YearToAvoid

2016 Ford C-MAX Energi Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

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

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

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.

Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
38
40 city / 36 hwy

Top 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi problems

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

  1. Electrical System14 (44%)
  2. Engine5 (16%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain5 (16%)
  4. Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (13%)
  5. Other4 (13%)
  6. Steering3 (9%)
  7. Structure & Body2 (6%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
  9. Brakes1 (3%)
  10. Lane Departure1 (3%)

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 complaints: complaints filed per month5Jan 2017May 2018Feb 2020Jun 2021Jul 2022Oct 2023Jul 2025
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Jan 2026; peak Jan 2017 (5).

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

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
2014Caution5030038
2015Good2515038
2016Avoid10032038
2017Best010039

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

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.

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.