Are electrical problems common on the 2013 Ford C-Max?

Yes. NHTSA lists 52 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 C-Max, which is 28% of all 187 complaints filed for that model year — the highest share of any C-Max year in this data.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford C-Max electrical system?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 C-Max.

At what mileage do these electrical failures typically happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 52,000 miles.

Did the electrical problems cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to these electrical complaints on the 2013 C-Max.

2013 Ford C-Max Electrical System Problems

The 2013 Ford C-Max Electrical System complaints total 52, making up 28% of all 187 complaints for the year — the highest share among C-Max model years. Median mileage at failure was 52,000 miles, with 2 fires reported and no crashes or injuries. No related recalls are listed.

Electrical System complaints: 52; 28% of 187
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 52,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicle fails to start with a completely dead 12-volt battery, often after sitting overnight, requiring a jump start or tow.
Dashboard and electrical components shut down all at once while driving or attempting to start, sometimes tied to the body control module (BCM) or powertrain control module (PCM).
Battery drains repeatedly and fails to hold a charge despite dealer replacement, with the problem recurring weeks or months later.
Warning lights (orange wrench, red triangle) appear on the dash along with a no-start condition after the vehicle has been parked and restarted.
Ford firmware updates applied to address battery charging problems did not resolve the issue for some owners.

When 2013 Ford C-Max electrical complaints were filed

First complaint May 28, 2014, latest Apr 7, 2026.

52 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2014 to Apr 2026; peak Jun 2020 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Ford C-Max

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by C-Max model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201352 (28%)
201420 (25%)
201510 (19%)
20162 (9%)
20171 (7%)
20182 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

Are electrical problems common on the 2013 Ford C-Max?: Yes. NHTSA lists 52 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 C-Max, which is 28% of all 187 complaints filed for that model year — the highest share of any C-Max year in this data.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford C-Max electrical system?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 C-Max.
At what mileage do these electrical failures typically happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 52,000 miles.
Did the electrical problems cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to these electrical complaints on the 2013 C-Max.