Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 | −65% | 1 | Steering | Good |
| 2017 | 15 | −69% | 1 | Steering | Good |
| 2016 | 24 | −61% | 3 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2015 | 56 | typical | 6 | Transmission | Average |
| 2014 | 80 | 2.2× | 8 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2013 | 187 | 5.0× | 8 | Electrical | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median C-Max year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford C-Max problems
Latest Ford C-Max recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
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.
Equipment › Electrical
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.
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.
Structure › Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford C-Max should you avoid?
2013 and 2014 — these years have the most complaints relative to other C-Max years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Ford C-Max?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other C-Max years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford C-Max problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (86), transmission & drivetrain (70) and steering (64). Electrical complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford C-Max had?
12 recalls across 2013–2018. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Ford C-Max recalls by year.
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.