Most common 2014 Ford C-Max Energi problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford C-Max Energi complaints by model year
Best C-Max Energi years: 2015, 2017. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2016. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi:
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Door Latch Failure
In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer…
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2014 Ford C-Max Energi owners say
Electrical system
While driving on the highway (about 1/2 way through a 6-hour highway trip), the "stop safely" warning light and accompanying beeps started and the engine cut out completely. I had to later look up in the manual what the orange triangle warning symbol meant. We pulled over to the side of the road, put it in park, and it restarted immediately and was fine for the rest of the journey. I ran the cars "vehicle health report", which did not find any problems. I took it to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the issue and found nothing wrong with it. They indicated they consulted with Ford, who was unable to provide suggestions. While this is a different model, I did notice online that the focus electric had a recall for this same issue. …
The car has 2-4 connections for a cell phone and the USB connections are located in the center consul and when it is used it connects to the display monitor on the dash. But when it is used for a cell phone the cell phone will not charged at any rate. The cell phone goes completely dead and it is no longer a part of the car/phone system. I tried using different types of charging cords and I have an iphone 5s. I even turn-off the phone to get it to charge but nothing works. I have to connect the phone to the back seat plug which is very inconvenient. I took the car to get check and the technician initially said the usc was OK, but when I had him use my cell with no aps open he did verified that the phone did not charge and the power depleted. He said he would get back to me after he contacts someone for further guidance.
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi. The contact stated the front driver's seat power seat was stuck in the reclined position. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was returned, and the contact became aware that the rear driver's side door panel was loose, causing the door to not open properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who diagnosed that the door panel was damaged and need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
I bought this vehicle used in March of 2018. The 12 volt battery has completely drained numerous times the first month I owned it. About 10 - 12 times. Finally in April of 2018 I replaced the 12 volt batter to the tune of $155.00. I thought this would take care of the problem. It did for a few weeks. Then I would get up to leave for work and my battery would be dead again. I have been averaging 3-4 jumps a week to get car running. The battery was replaced yet again in July 2018. This week I have had to jump my car a total of 6 times in 5 days. I have been late to work twice. And two of the mornings the car did start it had been on the battery charger overnight. I was able to get to work these two mornings, but 4 hours later when I went out to go to lunch the battery was dead again.I am typing this on my lunch hour as I sit at my desk. Car is dead again and I can't leave. …
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was idling rough. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed a transmission failure to the contact. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Unable to turn off car with keyless ignition. Computer seemed to think car was off and wouldn't let me turn it on because it thought it was plugged in (which it was not) and the engine was running and I couldn't turn it off.
2014 Ford C-Max Energi engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 40 / 36 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 C-Max Energi rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the C-Max Energi at the same age. It is one of the C-Max Energi years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi?
The electrical system — 16 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (4) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford C-Max Energi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014 and 2016. See the full Ford C-Max Energi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford C-Max Energi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 74% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.