2016 Ford C-MAX Energi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi ranks worst of 5 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 32 complaints, the highest share tied to the Electrical System (44%). It carries an Avoid verdict, though it has no recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 C-MAX Energi years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 38
- 40 city / 36 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System14 (44%)
- Engine5 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (16%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (13%)
- Other4 (13%)
- Steering3 (9%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- Lane Departure1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe the car suddenly displaying a "stop safely now" warning and shutting off the engine or accelerator while driving, sometimes at highway speed.
- Some report the electrical system going haywire in reverse, with wipers, radio, and lights activating on their own and the car moving in an unintended direction.
- Several describe unintended acceleration or surging while parking or transitioning surfaces, leading to collisions.
- One owner reported the steering wheel stopped responding on the highway, requiring drastic turns to regain control before crashing.
- Another described the transmission failing to hold the vehicle in park, causing it to roll away and crash into a tree unattended.
- One owner reported the car failed to start and displayed warnings not to drive it, later linked to rodent damage.
2016 Ford C-MAX Energi recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2016 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.
2016 compared with other C-MAX Energi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 model has the highest complaint index (100) among the 5 model years covered and ranks worst overall, mainly due to electrical system issues.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the Electrical System (44% of complaints), followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 16% each. Owners reported sudden shutdowns, unintended acceleration, and electrical malfunctions.
- Does the 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi have any recalls?
- No, NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2016 model year.
- Which C-MAX Energi model year should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 and 2013 model years both carry an Avoid verdict, with 2016 having the higher complaint index of 100 versus 75 for 2013.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi?
- EPA rates the 2016 C-MAX Energi at 38 mpg combined (40 city, 36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,700.