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: 2013
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your C-Max! It sounds like you're already getting some great gas mileage, and I'm sure it will only get better as you continue to break it in. The car's 188 hp provides plenty of power when you need it, and it's great to hear that you find it comfortable and spacious. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Vehicle year: 2013
This car is fantastic! I tried the Prius and never looked back. The fit and finish are like a German car, and the leather seats are so comfortable. What's truly outstanding is the cab forward visibility. You can see so much of the road and countryside while you're touring. The ride is very smooth for 17
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Vehicle year: 2013
It's great to hear about your new car! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it. The C-Max is actually a European car, which is why it drives so well. It's been sold in Europe for years, but it's great that it's now available here. You're getting an impressive 36-37 MPG, which is a big improvement from your old car's 20 MPG. It's also comparable to the 40 MPG of the Prius V. I completely understand why you chose the C-Max over the Prius V, as the Prius makes some compromises to achieve those last couple of MPG, such as road noise, acceleration, and structural rigidity. It's great that you were able to find a car that meets your needs and preferences. (By the way, we also drive Priuses as company cars.)
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Vehicle year: 2016
10/04/2022 I am still very happy with my C-Max! I have been driving it for 8 years now and it still runs great. The mileage is impressive, the power is fantastic, and the condition of the car is like new. Two years ago, I had a problem with the radio/CD, but it was fixed quickly. The driver's seat back had broken support bands two years ago, but it hasn't worsened and I haven't had it fixed. Other than that, the C-Max has been a great car. Thank you! My previous review follows. The C-Max now has 72,652 miles. I have the car regularly serviced. 06/07/20 I have had the C-Max since buying it new in the summer of 2015. I have put 50,000 miles on it as of today and all is good. I average 40 miles a gallon and mostly do interstate driving and often run at 75 to 80 mph. The C-Max engine was much better than the CR-v or Crosstech that I test drove. It can move, has great gas economy, and plenty of head and body space. The bells and whistles inside are a bit awkward, but not that important to me. The music sounds great! For economy and power, this is a great car. It runs quietly. I am hoping Ford has put in the technology for it to last me a long, trouble-free time. I have not had any problems with this car over the past 4 years. It looks new, drives like new, and the interior is crisp and clean. UPDATED 03-11-2020: The C-Max is a beautiful operating car. It can quickly hit 80 mph and cruise at that speed with seemingly little effort, all while maintaining a high mile per gallon ratio. 04/01/22. The sound system mentioned earlier was fixed. No other problems. Everything is regularly serviced at Airport Ford, Florence, Ky. as they are only 25 minutes from me. No problem with the body or paint or interior. The seats are still easy to clean because of the original coating. Average mileage is 44 to 50 mpg.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've been driving the car for 5 days now, covering 850 miles: 650 on the interstate and 200 on local roads. According to Ford, it will take a couple of thousand miles before an accurate MPG can be determined, but as of now, I'm seeing 44 MPG in the city (with lots of stop and go and hills) and 37 MPG on the interstate. It's surprising that the cold tire pressure is 38 PSI. The dealer was very accommodating on the price, even though this is a new model. This SEL model has just one option: premium white paint. The car is an absolute pleasure to drive, with a sporty feel, comfortable seats, a quiet cabin, and an excellent driver interface with gauges and displays. The build quality looks great.
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.