Most common 2017 Ford C-Max problems
Share of the 15 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 →
2017 Ford C-Max recalls (1)
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.
What 2017 Ford C-Max owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle in cold temperatures, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that the steering wheel operated as needed after the vehicle had warmed up. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that he used his physical strength to steer the steering wheel, and he drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The contact stated that the steering wheel had loosened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached steering wheel bolt. The contact was informed that the steering wheel bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,896.
Speed control & acceleration
Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.
The car was in acceleration mode at every speed on the highway, residential streets, at stop signs, always exceeding the speed limits. I continually braked to maintain control. Tires squealed when I released the brake at stop signs. There was nothing under the gas pedal. I didn't dare drive into the garage; the car would have been in the kitchen. When I put it in park, engine still revved.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while while driving at various speeds, and while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact stated that the failure was experienced intermittently. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown.
2017 Ford C-Max engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 42 / 38 / 40 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 41 / 38 / 39 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Ford C-Max a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 C-Max rates better than average: 69% 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 2017 Ford C-Max?
The steering — 3 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (3) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford C-Max have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 Ford C-Max, the most recent from June 10, 2022 (shift linkage/cable/rod). 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 2017 Ford C-Max problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 63% 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.