2013 Ford C-max hybrid problems

General information about Ford-C-max hybrid
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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 2013 Ford C-max hybrid problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, several common problems have been reported:

Power Steering Failure: The car has been reported to have power steering failure issues, which can significantly impact the driving experience.

Transmission Problems: The transmission, especially the eCVT, has been a concern for some owners, with reports of failures around 100,000 miles.

Reliability Concerns: Some owners have faced reliability issues, including being stranded due to the car not shifting into park or other transmission-related problems.

Electrical Issues: Complaints about electrical problems have been raised, such as 12v electric/electronic issues and potential issues with the shifter cable attachment to the transmission.

Fuel Economy: Despite being a hybrid, some owners have expressed disappointment with the fuel economy not meeting the advertised mileage.

Interior and Steering Problems: Complaints have been made about interior issues and steering problems, affecting the overall comfort and driving experience of the vehicle.

These reported problems highlight various concerns that owners of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid have faced. It's essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when evaluating the purchase of this particular vehicle.

How long does a 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid battery last?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a hybrid battery in a Ford C-Max?

Labor costs are estimated between $282 and $355 while parts are typically priced around $5,850.

Is there any recalls on 2013 C-Max Ford?

Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for approximately 850,000 (actual 850,050) 2013-2014 Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a potential issue with the restraints control module.

Is the Ford C-Max Hybrid a good car?

Likes: Speedier than most other hybrids, refined powertrain, athletic chassis. Dislikes: Not as efficient as rivals, lackluster cornering grip, top-heavy feeling in corners. The C-Max hybrid powertrain is refined and well-integrated, and the transition from electric power to gasoline operation is practically seamless.

How long does a 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid battery last?

Is the Ford C-Max Hybrid a good car?

What are the common faults on 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:

How much does it cost to replace a hybrid battery in a Ford C-Max?

Labor costs are estimated between $282 and $355 while parts are typically priced around $5,850.

2013 Ford C-max hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Ford C-max hybrid.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2013 Ford C-max hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2013 Ford C-max hybrid.

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.

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.

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.

Negative 2013 Ford C-max hybrid car reviews

Garrick Kuhn 2024-11-10

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.
Roy Jacobi 2024-06-09

Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2013 Ford C-Max. While I've only had it for three months, I've noticed that my mpg is lower than advertised, getting around 34-35 mpg on a combination of regular and highway roads. However, my main concern has been with the battery, as I've had to call Ford Roadside Assistance four times to jumpstart my car, and even had to ask my friends for help once. I've taken it to two different Ford dealerships for service, but unfortunately, they haven't been able to find a solution yet. Despite these issues, I'm hopeful that we can find a resolution soon. Thank you for listening!
Rickie Stamm 2024-03-24

After experiencing numerous recalls and technological glitches, I have decided to part ways with my 2013 C-Max after only a year of ownership. As many have noted, Ford's MPG claims were grossly exaggerated. Currently, I am dealing with minor issues such as the entertainment system sporadically stopping, the center console not closing, the trunk lift gate not working, and warning lights randomly turning on and off. It is both inconvenient and frustrating to constantly bring the car in for repairs. The final straw was when I returned to the dealership after a repair to find them showcasing my car to potential customers, with my personal belongings on display. I am confident that I made the right decision to move on from this car.
Reymundo Moore 2024-03-15

This car has been to the dealership three times to fix the poor gas mileage performance. Despite being advertised at 47/47/47, I have been getting 32.5 lately. Additionally, the gas engine turns on as I am stopping, and the radio doesn't turn on and off with the dashboard button. Although the service bulletin hasn't fixed the radio issue, the dealership has been working hard to resolve the gas mileage problem. With its sleek design and potential for pzazz, this vehicle has a lot to offer. However, the hybrid's poor gas mileage has been disappointing. I have driven 36000 miles since 3/17/2016, and the gas engine turns on going downhill with the brake on and decelerating. Only sometimes does the hybrid work, giving above 40mpg. I believe that I should have been compensated $3k-5K for the advertised 47 overall mpg to the current best of 38 mpg. Despite the bad mpg and no real compensation offered as of 9/16/2016, I appreciate the dealership's efforts to resolve the issue.
Chance Stiedemann 2024-02-09

