YearToAvoid

2014 Ford C-MAX Energi Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#3 most-complained of 5 C-MAX Energi years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi has a complaint index of 50, ranking 3rd worst out of 5 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical System issues dominate with 16 complaints (53% share) and one reported fire, with median failure mileage around 25,000.

Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
38
40 city / 36 hwy

Top 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System16 (53%)
  2. Structure & Body6 (20%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
  4. Fuel System3 (10%)
  5. Engine2 (7%)
  6. Other2 (7%)
  7. Steering2 (7%)
  8. Brakes1 (3%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Charge cords and portable chargers reportedly overheated or melted during charging, in one case causing a fire in the garage.
  • Owners describe warning sensors and dashboard alerts triggering repeatedly after rain or humidity exposure, sometimes with no diagnostic code found.
  • USB and phone charging ports reportedly stopped charging connected phones, with the device losing power entirely.
  • Drivers report a 'stop safely' warning light appearing mid-drive with the engine cutting out completely before restarting after pulling over.
  • Owners of vehicles towed behind an RV describe violent tire shaking when the wheels returned to center after a turn.
  • Door latches reportedly failed, causing all four doors to open independently while driving around 40 mph.
2014 Ford C-MAX Energi complaints: complaints filed per month4Oct 2014Mar 2016Feb 2017Aug 2017Dec 2018Jul 2019Jul 2025
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2014 to Jul 2025; peak Aug 2017 (4).

2014 Ford C-MAX Energi recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2014 Ford C-MAX Energi fuel economy and fuel cost

City
40 MPG
Highway
36 MPG
Combined
38 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular Gas and Electricity
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2014 compared with other C-MAX Energi years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Avoid7550138
2014Caution5030038
2015Good2515038
2016Avoid10032038

All Ford C-MAX Energi years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?
Compared to other C-MAX Energi model years, 2014 ranks 3rd worst out of 5 with a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict. Electrical System complaints make up 53% of reported issues, including one fire.
What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi?
NHTSA complaint data shows the Electrical System is the top problem area, with 16 complaints (53% share) and a median failure mileage of 25,000.
Does the 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2014 model year, though sample complaints reference a door latch recall affecting the vehicle.
How does the 2014 C-MAX Energi compare to other years?
The 2013 model has a higher complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2015 (index 25) and 2017 (index 0) score better, ranked Good and Best respectively.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi?
EPA rates it at 38 mpg combined (40 city / 36 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $1,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.