YearToAvoid

2013 Ford C-Max Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford C-Max, 20% of all complaints that year, with median failure mileage of 87,000. A related shifter cable bushing recall (22V413000) covers this model, but it does not address the grinding/metal-particle transmission complaints owners describe.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
37
20% of 187
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
87,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a loud grinding or thudding noise coming from the transmission, sometimes noticeable at idle and while driving at various speeds.
  • Several owners describe the transmission failing or losing power suddenly while driving, in some cases with a warning light telling them to pull over.
  • Dealers inspecting failed transmissions reportedly found metal particles in the transmission fluid, indicating internal wear.
  • Some owners report stalling at highway speeds, with the engine (gas and electric) shutting off unexpectedly.
  • One owner reported the transmission was low on fluid, holding only 1 quart of a 5-quart capacity, at 110,000 miles.
  • Multiple complaints mention grinding noises persisting even after dealer inspection failed to duplicate or diagnose the issue.

When 2013 Ford C-Max transmission complaints were filed

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

2013 Ford C-Max transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2014Oct 2017Apr 2018Apr 2019Mar 2020Nov 2020Aug 2022
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2014 to Apr 2026; peak Dec 2017 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Ford C-Max

  1. NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles

    Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

    Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by C-Max model year

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

  1. 201337 (20%)
  2. 201418 (23%)
  3. 20159 (17%)
  4. 20162 (9%)
  5. 20173 (20%)
  6. 20181 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Ford C-Max have?
NHTSA lists 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford C-Max, making up 20% of all 187 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Ford C-Max?
Yes. Recall 22V413000 covers 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles for a shifter cable bushing that attaches to the transmission; dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap free of charge.
Does the recall fix the grinding transmission noise owners report?
No. The recall addresses a shift cable bushing issue, not the grinding noise and metal particles in transmission fluid described in owner complaints.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2013 C-Max?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2013 C-Max is 87,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported among the 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 C-Max.

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.