Ford C-max hybrid 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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Ford C-max hybrid model years
Common Ford C-max hybrid problems
The Ford C-Max Hybrid has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. The most significant issue appears to be electrical problems, which are the worst category for the C-Max Hybrid. The 2014 model year is considered the worst due to the higher repair cost and more problems at lower mileage, despite the 2013 model having the most overall complaints.
One of the most frequently reported electrical problems is the battery going dead, with 42 complaints for the 2013 C-Max Hybrid and 8 complaints for the 2014 C-Max Hybrid.
Another electrical problem is the failure of the power steering system, specifically the electronic power assisted steering (EPAS). This issue has been reported 15 times for the 2013 C-Max Hybrid. Power steering is crucial for safe and comfortable driving, and its failure can significantly impact the driving experience.
In addition to electrical problems, the Ford C-Max Hybrid has also been reported to have issues with the hybrid battery. For instance, one owner reported that the volume controls stopped working, then the stereo stopped working entirely, and a factory reset did not resolve the issue.
Furthermore, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been reported to have problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, with the display indicating low tire air pressure falsely. This issue can lead to unnecessary tire pressure checks and potential safety concerns.
Lastly, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been reported to have issues with the navigation system, with one owner reporting that the car says a disc required for the navigation system is missing, with no idea how it got lost.
In summary, the Ford C-Max Hybrid has several common problems, with electrical issues being the most significant. The battery going dead and power steering failure are the most frequently reported problems, while hybrid battery issues and problems with the tire pressure monitoring system and navigation system have also been reported.
How reliable is the Ford C-Max Hybrid?
The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the C-Max is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford C-Max hybrid battery?
Hybrid Battery Lifespan: The Basics
Average Lifespan: Hybrid batteries typically have a lifespan of 100,000 to 200,000 miles. Warranty Coverage: Most hybrid car manufacturers offer warranties that cover the hybrid battery for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
What are the common faults on a Ford C-Max?
Ford C-Max Common Problems and Solutions
- Passenger Door won't Lock. Problem: ...
- Turbo Malfunction (All Turbo Models) Problem: ...
- Burnt Out Headlights. Problem: ...
- Clutch is Slipping. Problem: ...
- Slippery driving. Problem: ...
- Car taking too much fuel and lacking power. Problem: ...
- Rear brakes. Problem: ...
- External boot release button. Problem:
When should I replace my Ford C-Max hybrid battery?
How often do Hybrid High Voltage Batteries need replacement? Hybrid batteries tend to last between 6-10 years on average. There are outliers in both directions, and warranty often covers when they fall below their life expectancy.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford C-max hybrid years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford C-max hybrid cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Ford C-max hybrid model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford C-max hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford C-max hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford C-max hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford C-max hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford C-max hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford C-max hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford C-max hybrid vehicles.
List of Ford C-max hybrid complaints
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
- VIN: 1FADP5BU4FL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the more the accelerator pedal was depressed, the louder the sound became. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wheel bearings failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the wheel bearing repair was performed by an independent mechanic. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced by the dealer two years prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,900.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-15
- VIN: 1FADP5BU1FL
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to activate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing on other occasions, the rearview camera image was black. A message advising that the rearview camera had failed and to contact the dealer was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-11-09
- VIN: 1FADP5BUXFL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and informed him that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-04
- VIN: 1FADP5AU6FL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching noise under the hood of the vehicle while shifting gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the vehicle was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the shifter cable bushing was replaced; however, the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-10
- VIN: 1FADP5BU7FL
