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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I absolutely love this car! I looked at other hybrids, both foreign and domestic, but when I drove this one, it was the clear winner. It drives so smoothly and quietly, and there's plenty of room inside, including lots of headroom. I've had it for almost 6 months now and I rarely have to buy gas. We installed a 220 charger about a month after purchasing it and I'm so glad we did - charging time went from about 6 hours to just 2 hours! If you're going on trips around 20 miles, you may never have to buy gas again. I was looking for something comfortable on the highway and this car definitely fits the bill. We also have a Lincoln MKT, but this car is just as quiet and comfortable while using much less gas. We recently went on a 500 mile road trip and averaged about 40 mpg. Around town, I've gotten as much as 175 mpg on a tank of gas! I was a bit worried that it wouldn't feel as great to drive as my previous sporty diesel car, but it's actually fantastic to drive. I really hope that Ford keeps making this car so that I can buy another one in 4 years. Maybe by then they can increase the cargo space a bit, but even with 2 people on a road trip, we can always use the back seat.
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This is our first hybrid car and we are thrilled with it! We wish we had gotten it sooner. The car just makes perfect sense, and it's a great way to say 'screw Big Oil!' We've only had the car for about two weeks, but we are already very impressed with it. Ford did a great job with it. My fiancee drives it to work every day, about 42 miles round trip. Our terrain is rural back roads, open highway and a bit hilly--great for mild hypermiling. He gets to work in all EV mode and regens a couple miles, and a few miles back toward home before entering hybrid mode. If he could plug in at work, we would rarely ever have to get gas. As it is, we expect we will need to get gas once a month. Wow! This seems crazy! We are very happy overall! Update - It's now been two years since we have owned the car. We have had a few minor issues, such as turned down rear rotor, turned down front rotors, alignment (not covered under warranty), replace charger cable, replace steering component, replace charge port light, and ongoing noise coming from brake at slow speed- unsolved. A recall has been issued on a door part. Ford will contact us to do replacement of component once parts are available. Despite these issues, we are still very happy with the car at 32,000 miles. No reduced battery capacity has been detected at this time. UPDATE - It's now been nearly 3 years that we've owned the car and we still love it. We've not had any more problems with the car, outside of the modem replacement that still does not connect. Otherwise, it has been great and very dependable. We are still running the original tires at about 48,000 miles. Switching out the LLR with winter treads helps a lot, but those tires reduce MPG greatly. Here's a funny story to share: When we first got this car, my eldest daughter made fun of it. She called it 'gay.' She's 20 now and a bit more mature. So my daughter wrecked her Ford Fiesta earlier this year (obviously not funny). She then borrowed her boyfriend's dad's car to get back and forth to work. Several weeks later, the transmission went out in that car, so who does she call?My husband and I have two vehicles, but since I work from home, we only need one. A friend asked to borrow a car, and although my husband needed the truck to bring home firewood from work, I offered her the car. It's a great car with a range of 28 miles in warm temperatures with no climate controls on. After driving it for a while, she fell in love with it and ended up buying a '14 CPO a few weeks ago. She couldn't be happier with her purchase. We've had the car for over 4 years now, and it's still running great. The only issue we've had is with the tires, which were cupped to the inside. Thankfully, we have an extended warranty in place. We changed the windshield wipers and noticed some odd wear at the hatch, but otherwise, no major problems. We discovered Dave Ramsey earlier this year and are paying off the car early. My only regret is not buying it as a CPO to save thousands. If you're in the market for a car, I highly recommend getting a nice, low mileage CPO with a clean Carfax for cash. Avoid buying a brand new car. It looks like the paint on the left side, around the middle area, has worn off. The dealer is going to take a look at it for us. Other than that, there's nothing new to report. I'm really happy that we bought such an efficient car. You should consider getting a nice used one!
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My wife and I got this car, but I've ended up driving it more than she does. I was pleasantly surprised by the great acceleration for a hybrid, and it handles like a go-cart. Although it may look a bit boring on the outside, you'll definitely get some surprised looks when you pass people on the highway or jump off the line at a stoplight to get ahead. The ride is incredibly smooth, especially in EV mode, and the interior is just as nice as anyone needs. We live about 10 miles from my wife's work and the EV battery lasts long enough to get her there and back without using a drop of gas. The only downside is the lack of storage in the front seats. It's a bit surprising that a car built after 2010 doesn't have a space to hold a phone, but there is literally no storage aside from the cup holders, door cubbies, or center console. The touch screen is also a bit of a reach, which makes it difficult to use while driving, and the entertainment system is a bit slow. The navigation runs at about 5 frames per second and connecting a phone or changing audio sources can be cumbersome. When the engine kicks on it can be a little jarring, but it's smooth while driving, and highway mileage isn't great. However, if you're looking for a hybrid that offers more than just good gas mileage, this one is definitely worth considering.
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Hello! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I've driven it for about 6,000 miles and I haven't had any problems so far. The best part is that with the federal tax credit and CA rebate, the cost is the same as the regular CMAX hybrid. The seating position is nice, the interior is pleasant, and the pickup is good. After figuring out the battery limitations, I'm getting about 80-90 mpg in my daily 25-30 mile commutes. The car is very quiet and reasonably pleasant even on 400 mile drives (although I only get about 38 mpg on gas alone @ 70 mph). I do want to mention that the extra battery does limit space, so it may be a deal breaker if you have a family of 4. Overall, I think it's a much nicer drive than our prior Prius and Camry hybrids. Thank you for reading!
