2016 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 2016 Ford C-max energi problems
The 2016 Ford C-Max Energi is a plug-in hybrid hatchback/wagon available in a single SEL trim level. While the car has its strengths, including high fuel economy, decent electric-only range, stylish and well-made interior, refined handling and ride dynamics, quick acceleration, and elevated driving position, there are several common problems reported by owners that might be of concern.
- Stereo System Randomly Locks Up: Some owners have reported that the stereo system randomly locks up every few days and needs to be rebooted. This can be an annoying issue but is generally considered tolerable.
- 12V Battery Issues: There have been instances where the 12V battery went completely flat during detailing when the doors and interior lights were left on for a few hours. After a jump start, the battery still seemed to be functioning properly, but this issue can be a concern for those who rely on the car for daily use.
- Door Sealing Problems: Some versions of the C-Max Mk2 have door-sealing issues, which can cause a high-pitched squeal at speed. The cause of the fault is most often a faulty sealing strip, which needs to be removed, straightened, and refitted with new adhesive. This is a procedure that a DIY mechanic should be capable of completing without issue.
- Child Lock System Failure: Some versions of the C-Max have suffered a failure of the child lock system, which is less than ideal in a family vehicle. The problem is caused by water getting into the driver’s or passenger’s door, usually through a faulty seal on the door mirror. The solution is to remove the door trim and check which components are affected by water ingress, then dry them out or replace them. Then remove the door mirror and replace the sealant before refitting the mirror.
- Keyless Locking Problems: Versions of the C-Max Mk2 with keyless entry have been known to suffer failure of the system. This is because in winter salty water can get into the external front door handles, causing the door lock sensor to fail. The solution is to remove the handle and clean it out, a task that is easily accomplished by following the relevant procedure.
These issues, while not necessarily major, can be frustrating for owners. It is essential to be aware of these common problems when considering the purchase of a 2016 Ford C-Max Energi. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring a more reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.
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 2016 Ford C-Max?
How often should you replace your 2016 Ford C-Max battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested ordinarily for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a reliable level. Vehicle batteries generally transmit 12 to 13 volts unless you have a high-performance battery.
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 2016 Ford C-Max?
How often should you replace your 2016 Ford C-Max battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested ordinarily for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a reliable level. Vehicle batteries generally transmit 12 to 13 volts unless you have a high-performance battery.
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.
2016 Ford C-max energi complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Ford C-max energi.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2016 Ford C-max energi car reviews
Positive 2016 Ford C-max energi car reviews
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Hi there! We actually went for the energy version of the car, which was a bit pricier, but we got a government tax rebate that made the upgrade free! We mainly use this car for running errands around town, so the limited trunk space hasn't been an issue for us. However, if you need more space, I'd recommend sticking with the hybrid version. Depending on the time of year, our car can go about 16-20 miles on the battery alone (although it's less in colder weather).
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new C-Max! It sounds like it's been a great upgrade from your previous Civic Hybrid. It's impressive that you've been able to use only half a tank in the past 1.5 months, and it's great to hear that it has unexpected power. It's also nice to have a vehicle with all the options you want. I can understand how the Prius can be a bit overdone, so it's refreshing to have something different. The only downside seems to be the cargo space. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice with the C-Max. Thank you for sharing your experience with me!
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I had this car for a short time and unfortunately had a horrific crash, which resulted in my little C-Max being totaled. However, I was able to walk away from the accident thanks to the car's impressive safety features. Even the folks at the body shop were surprised when I showed up the next day, assuming I would be in the hospital for a while. Despite the accident, I must say that the car was a lot of fun to drive. When I bought it, I traded in a Focus and found that the C-Max, built on a Focus chassis, handled very similarly. The acceleration takes a little getting used to, as it is very fast and quiet. If you're switching from gas to electric, be aware of this, as you can easily find yourself speeding without realizing it. My only complaint about the car is that the MyFord Touch system is rather crummy, but this was changed in 2016. Additionally, if you can find one with a backup camera, that is a nice feature. Unfortunately, Ford decided to make the backup camera an expensive option, so most C-Max models don't have it. However, since this car is three years old, many are now available on the market as people turn in their leases. If you're looking for a good used car that gets great mileage and is fun to drive, you'll love the C-Max.
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I recently visited the dealership to check out the Escapes. I was looking for a hatchback with good gas mileage and plenty of features. During my visit, the salesman suggested I take a look at the C-Max. Although I was initially hesitant about hybrids, he showed me a 2015 lease turn in that changed my mind. The C-Max has a lot of options, sits like a small SUV, has plenty of power, and handles beautifully with the wider tires and bigger wheels. I'm also impressed with the fuel economy - I'm consistently getting over 80 MPG thanks to the initial charge on the Energi and Hybrid backup. After driving 2400 miles, I've only had to fill up three times. Everyone who has ridden with me compliments the interior, quiet ride, and comfort. When I tell them about the fuel economy, they are always surprised! I'm absolutely in love with this car and have no regrets about my purchase!
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This car gets great gas mileage, even better than advertised and my Prius. It's really fun to drive, with more pep and acceleration than other hybrids. Plus, it comes well-equipped for the price compared to other hybrids in its class.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 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 ...
More issues with my 2016 Cmax - Ford C-MAX Hybrid Forum
Dec 4, 2016 ... If you see any gaps in between the welds or around the hinges, you will probably have a place where water can get in. The problem with this, is ...
2016 Ford C-MAX Energi Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Passed 200K, how long will these Cmax Hybrids go? Are 2016 thru ...
Mar 19, 2022 ... Ford C-MAX Hybrid Forum. Existing user? Sign ... This is a known problem with all Fords with ... Beyond the reliability issues, there are several ...
2016 Ford C-MAX Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Paint And Trim · Steering And Suspension · Electrical Accessories · Climate System · Transmission Major · Electric ...
Other years of Ford C-max energi
Are you having problems with your 2016 Ford C-max energi?
Walker Senger 2025-01-03
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. Also, if I lock the doors with the power door locks while exiting, the car locks, but about 15 seconds later the horn beeps loudly until the car is unlocked. 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.
Darrion Zemlak 2024-09-29
I experienced problems with the electrical system early on. However, I am confident that the issue was primarily caused by the dealership. Despite the sales people and management appearing to care, the car had to be towed twice due to the technicians failing to make proper electrical connections. Shockingly, the second time they delivered the car to me without reassembling the hybrid battery compartment! Fortunately, FMC came to the rescue and made some commercial accommodation that has worked for me.
Amari Zulauf 2024-03-28
It seems like there might be some issues with the car you're describing. Specifically, you mentioned that there is no trunk space, the glove box cannot be locked, the colors in the dash are blending, and there is not enough storage space. Is there anything else you'd like to add or any other concerns you have?
Roberto Funk 2024-01-21
The C-Max has some quirks to consider before purchasing. During the winter, it takes a while for the car to warm up and the battery drains quickly when using the heater and fans on short trips. However, during the summer, the car averages 43mpg and can even eliminate the need for gas entirely. It's important to note that the hybrid mode may not kick in on short trips below 20 degrees. The lithium ion battery has an 8-year warranty and typically lasts around 10 years with proper care. While the C-Max is a good car, there may be better options available from competitors.