What year Ford C-MAX Energi should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 and 2016 model years rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100 and 75 respectively. Both years show Electrical System problems as the top complaint category.

What is the best year for the Ford C-MAX Energi?

The 2017 model year is the best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 10 total complaints, the fewest of any year covered.

Does the Ford C-MAX Energi have any recalls?

NHTSA lists one recall campaign across all model years, 13V475000, affecting the 2013 model year for a door chime software update tied to the push-button start system.

Is the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?

Relative to other C-MAX Energi years, the 2013 model ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 50 total complaints, the highest of the lineup. Electrical System issues made up 38% of its complaints.

What is the most common problem area for the Ford C-MAX Energi?

Across all model years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 55 complaints and 40% of all reports to NHTSA.

Ford C-MAX Energi Best and Worst Years (2013–2017)

Ford C-MAX Energi model years to avoid are 2013 and 2016, both with complaint index scores of 100 and 75 driven mainly by Electrical System complaints (38-40% share). 2017 is the best year with a complaint index of 0 and just 10 total complaints.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2016 Best 2017

Model years: 5; 2013–2017
NHTSA complaints: 137
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 4
Top problem area: Electrical System

C-MAX Energi Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford C-MAX Energi problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	75	50	2	3	1	Electrical System	38	4★
2014	Caution	50	30	0	1	0	Electrical System	38	4★
2015	Good	25	15	2	0	0	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	38	4★
2016	Avoid	100	32	5	0	0	Electrical System	38	4★
2017	Best	0	10	1	0	0	Fuel System	39	4★

C-MAX Energi years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Ford C-MAX Energi Index 100 · 32 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2016 C-MAX Energi has a complaint index of 75, the second-worst of the model. Electrical System complaints account for 44% of its total, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. Owners also reported Engine issues (16%, median mileage 23,000) and Transmission & Powertrain problems (16%, median mileage 44,500). This year recorded 5 crashes and 4 injuries, more than any other year in the lineup, with sample complaints describing unexpected acceleration, steering that stopped responding, and cruise control that failed to disengage. No recalls were issued for this model year.

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Index 75 · 50 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2013 C-MAX Energi has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (50) of any year. Electrical System issues make up 38% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,900. Owners also reported Steering problems (18%, median mileage 56,250) and Transmission & Powertrain issues (16%, median mileage 88,581.5). This year carries the model's only recall, campaign 13V475000, covering a door chime software issue tied to the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. Structure & Body complaints, including hatchback latch failures, were also reported.

2013 electrical system problems →

Most common Ford C-MAX Energi problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System55 (40%)
Steering18 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain18 (13%)
Structure & Body16 (12%)
Other15 (11%)
Engine13 (9%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras11 (8%)
Fuel System10 (7%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (7%)
Brakes3 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Ford C-MAX Energi should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 and 2016 model years rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100 and 75 respectively. Both years show Electrical System problems as the top complaint category.
What is the best year for the Ford C-MAX Energi?: The 2017 model year is the best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 10 total complaints, the fewest of any year covered.
Does the Ford C-MAX Energi have any recalls?: NHTSA lists one recall campaign across all model years, 13V475000, affecting the 2013 model year for a door chime software update tied to the push-button start system.
Is the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?: Relative to other C-MAX Energi years, the 2013 model ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 50 total complaints, the highest of the lineup. Electrical System issues made up 38% of its complaints.
What is the most common problem area for the Ford C-MAX Energi?: Across all model years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 55 complaints and 40% of all reports to NHTSA.