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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2013–2018

Ford C-Max recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 366 owner complaints for the Ford C-Max, covering model years 2013 to 2018. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (187), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Ford C-Max VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 366 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2013–2018)
  • most complaints: 2013 (187 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (85 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V695000 (reported Oct 13, 2025)
  • 24 complaints reporting a crash (6.6%)
  • 12 complaints reporting a fire (3.3%)
  • 15 complaints reporting an injury (4.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Ford C-Max complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 187 of 366, or 51.1%. Next come 2014 (80) and 2015 (52). The fewest are for 2018, with 10 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Ford C-Max owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2013–2018Column chart of 366 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 2013 with 187. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2013: 187 complaints18720132014: 80 complaints8020142015: 52 complaints5220152016: 22 complaints2220162017: 15 complaints1520172018: 10 complaints102018
Ford C-Max complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Ford C-Max complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20131874510
2014806450
2015529050
2016222130
2017151200
2018102010
All model years3662412150

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Ford C-Max components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 85 complaints (23.2% of all 366), followed by Power Train (70) and Steering (64).

Components named most often in Ford C-Max complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Ford C-Max complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System8523.2%
Power Train7019.1%
Steering6417.5%
Unknown or Other6216.9%
Engine256.8%
Structure184.9%
Air Bags164.4%
Vehicle Speed Control164.4%
Back Over Prevention154.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System143.8%
Service Brakes143.8%
Latches/Locks/Linkages113.0%
Wheels102.7%
Visibility/Wiper61.6%
Equipment51.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Ford C-Max recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name C-Max, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 2013 to 2018. The 2013 and 2014 model years appear in the most campaigns (8 each).

  • 12 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
Ford C-Max recall campaigns covering each model year
2013: 8 campaigns2014: 8 campaigns2015: 6 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 1 campaign2018: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V695000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model years 2015–2016

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V413000

    Reported

    Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (PRNDL)

    Model years 2013–2018

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 20V331000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 2013–2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

    Consequence:
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V592000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical

    Model years 2013–2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.

    Consequence:
    An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V052000

    Reported

    Structure › Body

    Model year 2016

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

    Consequence:
    Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V643000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 2013–2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

    Consequence:
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V436000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model year 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

    Consequence:
    If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 14V597000

    Reported

    Seat Belts; Air Bags › Side/Window; Air Bags

    Model years 2013–2014

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

    Consequence:
    The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V514000

    Reported

    Steering

    Model year 2014

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

    Consequence:
    The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 14V237000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model years 2013–2014

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

    Consequence:
    If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V164000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

    Model years 2013–2014

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

    Consequence:
    The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 13V475000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module; Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices

    Model year 2013

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

    Consequence:
    Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Ford C-Max questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Ford C-Max have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Ford C-Max, covering model years 2013 to 2018. The most recent, 25V695000, was reported on October 13, 2025 and is filed under “Back over prevention”. The 2013 and 2014 model years are covered by the most campaigns (8 each).

Which Ford C-Max model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 187 of the 366 complaints in NHTSA’s file (51.1%). The next are 2014 (80) and 2015 (52). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Ford C-Max complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 85 complaints, or 23.2% of all 366. Power Train (70) and Steering (64) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Ford C-Max?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Ford dealer.

How many Ford C-Max complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 366 complaints, 24 report a crash, 12 a fire, 15 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Ford models

8 models · most complaints first

The Ford models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Ford VIN decoder with every Ford model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Ford F-150 1995–2027 · 158 recalls · 35,790 complaints
  • Ford Explorer 1995–2027 · 131 recalls · 31,089 complaints
  • Ford Escape 2000–2026 · 95 recalls · 27,343 complaints
  • Ford Fusion 2006–2020 · 46 recalls · 22,383 complaints
  • Ford Focus 1999–2018 · 36 recalls · 22,086 complaints
  • Ford Windstar 1995–2005 · 33 recalls · 14,108 complaints
  • Ford Edge 2004–2024 · 43 recalls · 14,009 complaints
  • Ford Taurus 1995–2019 · 52 recalls · 12,702 complaints

All Ford models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.