Which Ford C-Max years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2013 and 2014 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80, the two highest of any C-Max year, and 8 recall campaigns each.

What is the best Ford C-Max year to buy?

The 2017 and 2018 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 0 and only 15 and 10 total complaints, respectively, plus just one recall campaign each.

What is the most common problem with the Ford C-Max?

Across all years covered, Electrical System issues are most common, accounting for 87 complaints, or 24% of all reported problems, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 19% and Steering at 17%.

Is the 2015 Ford C-Max reliable?

The 2015 C-Max is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, 52 complaints, and 6 recalls — better than 2013 and 2014 but worse than 2016 through 2018.

Does the Ford C-Max have transmission recalls?

Yes. A recall campaign (22V413000) covers a shifter cable bushing on 2013-2018 C-Max models, which is one of 8 recalls affecting both the 2013 and 2014 model years.

Ford C-Max Best and Worst Years (2013–2018)

The 2013 and 2014 Ford C-Max are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80 and 8 recalls each. The 2017 and 2018 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 0 and just one recall apiece.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Best 2017 Best 2018

Model years: 6; 2013–2018
NHTSA complaints: 366
Recall campaigns: 12
Crashes reported: 24
Fires reported: 12
Top problem area: Electrical System

C-Max 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 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	100	187	4	5	8	Electrical System	40	—
2014	Avoid	80	80	6	4	8 !	Electrical System	39	—
2015	Caution	60	52	9	0	6	Electrical System	39	—
2016	Good	40	22	2	1	3	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	39	—
2017	Best	20	15	1	2	1	Engine	40	—
2018	Best	0	10	2	0	1	Airbags	40	—

C-Max years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Ford C-Max Index 100 · 187 complaints · 8 recalls

The 2013 C-Max ranks worst of the six years covered, with 187 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Electrical System issues lead at 52 complaints (28% share, median mileage 52,000), followed by Steering at 39 complaints (median 60,000 miles) and Transmission & Powertrain at 37 complaints (median 87,000 miles). Owners reported loss of steering control at highway speed, unintended acceleration or brake failure while parking, and charging cords melting at the outlet. The year carries 8 recall campaigns, including a shifter cable bushing issue, door latch inspections, and a charge cord replacement for C-Max Energi models.

2013 electrical system problems →2013 steering problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →

2014 Ford C-Max Index 80 · 80 complaints · 8 recalls

The 2014 C-Max ranks second worst, with 80 complaints and a complaint index of 80, including one do-not-drive recall. Electrical System problems top the list at 20 complaints (25% share, median 63,750 miles), with Transmission & Powertrain close behind at 18 complaints (median 84,000 miles) and Steering at 14 complaints (median 20,000 miles). Owners reported vehicles rolling backward after being shifted to park, brakes failing to slow the vehicle, and charging plugs melting at the wall outlet. Eight recall campaigns apply to this year, covering the shifter cable bushing, door latches, and charge cords.

2014 electrical system problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Ford C-Max problems (all years)

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

Electrical System87 (24%)
Transmission & Powertrain70 (19%)
Other67 (18%)
Steering64 (17%)
Engine40 (11%)
Structure & Body31 (8%)
Brakes17 (5%)
Airbags16 (4%)
Fuel System16 (4%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford C-Max years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2013 and 2014 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80, the two highest of any C-Max year, and 8 recall campaigns each.
What is the best Ford C-Max year to buy?: The 2017 and 2018 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 0 and only 15 and 10 total complaints, respectively, plus just one recall campaign each.
What is the most common problem with the Ford C-Max?: Across all years covered, Electrical System issues are most common, accounting for 87 complaints, or 24% of all reported problems, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 19% and Steering at 17%.
Is the 2015 Ford C-Max reliable?: The 2015 C-Max is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, 52 complaints, and 6 recalls — better than 2013 and 2014 but worse than 2016 through 2018.
Does the Ford C-Max have transmission recalls?: Yes. A recall campaign (22V413000) covers a shifter cable bushing on 2013-2018 C-Max models, which is one of 8 recalls affecting both the 2013 and 2014 model years.