RoadVitals

2013 Ford C-Max Energi Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
50
Latest Jul 5, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1931.7%
  • Steering915.0%
  • Powertrain (other)711.7%
  • Other / unspecified58.3%
  • Body & structure46.7%
  • Engine35.0%
  • Driver assistance35.0%
  • Fuel system35.0%
  • Suspension23.3%
  • Transmission11.7%
  • Interior & seats11.7%
  • Seat belts11.7%
  • Tires & wheels11.7%
  • Airbags11.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, WATER CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER THE BATTERY WAS SATURATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROSWELL FORD (821 N MAIN ST, ROSWELL, NM 88201: (888 881-7087)) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT EH BATTERY NEEDED REPLACEMENT BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11306371 · filed Jan 31, 2020

POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE IN MOTION IN A PARKING LOT. CAR WAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. POOR DESIGN OF COLUMN THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED ON SIMILAR VEHICLES CAUSED SHORTS THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS RESULTED IN THREE PAGES WORTH OF SYSTEM ERRORS WHEN CHECKED. $2,000 TO REPAIR. NO SHORTS SINCE REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY PART.

NHTSA ID 11234265 · filed Jul 23, 2019
All 19 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. The contact received help from her passenger to pull off the road. The contact stopped and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that she had stopped driving the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11493088 · filed Nov 10, 2022

POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE IN MOTION IN A PARKING LOT. CAR WAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. POOR DESIGN OF COLUMN THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED ON SIMILAR VEHICLES CAUSED SHORTS THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS RESULTED IN THREE PAGES WORTH OF SYSTEM ERRORS WHEN CHECKED. $2,000 TO REPAIR. NO SHORTS SINCE REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY PART.

NHTSA ID 11234265 · filed Jul 23, 2019
All 9 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle; followed by the vehicle shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the front axle and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ID 11514772 · filed Mar 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated after contacting NHTSA, the dealer was able to locate the parts and repair the recall.

NHTSA ID 11511800 · filed Mar 14, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSISTENT ROLLING NOISE HEARD WHILE DRIVING. WHEEL BEARINGS ON BOTH REAR WHEELS NEEDED REPLACED AT 57,500 MILES.

NHTSA ID 11234270 · filed Jul 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVENIENCE CHARGE CORD OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V592000 (EQUIPMENT); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HANSEL FORD (3075 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407, (707) 623-1426) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11155174 · filed Nov 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR (HATCHBACK) LATCH FAILS TO RELEASE RESULTING IN A DOOR WILL NOT OPEN CONDITION. BECAUSE THE LATCH RELEASE WAS ACTIVATED, DRIVING OR ROAD VIBRATION MAY CAUSE THE DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY AND EJECT CARGO WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HATCHBACK FAILS TO OPEN AFTER ELECTRONIC RELEASE IS ACTIVATED AND MUST BE "JIGGLED" TO OPEN. HATCHBACK LATER OPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. REAR DOOR IS NOT COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000.

NHTSA ID 10990550 · filed May 19, 2017

FORD HAS YET TO PROVIDE DEALERS WITH PARTS TO REPAIR RECALLED DEFECTIVE DOOR LATCHES IN THIS VEHICLE. THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE AT LEAST FEBRUARY 2015 - NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO - AND ISSUED THE FORMAL RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER 2016. ARE THEY MAKING ANY EFFORT TO RESOLVE THIS? IT WOULD SEEM A MECHANICAL FIX LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT TAKE MONTHS OR YEARS TO RESOLVE - ESPECIALLY ON A CAR WHICH HAS HAD RELATIVELY LIMITED SALES. I HOPE YOU WILL CHECK ON THIS AND URGE FORD TO PROMPTLY MAKE THE PROMISED FIX.

NHTSA ID 10939125 · filed Jan 2, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RE: POWER CORD FOR HYBRID CHARGING SYSTEM. IT IS FAULTY AND DANGEROUS! SAFETYRECALL #: 18S24. NHTSA RECALL: 18V-592 I PURCHASED A VEHICLE (USED) LOCALLY FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP-MULLINAX FORD IN NORTH PALM BEACH FL. UNFORTUNATELY THE POWER CORD WAS NOT WITH THE VEHICLE AND THEY HAD TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP IT CAME FROM, AND GEORGIA, TO SEND A POWER CORD. AS IT TURNS OUT THAT POWER CORD IS FAULTY FROM DAY ONE. IT OVERHEATS IN JUST MINUTES. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES, BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY CONFIRMED THE POWER CORD WAS INDEED FAULTY. THEY HAD FIRST SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT FORD AND WOULD COVER IT. WELL THEY LIED AND DID NOT COVER IT. AND I'M STUCK WITH PAYING FOR AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE THAT I CANNOT CHARGE, PAID EXTRA TO HAVE A FORD CERTIFIED, SO I THEN COULD PAY EVEN MORE TO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. NONE OF WHICH COVERS THIS FAULTY POWER CORD THE ONE THAT PROBABLY DID NOT EVEN COME WITH THE VEHICLE. THEN, I HAVE RECEIVED NOT ONE BUT TWO NOTICES FROM THE FORD CORPORATION STATING THERE'S A RECALL ON THE CORDS, GREAT I THOUGHT. WELL, THEY STILL ARE NOT PROVIDING ME WITH A NEW SAFE AND FUNCTIONING CORD! NOTHING FROM FORD, AND NOTHING FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHO, ACCORDING TO A PERSON I SPOKE WITH AT FORD, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD ALREADY REPAIRED MY VEHICLE. THAT IS A BLATANT LIE! I TOOK IT IN A SECOND TIME PER THEIR REQUEST, AND HE STILL WOULD NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE MY CORD. I SPENT EXTRA MONEY HAVING AN ELECTRICIAN TO MY HOUSE AND RAN ANOTHER POWER LEAD OUT TO WHERE MY CAR IS AND FOUND THAT INDEED IT WAS THE CORD. THROUGH MY ONLINE RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY HOMES AND GARAGES HAVE BEEN BURNT DOWN BECAUSE OF THESE FAULTY CORDS! CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW FLORIDA CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS, AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS CAN SCREW THE PUBLIC LIKE THIS? PUTTING US IN DANGER? SELLING EXTENDED WARRANTEES ARE NOT HONORING THEM?