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My company recently installed some charging stations, which prompted me to consider plug-in vehicles. After researching my options, I found that the Prius only goes 11 miles on electric and the Volt was too small for my needs. However, the C-MAX was the perfect fit for me and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The quality of the car is absolutely amazing and it feels great to drive. They really fixed everything I disliked about my previous cars. I simply plug it in at work every day and it gets me home and back with ease, as my round-trip commute is about 20 miles. On the weekends, I use it as a hybrid and it works great. The only downside is the turning radius, but overall, I am extremely satisfied with my C-MAX.
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?
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!!!
Scotty Koss 2024-06-28
I've noticed that many people seem to be happy with their Cmax Energi, so perhaps we just got unlucky with our purchase. We chose this car because it would allow me to use the commuter lane, and at the time, there were no all-electric options (other than Tesla) that I felt comfortable relying on for my daily commute. Here's my take after driving it for about 4 years and putting 60k miles on it. Fuel economy - Unfortunately, the battery has never taken me as far as Ford claimed it would, whether I'm driving on the freeway or local streets. I'm lucky to get 13-14 miles on a charge, and I was expecting 20+ based on what the dealer and the Ford brochure suggested. Comfort - The ride is much harsher, and the seats are not as comfortable as what we were used to with our 2004 Prius. The tires are lower profile, and while it's touted as being sportier than our old Prius, it's really not a comfortable ride for longer trips. Road noise - It's very noisy, especially on stretches of freeway that are concrete instead of asphalt. I tried to find replacement tires that might help the issue, but the difference is minimal at best. FYI - it's not recommended to use chains or cable chains in the snow due to the very low clearance of the front tires. Interior layout - Some of the controls are in odd places, in my opinion. Even after 4 years of driving the car, it still doesn't feel natural. Infotainment system - The voice recognition is terribly inconsistent, and asking the car to do anything from dialing a phone number to finding a destination has been very unreliable. If you turn the car off with the radio on, you wouldn't expect it to come back on with the same station when you get back in the car, would you? Unfortunately, ours doesn't. Three-quarters of the time, it says it's on, but no audio is coming out, and the only way to get it to actually turn on is to change the station. The local dealer brushed it off like it was not that big a deal.The GPS software needs updating as it does not recognize roads that have been in place for 10-20 years in this area. Although the system was able to recognize the iPhone, it has had ongoing problems since switching to a new carrier and no longer using iPhones. The battery takes up a lot of storage space, but this was clear from the first time we looked at the car. Unfortunately, we recently had to pay $1350 for repairs associated with an injector failing, which was disappointing. We are also concerned about other random issues such as the AC spontaneously failing to work on hot summer days, wind noise, a dysfunctional backup camera, and the foot sensor operated lift gate rarely works as advertised (and seems to only respond to my foot which really makes my wife mad). Overall, we have had a disappointing experience and will not be considering Ford products in the future. However, we have had a superior experience with Toyota service centers compared to what we have experienced through Ford.
Tony Nicolas 2024-06-21
During acceleration and deceleration, there is a noticeable and concerning sound in the drivetrain. Despite two visits to Ford service and multiple repairs and replacements of drivetrain parts, the issue remains unresolved. According to Ford, this noise is present in all Energi models. The 'MyTouch' navigation and entertainment system can be frustrating to use due to its delayed or non-responsive nature. Overall, the car's quality and operation do not meet the expectations set by its price tag. It is unfortunate that Ford's customer service is lacking, as it can be a frustrating experience to seek assistance from them.
Larry Beier 2024-05-02
If you're looking for a car that will last, I would recommend considering other options. While I have had some issues with this car, such as having to replace a headlight assembly and battery, I understand that these things can happen with any vehicle. Unfortunately, my extended warranty did not cover these repairs. Additionally, the car's value has not held up well over time, especially if you drive more than 15,000 miles per year. If you're looking for a reliable and valuable car, I would suggest considering a Toyota Prius. I also own one of these and have had a great experience with it. It's important to note that while I have had some issues with my Ford, I still appreciate its features and use it for my daily commute. Thank you for considering my experience with this car.
Bradley Hand 2024-04-26
I've had my CMAX for almost a year and put 14K miles on it. Unfortunately, it's currently at the dealership waiting for a high voltage controller that is backordered with no estimated time of arrival. While I wait, I'm driving a base model Ford Focus instead of my loaded CMAX. I'm hoping it doesn't take longer than 30 days, as I may have to file a lemon law claim. Despite this setback, I still think the car is great. However, it's frustrating that Ford won't provide a decent loaner or return my calls. I was eventually able to reach someone higher up at Ford and had a Ford Escape for a little over a month. Since getting my car back, it has worked fine, except for the voice commands using Sync. Even simple commands like 'Call Home' result in 'unknown, please repeat.' Saying 'Call Jim' brings up a list of names, but none of them are Jim. The gas mileage is okay, but I do wish the battery was a little bigger.