Most common 2016 Ford C-Max problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford C-Max complaints by model year
Best C-Max years: 2017, 2018, 2016. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
2016 Ford C-Max recalls (3)
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.
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.
What 2016 Ford C-Max owners say
Driver assistance
The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera not Available" was displayed on the screen. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure, and the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was associated with a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the display screen would not display any images and not allow the contact to use any of the functions. The contact also stated that sometimes it would take up to 5 minutes for the display screen to engage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Rear view camera recall was last year on October 2025 I am facing serious safety issues with the camera not working properly or sometimes entirely not at all the screen turns blue and does not display anything it's very dangerous
2016 Ford C-Max engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 41 / 36 / 39 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 40 / 36 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford C-Max a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 C-Max rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C-Max at the same age. It is one of the best C-Max years by this measure. 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 2016 Ford C-Max?
The driver assistance — 7 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sensing system › camera. Next are the electrical system (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford C-Max have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Ford C-Max, the most recent from October 13, 2025 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford C-Max?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2018 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013 and 2014. See the full Ford C-Max years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford C-Max problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 79% 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.