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, WARNING TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND TAKE TO A DEALER. EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT DRIVE IT HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. TWO WEEKS LATER THE POWER ASSIST LIGHT HAS COME ON. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. IS IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE (EPAS) ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST STEERING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR FIX THE WHOLE SYSTEM.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-23
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-04
- VIN: 1FADP5BU9FL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AFTER STARTING THE CAR WITH THE KEYLESS IGNITION THE BRAKES REMAIN LOCKED. RESTARTS MAY RELEASE THE BRAKES. STOMPING ON THE BRAKE MAY RELEASE THE BRAKES. IT'S INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES IT OCCURS WHEN DRIVING EG. STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT AND THEN FINDING THE BRAKES GRIPPING. SOMETIMES YOU CAN DRIVE BUT THERE APPEARS TO BE A SLIGHT DRAG, OTHER TIMES ITS LOCKED AND THE CAR JERKS/SHUDDERS IF YOU TRY TO DRIVE. THE RED BRAKE LIGHT GOES ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND IF YOU DRIVE THE WARNING NOTICE MAY APPEAR. TODAY OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID IT NEEDS A NEW BRAKE VACUUM AT A COST OF $900. THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND WE SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR. THIS CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD WITH 27,000 MILES. THIS CLEARLY IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS REPAIR.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2018-02-17
- VIN: 1FADP5BU6FL
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, DOING ABOUT 35 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD ALMOST METALLIC "POP" FROM THE EXTERIOR REAR. I WAS LESS THAN A HALF MILE FROM HOME, AND THE BACK WINDOW, ALTHOUGH STILL IN ITS FRAME,WAS COMPLETELY CRACKLED/SHATTERED. NO SIGN OF IMPACT FROM ANYTHING HAVING HIT IT, IT WAS ACTUALLY BOWING OUT.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2017-07-02
- VIN: 1FADP5BUXFL
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, GOT MESSAGE INDICATING A STEERING ISSUE. TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD IT IS A STEERING GEAR THAT FAILED AND THAT THE WHOLE COMPONENT OF WHICH THE STEERING GEAR IS A PART OF NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-13
- VIN: 1FADP5AU6FL
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THESE ISSUES WERE ALL FOUND UPON PURCHASE WITH 3 MILES ON ODOMETER WITHOUT ANY DISCLOSED HISTORY OF DAMAGE. 1. DRIPPING/TRICKLING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF CAR AT 45+ MPH WITH ACTIVE PRECIPITATION. SOURCE UNKNOWN, LOCATION UNKNOWN. HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/OPEN?ID=0BW4QLYFTLMBGWVI2OHHASF9PYLE 2. LOUD ROAD/WIND NOISE, ESPECIALLY ON DRIVERS SIDE AT 45+ MPH 3. INCONSISTENT ALIGNMENT GAPS BETWEEN HATCH AND BODY SIDES ( THE HATCH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND COCKEYED. INCONSISTENT GAPS STILL REMAIN AFTER REPAIRS. 4. ** NOTICEABLE BODY FLEX RESULTING IN ALTERED PANEL GAPS. **BODY PANEL GAPS ARE ALTERED DEPENDING ON THE GROUND THE CAR IS PARKED ON. MINOR CHANGES IN TERRAIN CAUSE DOORS TO CLOSE MORE DIFFICULTLY AND HATCH GAPS TO SHIFT. 5. REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS NOT FLUSH WITH BODY PANEL HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/OPEN?ID=0BW4QLYFTLMBGBDHFQUJLR05AQLU 6. HOOD OUT OF ALIGNMENT, POINTED OUT TO US BY THE COLLISION CENTER. ONE SIDE WAS RESTING FLUSH ON THE HEADLIGHT. WE ADJUSTED THE HOOD BUMPERS BUT STILL CANNOT ALIGN IT EVENLY. 7. FRONT AND REAR DRIVERS-SIDE DOORS ARE MISALIGNED 8. WEATHER STRIPPING DISLODGED AND PROTRUDING FROM DOOR SEAM 9. PATCHES OF MISSING PAINT COVERED IN CLEAR COAT ON THE INSIDE OF THE HATCH
Ford C-max hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-06
- VIN: 1FADP5BU9FL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FORD C-MAX HYBRID 2015 12V BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD. HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP HAS CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND NO ISSUES. WHEN BATTERY GOES DEAD, THE CAR CAN NOT BE STARTED AND HAS TO BE EITHER TOWED OR JUMP STARTED. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR IS JUST USED FOR LOCAL TRAVEL LESS THAN 3 MILES. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THAT TYPE OF DRIVING THE BATTERY CAN NOT RECOVER AND DEPLETES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE C-MAX HYBRID MODEL OF ALL YEARS. THE BATTERY IN THE CAR IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH (CAPACITY) TO RECOVER ON REPEATED SHORT TRIPS. THE CAR GIVES NO INDICATION WHEN THE 12V BATTERY IS LOW AND MAY FAIL.
Recalls Ford C-max hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Ford C-max hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford C-max hybrid 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-10-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
- Model: Ford C-max hybrid 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-07-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 C-Max hybrid vehicles, without panoramic roofs, that were manufactured January 19, 2012, through June 25, 2013. During vehicle testing, the vehicle exceeded a head injury criteria requirement set by the standard. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbers between the headliner and the roof. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C02.
