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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We chose to buy the plug-in hybrid because most of our shopping consists of 16-mile trips to the grocery store and the doctor's office. The car can go more than that distance on batteries alone, so we save on gas costs. Additionally, the body is based on the wagon and the sitting position is upright, making it much easier for handicapped people like me to get in and out of, which was a big selling point. Ford also gave very generous rebates and discounts, making it a relatively inexpensive car for what it is. We compared it with the Audi Etron and the BMW 320e, the only other plug-in hybrids available. After a year of driving, all in city traffic, it's a great car. We charge it up regularly and get about 18 miles on a charge in hot weather with the AC on. Getting in and out of the car is easy for old handicapped people. In hybrid mode, it gets 44.3 MPG, and in electric mode, it uses no gas at all. We are not big users of electronics, so we can't judge the electronics such as Bluetooth because we don't use them. The 120 V charger that came with the car charges in about 5.5 hours. I bought a 240 V charger that charges in about 2.5 hours. The maximum mileage on one charge has been 21 miles, but 18 is average, and in winter, it's less, maybe 16 miles.
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A few weeks ago, I traded in my 10-year-old BMW Z4 3.0si for the C-Max Energi with the higher trim level. While the C-Max Energi is not as thrilling to drive as my Z4, it's not meant to be. The Prius is the real competition, and after driving my friend's Prius last night, I can confidently say that the C-Max outshines it in every way. It has better acceleration, road feel, interior quality, and more comfortable seats, not to mention a nicer info-entertainment center. I learned how to drive a hybrid for mileage on a Ford Escape Hybrid, which I love. It has 250K miles and only $2500 in repairs, and it can even tow 3,500 lbs. With the C-Max, I can get around 50 mpg in straight hybrid mode when driving easy around town, and mid-30s to low 40s on the freeway. Plus, the car's big battery allows me to get even better mileage in pure electric mode. As a Lyft and Uber driver, I've had passengers comment on how spacious and comfortable the car is, and how great the Bluetooth phone sounds. Some have even been thrilled by the automatic parking system. Thanks to the federal and state money, combined with the rebate Ford offered and the deal I got from my local Ford dealer, I'm paying as little for this car as I would for a base Honda Accord. While I'll miss my Z4, the C-Max is a more functional and cost-effective choice. It's also much easier to get in and out of.
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Using it almost exclusively on electric mode. I make a lot of short trips and can go about 24 miles in all electric mode. Great rebates from Ford, Federal government and State of California. My utility company will pay for charging the first year and after that on all-electric mode it is about 1.5 cents per mile. I am very happy with the car.
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I have a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi with 20,000 miles on it. The C-Max is a great car that only requires an oil change every 10,000 miles, which costs around $40. It has peppy acceleration and handles well, making for a comfortable ride. The power adjustable leather driver’s seat is also super comfortable. The dealer convinced me to buy the premium extended warranty because it’s a $32,000 car, but with the $10,000 credit available in CA, I was able to get it for only $22,000. For driving comfort, handling, and reliability, I give it 5 stars. The only downside is the NAV and clunky radio interface, but the 2017 models have a better system. I looked at the Nissan Leaf, but it has a low range and lower crash test. The Chev Volt is more of a sports car, low to the ground, and only seats 4, while the 2017 C-Max seats 5 if your passengers are small. The C-Max is higher like a Honda CRV and has lots of headroom for tall people. Short people will like that the driver’s seat adjusts way up. The backup camera works well, and it’s nice to be able to swing your foot to open the power lift gate. The key fob is big, but it never needs to leave your pocket or purse. The trunk space is small, but you'd be amazed at what you can fit in the C-Max. I can fit 2 adults, 3 kids, a large cooler with drinks and snacks, 5 folding beach chairs, 1 beach tent and umbrella, 5 beach towels, and 3 foam boogie boards. The C-Max Energi is only cost-effective if you get good rebates and have cheap electricity under .15 per Kilowatt. Otherwise, you're better off just buying a C-Max Hybrid or Fusion Hybrid. I use one tank of gas per month at $33. I plug in whenever the car is in the driveway so I can do all my local driving using the electricity from the solar system. I was getting ripped off and paying .40 kwh, but now I have solar, so it’s about .09 kwh. I also installed the 220V charger, so it only takes 2.5 hours for a full charge. I can go 18-22 miles on only electric. The yearly cost for 15,000 miles, based on $2.60 for gas and...For the C-Max Energy, using 15 kwh with 60% highway and 40% local driving, you can expect to pay around $800 for gas and electricity. The C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid will cost you approximately $1000 per year. If you use solar power, like I do, you can save a lot on fuel costs. My annual fuel cost is only $396 for gas and $240 for electricity, which comes to a total of $640 per year.
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Sept. 2019: Hi there! Just wanted to give you an update on my earlier reviews. I purchased the car brand new in Aug 2015 and have only put 55,000 miles on it. I'm happy to report that the car continues to perform well and has been very reliable. I haven't had any mechanical issues at all and the maintenance cost has been very low. I'm a bit puzzled as to why Ford decided to discontinue this model, as I've found the hybrid electric plug-in to be especially great for saving on gas. Thanks for reading!
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.