YearToAvoid

2014 Ford C-Max Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2014 Ford C-Max, 23% of its 80 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 84,000 miles. A related recall (22V413000) covers a shift cable bushing that can detach and allow the car to move out of park.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
18
23% of 80
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
84,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a grinding, rubbing, or thumping noise coming from the transmission while driving at various speeds, often with the check engine light on.
  • Several report a loud high-pitched whining or roaring sound from the transmission area, especially when the transmission is warming up or in gas mode.
  • Some describe the transmission slipping out of gear into neutral unexpectedly while driving downhill or in low gear.
  • Multiple complaints describe a failed transfer shaft or transmission bearing that required transmission replacement, in one case under warranty.
  • One owner reported the vehicle rolling backward on its own after being placed in park and shut off, resulting in a crash.

When 2014 Ford C-Max transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 11, 2015, latest Jun 26, 2024.

2014 Ford C-Max transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month1Nov 2015Oct 2017Dec 2019Mar 2021Jul 2022Apr 2024
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2015 to Jun 2024; peak Nov 2015 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 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 2014 Ford C-Max have?
NHTSA lists 18 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2014 C-Max, which is 23% of the 80 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2014 C-Max transmission problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component area is 84,000 miles.
Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2014 Ford C-Max?
Yes, recall 22V413000 covers a shift cable bushing that attaches to the transmission; if it fails the vehicle can move even when the shifter shows park. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap free of charge.
Did any 2014 C-Max transmission complaints involve crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to this component area for the 2014 C-Max, with no reported fires or injuries.
How does the 2014 C-Max compare to other C-Max years for transmission complaints?
The 2014 model's 23% share of complaints tied to transmission & powertrain is the highest among the years listed, compared to 20% in 2013, 17% in 2015, and 9-20% in 2016-2018.

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.