- Model: Ford C-max hybrid 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-03-07
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
- Consequence: The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Latest negative Ford C-max hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Ford C-max hybrid car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2016
8/27/21 UPDATE: I still love this car! UPDATE: We've had this car for a few years, and I'm happy to say that the honeymoon is still not over!! I'm sad that Ford has stopped making the C-Max. But, I'm so happy we found this one! I've never been happier with a car. We have had zero issues with it in the time we've owned it. LOVE IT!! ORIGINAL REVIEW: This car has great gas mileage and was a great price (used from a Ford dealership in Indiana). I've always purchased
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've owned several cars, but when I went car shopping this time, I was looking for something different. After test driving the new Fusion, I decided to give the C-Max a try. I was hooked after the first drive and ended up test driving it four more times over the next two weeks until they got the car I wanted. It's the most fun-to-drive car (or wagon, mini-van) that I've driven in a long time. Although fuel efficiency wasn't my top priority, I've been pleasantly surprised to achieve an average of 42 mpg in the first two weeks with minimal effort. The car provides enough information to help you become a more efficient driver, but you can also ignore it and just enjoy the ride.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I love the car and its features! However, I am disappointed with the plastic surrounding the rear view mirror. It is quite flimsy and I cannot put up a sun shade without it falling off. This is a bit of a deal-breaker for me, especially since I live in TX and need to be able to use a shade.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I'm so glad to hear that you're still loving your C-MAX! With 2.5 years and 33,000 miles on it, it's great to hear that it's still peppy and reliable. Despite your lead foot, it's impressive that you're still getting great gas mileage. The only issues you've had have been recalls, but those are the same as most cars and the dealer did a good job at getting you in and out for those minor issues. It's great to hear that you haven't had any mechanical issues and that you're very happy with your car!
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Vehicle year: 2016
Ford does not provide a spare tire and obtaining one independently can be a challenge due to the lack of information available online or in the owner's manual. Additionally, there is no guidance provided on the use of a carjack. It is worth noting that tire insurance is a profitable product for Ford. However, waiting for AAA to tow your car to a repair shop for 90 minutes is not as convenient as changing a spare tire and being back on the road in just 15 minutes.
Are you having problems with your Ford C-max hybrid?
Dexter Hessel 2024-11-22
Vehicle year: 2015
Despite some initial issues with the electronics and advertised gas mileage, I have found the 2013 C-Max to be a powerful hybrid with great cargo capacity. While Ford has not yet addressed the issue with the rear doors, I have been consistently getting 42-43 mpg on fill ups, which exceeds the EPA estimate. Overall, my experience with the C-Max has been positive and I am confident in its capabilities.
Alexie Mitchell 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 2015
After purchasing the vehicle, I noticed some issues and decided to have a friend drive it home. Unfortunately, there were some problems with sluggishness and poor braking. Later on, while driving on route 7, a rabbit ran in front of the vehicle causing some damage. Despite my efforts to fix it, I have had ongoing issues with the battery, engine, and braking performance. The audio system has also been problematic, freezing multiple times a day. Although the dealership has not been helpful, there are some features of the vehicle that I do appreciate, such as the comfortable seating position and quiet tires. However, I have decided to sell the vehicle due to the constant maintenance required to keep it running. Overall, I would not recommend this vehicle. Update at 29k: the audio system is still malfunctioning and Ford will not replace it.
Garrick Kuhn 2024-11-10
Vehicle year: 2013
The C-Max has a great interior design, a good sound system, and handles well. It also seems roomy. However, there are some nagging problems that drag down the car. Like another reviewer, my clock randomly changes time, which can be a little disconcerting. Additionally, the car sometimes starts itself without warning. The cruise control can also be problematic, as it does not throttle back when going downhill. This can result in going 20-25 MPH over the speed you set, which I believe is a dangerous defect. Although, I am not sure if this is a problem with all C-Max cruise controls or if I just have a defective one.
Bertram Romaguera 2024-09-26
Vehicle year: 2016
I drove this car for 50,000 miles in one year as an Uber/Lyft driver in San Francisco. The car has good gas mileage and a roomy interior. However, it can be difficult to sync Bluetooth and the passenger doors are heavy. The power lift gate is slow and the rear storage is small. The car can be jumpy and has slow power to pass. The wheels tend to spin on take off and braking, even on dry and wet roads. The turn signal is loud, but the speakers are nice and loud. The car has a big windshield for a good view, but it feels tippy on bumps, which can cause low back pain. The windshield wipers have bad timing. The seats are uncomfortable and the driver's seat is too high for the correct angle of legs to pedals, which can cause back pain. The car has an ugly side profile and front view. The steering wheel to front tires feels unstable and insecure, especially on the highway. During the first 20,000 miles, the brakes made an awful skid sound when coming to a stop at slow speeds. The dealer said it was a
Cielo Rogahn 2024-09-06
Vehicle year: 2015
The dashboard continues to slide forward on both sides, despite several replacements and repairs. It is unclear why the manufacturer attempted to fix the issue if it is now being claimed as part of the design. Additionally, the theft of my 'Support our Troops' magnet is a frustrating occurrence. However, I remain confident in finding a solution to the dashboard issue.