I purchased this vehicle when it was 1 year old because I found the visibility of the Prius to be lacking after test-driving it. However, the visibility of my current vehicle is great! As someone who drives almost 30K miles a year, gas mileage was a major consideration for me. Although it took some getting used to a low profile car - especially if you've only driven SUVs or traditional cars - it was worth the adjustment. The performance is wonderful, mostly all around. While I have had some issues with the bluetooth/navigation system, recalls, and climate control, overall I am satisfied with my purchase. Unfortunately, the software for this car is Microsoft and I have an iPhone, so I have to reset the whole speaker/phone/bluetooth system much too often for my taste. Sometimes I cannot disconnect a call and frequently, I cannot answer another call unless I end the first. Additionally, the number of recalls has been quite high, with about 8 in a 2 year period. Unfortunately, Ford does not make the recall process easy, and unless you have an incredibly understanding dealer, your car is gone for the day with you footing the bill for a loaner. There have been times that I've gone in for 2 recalls at the same time and when I picked up the car, service had only completed 1 because parts and pieces were not available. The climate control works, but it can be a bit annoying. For example, if you are on the lowest fan for heat or A/C and turn off the temperature control, when you turn it back on it's on full fans again. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving my car and would recommend it to others, with the caveat that they should be aware of these potential problems.

Positive 2013 Ford C-max hybrid car reviews

Barrett Tromp 2025-02-15

I did a lot of research and test drove several cars to replace my '03 Highlander (which was a great car, by the way). I really liked the room behind the second row in the Prius V and Mazda CX-5, as well as the driveability of the CX-5. On the other hand, I was impressed with the mileage, acceleration, handling, quietness, and accommodations in the C-Max. I've driven about 1500 miles so far and I'm getting about 43 mpg overall, which is pretty good. I'm having fun playing the hybrid game! Most of my driving is in town or on two-lane rural highways, but I've noticed that the mileage suffers if you go over 65 mph. If you're looking for great interstate mileage, diesel is probably the way to go.
Winfield Greenholt 2025-01-29

Driving a C-Max at Denver's mile high elevation for the past two months and 1720 miles has been an incredibly satisfying experience. The CMax has performed exceptionally well in the cold (-5F to 25F) and snow, delivering a consistent 37.4mpg. As the spring temperatures warmed to 50-70F, the mileage climbed to 45-50mpg. The driving is a 50/50 city/highway mix, with the lowest mpg being 29.7mpg in a blizzard and the highest being 93.3mpg on a 3-mile downhill drive from shopping. We chose the CMAX over the Prius and Prius V because the Ford proved to be a better mix of mpg, driving capability, and interior comfort. This car is simply a joy to drive. We even took it up Floyd Hill in the fast lane - it was amazing! We have enjoyed every minute in this car!
Lindsey Wolff 2025-01-22

