reported is a sound coming from the rear brakes when reversing. This issue is often caused by a problem with the caliper mounting bracket. When the caliper mounting bracket becomes damaged or worn, it can cause the brake pads to rub against the brake rotor, which can produce a sound like grinding or squeaking. This issue can be resolved by replacing the damaged caliper mounting bracket with a new one.
The external boot release button is also known to get water damage inside, causing the switch to corrode the contacts and prevent it from working. This issue can be resolved by replacing the damaged switch with a new one.
Some owners have also reported problems with the suspension, specifically a creaking noise when driving slowly. This issue is often caused by worn or damaged suspension components, such as bushings or joints. This issue can be resolved by replacing the damaged suspension components with new ones.
Air conditioning problems have also been reported by some owners. This issue is often caused by a faulty pipe attached to the compressor. This issue can be resolved by replacing the damaged pipe with a new one.
In addition to these specific issues, the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi has also been subject to a number of recalls for various issues, including overheating of the cylinder head, clutch pressure plate failure, and sump cracking due to overheating. These issues can be resolved by having the vehicle serviced at a Ford dealership.
In summary, while the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi is a versatile and innovative vehicle, it is not without its share of problems. Some of the most common issues reported by owners include fuel efficiency problems, brake noise, boot release button failure, suspension issues, and air conditioning problems. These issues can be resolved by having the vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic or at a Ford dealership.
Is the Ford C-Max Energi reliable?
The current Consumer reports Used Car Guide recommends the C-Max as “a hidden used car gem.” Avoid the 2013 model year, though. Transmissions on the Hybrid (not Energi) model were failure-prone before 2015. I own a 2014 C-Max Hybrid and a 2017 C-Max Energi, both for about six years now.
How long will Ford C-Max Energi last?
roughly 8 years
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.
How long is the battery life on a 2014 Ford C-Max?
between 3 to 5 years
Your 2014 Ford C-Max battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.
Is there any problems with 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.
Is the Ford C-Max Energi reliable?
The current Consumer reports Used Car Guide recommends the C-Max as “a hidden used car gem.” Avoid the 2013 model year, though. Transmissions on the Hybrid (not Energi) model were failure-prone before 2015. I own a 2014 C-Max Hybrid and a 2017 C-Max Energi, both for about six years now.
How long is the battery life on a 2014 Ford C-Max?
between 3 to 5 years
Your 2014 Ford C-Max battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.
Is there any problems with 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 long will Ford C-Max Energi last?
roughly 8 years
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.
2014 Ford C-max energi complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Ford C-max energi.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2014 Ford C-max energi car reviews
Positive 2014 Ford C-max energi car reviews
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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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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!
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The Ford C-Max Energi has been performing flawlessly for well over seven and a half years. The car has an average lifetime mpg-e of about 65 mpge, which includes several long trips using all gas. Besides the great mileage, the car is still fun to drive, and its comfort and efficiency make it a great way to travel. The car is well-made, has great visibility, a quiet cabin, and lots of appointments that make the driving experience easy and enjoyable. We have since sold the C-Max to our daughter in California, where it can be driven in the HOV lanes, and we have replaced it with a Tesla Model Y. We hope that the Model Y will continue the tradition of reliability of our Ford.
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Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you're generally happy with your car. I understand that you were hoping for some additional features like memory seats, daytime running lights, and blind spot alert, but unfortunately they aren't available yet. It's a shame that the electric range isn't meeting your expectations, even with conservative driving. On the bright side, the ride and handling are excellent and the road noise is non-existent. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!
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I recently switched from an '11 Prius to the C-Max Energi and the difference is remarkable. The build quality of the Energi is superb, providing a much more solid and upscale experience compared to the tin can feel of the Prius. The C-Max Energi provides me with the data and information I need, allowing me to finesse the pedal and maximize my range. The car's mass also contributes to better coasting and a more solid feel. Although I initially had some concerns about the higher seating position of a mini-SUV, I quickly realized that the view and seating position are actually awesome. Overall, I am grateful to Ford for bringing us a taste of the European Focus.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Ford C-max energi problems:
Stay away from C-Max Energi with transmission issues? : r/cmaxhybrid
Dec 2, 2021 ... Hey all, been lurking for a bit and have been highly interested in the Ford Energis, both C-Max and Fusion. I have a '12 Focus SEL right now ...
2014 C-Max Battery Problems - Batteries - Ford C-MAX Hybrid Forum
Aug 23, 2014 ... Insofar as the bad connectors are concerned, rain, sleet, snow, and car washes can gget water into the connections. The problem is not driving ...
Should I buy? 2014 C-Max Hybrid SEL w/ 130,000 miles for $9,800 ...
Aug 31, 2023 ... My understanding is the 3rd gen Prius' head gasket issues are probably just as common and expensive as any issue with the C-Max, so as far as I' ...
2014 Ford C-Max Backup Camera Issues - Q&A Solutions
May 14, 2021 ... Mechanic's Assistant: What's the year and model of your Ford? 2014 C-Max Energi. Mechanic's Assistant: Is there anything else the Ford Mechanic ...
2014 Ford C Max Battery Draining : r/cmaxhybrid
Mar 3, 2022 ... Do you ever run the radio without the engine on? Unfortunately, this can be a fairly common problem with the C-max (especially the early years).
Other years of Ford C-max energi
Are you having problems with your 2014 Ford C-max energi?
Brice Halvorson 2025-08-04
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
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.
Geovanni Hansen 2025-04-05
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!
Gabe Goldner 2025-03-13
Hi there! I bought this car 2 months ago and have been driving it to and from work mostly. I really like the concept of a plugin hatchback. The car handles fairly well and the motors work great. However, I have to admit that the electronics still need some work. The charging software, navigation, and voice recognition are not up to par yet and have made the experience less enjoyable for me.
Werner Stark 2024-09-13
charge port cover is held in place with a spring and if it disconnect it affects the entire housing which can cost up to $500. What a surprise... it happens after the warranty! The charge error message "fault in charging!" I cannot believe the poor design that cost the owner hundreds! I have own cars since the 70s and this is the 1st time a signal light bulb fails within 2-years! I have a truck/2004 and I never had to replace any lights to this day. Cheap!!!