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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Reviewer error: The load floor above the battery is actually much less than 1 ft higher than laid forward seat backs. There is plenty of room for shopping bags and closing the cargo cover. This might be the greatest commuter vehicle ever, with enough space for groceries and even the monthly Costco run. The HOV sticker is also very convenient. The 500 mile range, as reported by reviewers and EPA, is irrelevant and useless information. I typically go over 2000 miles on a tank. The engine could last half a million miles if it is only on 20% of the time! The only downside is that the battery cooling system is inadequate for a 2 charge per day use, which has resulted in my battery capacity being down 25% from new. However, I monitor the battery temperature and switch to EV Later mode if the battery is getting too hot.
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I've been wondering for the past year why Ford doesn't market the C-Max Energi (both the regular hybrid and the plug-in) against the popular subcompact SUVs. The C-Max is essentially the same size, cost-competitive (with continuous incentives), and better in so many ways - it's quieter, has much better passing/merging power, better mileage, higher-quality interior, better visibility, and more. My spouse has the Subaru XV Crosstrek, which is a nice car, but my C-Max Energi is better in almost every respect, even though I paid thousands less (after tax credit and incentives) than my spouse paid. The Subaru has essentially no advantages over the C-Max, even though it costs more and has all-wheel drive (which I don't care about) and higher ground clearance. I believe that marketing the C-Max only as a Prius alternative (when they market it at all) has severely hurt its sales, since the C-Max will clearly not win purely on MPG. It's such a better car in every other way that it's a shame they don't do more to broaden its appeal. The C-Max could fit into a few different categories, not just as a hatchback/wagon. As someone who years ago swore I would NEVER own another Ford, I've been very pleased with my C-Max Energi. Also, I would like to say that the Sync/MyFord Touch system gets a bad rap.I've driven many different brands with their proprietary systems and I must say that Ford's system is just fine. It's certainly no worse than any of the others I've used, and because there are redundant ways to do everything, if you don't like one way to do something, you have other options. I understand that the early versions of Ford's system had issues, but the grudge in the auto press seems entirely unwarranted based on my experience. I hope Ford finds a way to keep this car going because it's a joy to drive and own. When I started car-shopping, I was not interested in a hybrid, but I bought it because of everything else it offered (and at a lower price) than the cars I was shopping it against. I likely would not have considered it without all of the incentives it had, but I have been very happy I landed on this car.
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I've been driving the C-Max for 18 months now and it's been a fantastic ride! The car is very well executed and Ford has done a great job of automating it with automatic lights, wipers, and more. Although it's a CVT, the acceleration is good and the power and handling are great up to 90 MPH. Above that, it's not as fun, but it's perfect for city driving and traffic. It's especially great for electric-only rides in heavy traffic without turning on the engine at all, up to 85 MPH. I've driven 20,000 miles in LA and I'm looking forward to many more. The higher seating, weight, and drive feel more like a cross between a mini minivan and a hot hatchback (which is very heavy at almost 4,000 pounds). My best tank MPG was about 85 MPG, almost 1,100 miles on a 12-gallon tank, and the least has been around 65 MPG. The car is due for a second oil change shortly, making it a 10,000 interval for maintenance which is always a good bonus. There's not much I would fault the car for, maybe a bit higher ride and ground clearance would be good, but I do like the ride. I got the plug-in, but the hybrid-only ones were more fun, much lighter, and sharper rides. The back seat is very comfortable and I often have passengers. Ford has a winning formula for the car of the future, with the perfect size, power, and the whole package.
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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!
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.