I've been driving for Uber for the last three and a half years. Previously, I had a Kia Soul, but I felt that it wouldn't be able to handle the wear and tear. It was the standard model with a stick shift 6 speed, and the best mileage I could get was maybe 28 mpg. I needed a vehicle that could get better mileage, but I didn't want to settle for a Prius. According to road tests I read, it was like driving a bathtub on wheels. As someone who enjoys driving, I wanted something that was both fuel-efficient and fun to drive. I found the perfect car in my C Max, which had 19,500 miles when I purchased it back in March 2014. I couldn't be happier with my choice. I keep meticulous track of my gas mileage, writing down each fill-up and mileage in a book. I'm currently averaging 44.5 mpg, which is a combination of local and freeway driving. Even when I'm driving at high speeds, like when I take someone to the airport 30 miles away, I still get great mileage. On the highway, I usually drive at 60 mph, and on surface streets, I can get as high as 50-55 mpg, depending on stop signs, hills, etc. As an Uber driver, I drive under all conditions, except for snow since I live in CA. I've had sporty cars in the past, and the C-max rates highly in that group. I haven't had any mechanical problems with it. As of June 2019, I've driven 77,000 miles since my last review, and the odometer reading is 207,234. Since my last review, I've had to replace the heater solenoid for $160 at the dealer and the rear engine torque mount for $191. Unfortunately, someone on the freeway threw up what looked like a piece of pallet that Other than routine maintenance such as tire and filter replacements, and the occasional bulb replacement, my C Max still looks like new with the new clip up front. I am even ordering new plates and chrome frames for them, but not for the C Max, as it still looks like new. I am a proud owner! As of June 23, 2022, the mileage is now at 267,712. I recently added a rebuilt hybrid battery, replaced the two lower front control arms, new shocks/struts all around, and new tires. I consider this routine maintenance, as I didn't do much driving due to Covid in the last year and a half. I went 20,000 miles between oil changes on the Mobil 1 20-0 hi-mileage oil, and a Mobil 1 oil filter also rated at high mileage. I am at 7,000 miles on the new oil, but it looks a little suspect and will change soon. I had thrown in a Valvoline oil change because it was handy, but only went 4,000 miles on it. I've heard that Valvoline oil is suspect. Despite a few stone hits on the hood and a bashed low parking berm that needs repainting, the car is still terrific. I debated buying new, but why? This car is still ticking. Oh yes! The radio acted up, but I have a replacement coming in today for only $250.00 (less than a new car payment). As of July 3rd, 2023, my C-Max has an incredible 294,000 miles on the odometer and is still mechanically sound. Although there are some stone chips and usual scrapes, the car still looks as good as when I purchased it. The interior is still in incredibly good shape, even after giving over 10,000 Uber rides. The driver seat has taken a bit of a beating, but it's not horrible. At 100,000 miles, I thought of trading, but Ford was pointing me at the top of the line Cmax, and a $500.00 monthly payment. I decided to stick with my C max and am glad I did!I absolutely love driving my C Max! Even at 70mph on the freeway, it handles quick maneuvers with ease. Passengers are always pleasantly surprised by how roomy the back seat is. I am still a happy C Max owner, even after all these years. In fact, I recently had to repair the front end after a minor accident, and I was more than willing to pay out of pocket to keep my beloved car running strong. The car still runs like a dream, and passengers often mistake it for a brand new car. Although the driver's seat shows some wear, I simply added a cover to keep it looking fresh. I can't speak highly enough of this car. In fact, I owned a Lexus lx400 model in 1990, and I can confidently say that the C-Max is a better driving car than that first generation Lexus. While there was a slight issue with the front suspension, specifically the lower control arms and shocks, the only other problem I've encountered is that the car leans excessively in turns. Overall, I am thrilled with my C Max and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.
Elwyn Jerde 2025-01-18

After owning this Hybrid for 1-1/2 years, I must say that I love it overall. The design, features, noise levels, performance, and driveability are all excellent. However, I have experienced some rattles and squeaks, as well as an annoying tapping sound in the rear compartment that I cannot seem to locate. Additionally, there are some fit and finish issues, such as the flimsy windshield mirror cover that doesn't stay in place and poor tolerances on the clips. The inside of the two front door panels are also warped where the top edges touch the glass, and there's at least 1/4
Blair Herman 2024-11-19

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Ford C-max hybrid problems:

Buying Used 2013 C-Max Hybrid, worried about transmission issues ...

https://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/7044-buying-used-2013-c-max-hybrid-worried-about-transmission-issues/

Feb 19, 2018 ... obob · 1. Rear tire cupping - kind of agree. · 2. Brakes at 10K - strongly disagree. · 3. The dead battery problems are largely in the past. · 4.

Stay away from C-Max Energi with transmission issues? : r/cmaxhybrid

https://www.reddit.com/r/cmaxhybrid/comments/r7kzfw/stay_away_from_cmax_energi_with_transmission/

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 ...

What's Wrong with the Ford C-Max Hybrid?

https://www.fordproblems.com/models/c-max-hybrid/

Aug 4, 2016 ... Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 33rd in overall reliability out of 42 Ford models , with real electrical and interior concerns. The ...

Potentially buying a 2013 Ford C-Max SEL this week! However.... : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/cmaxhybrid/comments/lc74cd/potentially_buying_a_2013_ford_cmax_sel_this_week/

Feb 4, 2021 ... I've read about transmission issues some of you have had. This car has 53,000km (32k miles) this will be the first hybrid I've ever owned/drove ...

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/ford/c-max-hybrid/2013/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...