2014 Ford C-max problems

General information about Ford-C-max
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 2014 Ford C-max problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Ford C-Max 2014, several common problems have been reported:

Turbo Malfunction: Owners have experienced issues with the turbocharger failing to kick in, often due to carbon clogging the turbo unit and blocking the oil feeder pipe. Cleaning the oil feeder pipe can resolve the problem, but in severe cases, replacement of the oil feeder pipe or the entire turbocharger may be necessary.
Clutch Slipping: A common problem reported is the clutch slipping during gear changes. This issue is attributed to the clutch wearing out quickly in the C-Max. In most cases, replacing the entire clutch system is required to address this issue.
Electrical Issues: The Ford C-Max is known for electrical faults, particularly affecting non-engine electrics. These issues can impact various components in the car and may require thorough diagnostics to identify and rectify the specific electrical problem.
Suspension Concerns: Some owners have reported creaking noises while driving slowly, which could be linked to front shock absorber top mounts failing. This issue can affect the performance of the suspension system and may necessitate re-compression of the springs to resolve the creaking noise.
Air Conditioning Problems: Another common problem involves issues with the air conditioning system, often caused by a faulty pipe attached to the compressor. This can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, requiring the replacement of the damaged pipe and refilling of the air conditioning system with gas at a specialized garage.
Door-Sealing Issues: Certain versions of the C-Max 2014 have been known to have problems with faulty door-sealing strips, resulting in high-pitched squeals at speed. The solution involves removing, straightening, and refitting the sealing strip with new adhesive to address the issue effectively.

These common problems reported by owners of the Ford C-Max 2014 highlight key areas where maintenance and potential repairs may be needed to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.

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 a reliable car?

The Ford C-MAX was rated a little above average for reliability in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of cars currently on sale in the UK. Of the owners who responded, 11.1% reported experiencing a problem with their car on at least one occasion.

What is the recall on the 2014 Ford C-Max?

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.

Is Ford C-Max expensive to repair?

The average annual repair cost for a Ford is $775, which means it has above average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Ford reliability include an average of 0.3 visits to a repair shop per year and a 15% probability of a repair being severe.

Is there any problems with Ford C-Max?

Is the Ford C-Max a reliable car?

What is the recall on the 2014 Ford C-Max?

How long is the battery life on a 2014 Ford C-Max?

between 3 to 5 years

Your 2014 Ford C-Max battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't totally dead, doesn't mean it's operating perfectly.

2014 Ford C-max complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Ford C-max.

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

2014 Ford C-max recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2014 Ford C-max.

2022-06-10

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

2020-06-08

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

2018-09-10

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
Consequence: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

2016-09-06

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

2014-09-26

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Consequence: The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

2014-08-22

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Park It: 1
Components: STEERING
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
Consequence: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

2014-05-07

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
Consequence: If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

2014-04-02

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2014 Ford C-max problems:

2014 C-Max Battery Problems - Batteries - Ford C-MAX Hybrid Forum

https://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/4216-2014-c-max-battery-problems/

Aug 23, 2014 ... My hunch is they have addressed the most common causes of these issues and that models built this year (and further on, hopefully) will have ...

2014 Ford C Max Battery Draining : r/cmaxhybrid

https://www.reddit.com/r/cmaxhybrid/comments/t62rfn/2014_ford_c_max_battery_draining/

Mar 3, 2022 ... Unfortunately, this can be a fairly common problem with the C-max (especially the early years). There can be several different causes. I'm sure ...

2014 Ford C-MAX Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/c-max/2014/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Steering And Suspension · Electrical Accessories · In-car Electronics · Noises And Leaks · Exhaust · Paint And Trim · Fuel System ...

Should I buy? 2014 C-Max Hybrid SEL w/ 130,000 miles for $9,800 ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/cmaxhybrid/comments/166ecka/should_i_buy_2014_cmax_hybrid_sel_w_130000_miles/

Aug 31, 2023 ... My understanding is the 3rd gen Prius' head gasket issues are probably just as common and expensive as any issue with the C-Max, so as far as I' ...