NHTSA ID 11209170 · filed May 22, 2019

PUSH TO START / STOP BUTTON FAILS TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN PARK. UNABLE TO SECURE VEHICLE, UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS UNABLE TO TURN OFF LIGHTS, UNABLE TO SHUT VEHICLE DOWN. EACH TIME PUSH TO STOP PRESSED VEHICLE STARTS AGAIN, DASH FLASHES FORD LOGO. IF YOU WALK AWAY THE CAR HONKS HORN. VEHICLE LOCATED AT PARKING GARAGE LLOYD CENTER. PROBLEM SIMILAR TO RECALL 15V436000 AND FORD RECALL 15C06. CAR SHUT OFF HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST.

NHTSA ID 11080365 · filed Mar 20, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed the image upside down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA ID 11530449 · filed Jul 5, 2023

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND LOST POWER ON A BUSY ROAD WITH SEMI COMING UP BEHIND ME. DISPLAY STATED "STOP SAFELY NOW".

NHTSA ID 10850301 · filed Mar 17, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PUSH TO START / STOP BUTTON FAILS TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN PARK. UNABLE TO SECURE VEHICLE, UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS UNABLE TO TURN OFF LIGHTS, UNABLE TO SHUT VEHICLE DOWN. EACH TIME PUSH TO STOP PRESSED VEHICLE STARTS AGAIN, DASH FLASHES FORD LOGO. IF YOU WALK AWAY THE CAR HONKS HORN. VEHICLE LOCATED AT PARKING GARAGE LLOYD CENTER. PROBLEM SIMILAR TO RECALL 15V436000 AND FORD RECALL 15C06. CAR SHUT OFF HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST.

NHTSA ID 11080365 · filed Mar 20, 2018

THE 120 VOLT, 12 AMP CHARGE CORD THAT CAME WITH MY CAR (FORD PART NO. FM58-10B706AC) IS OVERHEATING CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. THE END OF THE CORD THAT PLUGS INTO THE WALL HAS MELTED AND THE PLUG HAS LEFT BURN MARKS ON THREE DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ON MY HOUSE WHERE I PLUG THE CAR IN TO CHARGE. PHOTOS OF THE MELTED CORD AND OUTLET BURN MARKS ARE ATTACHED. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THAT THE CONTROL UNIT BUILT INTO THE CORD IS TOO HEAVY AND PULLS THE PRONGS FROM THE OUTLET AND IF A PRONG IS ONLY PARTIALLY PLUGGED INTO THE OUTLET IT DRAWS MORE CURRENT THAN THE CORD CAN HANDLE. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ADVISED (FORD EV HELP LINE 1-800-392-3673) THAT THE CORD SHOULD NOT BE LEFT HANGING IN MID-AIR AND NEEDS TO BE PROPPED UP WHEN PLUGGED IN. THOSE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL OR ON THE CORD, NOR WERE THEY COMMUNICATED TO CMAX ENERGI OWNERS. FORD ASSERTS THAT THE CORD IS NOT COVERED BY ITS EXTENDED 8-YEAR, 80,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR THE CMAX ENERGI, SO THIS PART IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE (I WAS QUOTED $975 BY FORD TO REPLACE THE CORD). THUS IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT OWNERS WILL DEFER REPLACING THE CORD AND KEEP USING IT, BECAUSE IT STILL WORKS EVEN THOUGH THE PLUG IS PARTIALLY MELTED. THIS CORD IS HIGHLY LIKELY TO RESULT IN FIRES AND MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TWO CMAX ENERGI GARAGE FIRES IN FLORIDA I READ ABOUT IN THE PRESS LAST MONTH. I AM HAPPY TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION IF YOU WANT TO CONTACT ME.

NHTSA ID 10904811 · filed Sep 8, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle; followed by the vehicle shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the front axle and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ID 11514772 · filed Mar 31, 2023

HI ON THE 11/19/2014 AROUND 2:30 MY WIFE AND HER MANAGER AT WORK WE WAS GOING TO MEET UP WITH CLIENT . THE OFFENDED VEHICLE BREAK THE STOP SIGN AND HIT MY VEHICLE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND MY CAR SPIN AND FACE THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FOR THE TRAFFIC .COMPLETELY DISABLED MY VEHICLE I CALLED THE POLICE .I WAIT TILL THE POLICE COME AND WE MAKE THE REPORT . I START FEEL PAIN ON MY NECK AND MY HEAD AND MY BACK SO THEY DO AN EX RAY FOR ME AND ALL THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID NOT OPEN THE SECOND DAY I RECEIVE LATTER RECALL ABOUT THE AIRBAG AND AFTER THAT I FIND MY SELF PREGNANT SO NOW THE BABY MAY BE INFECTED . SO ON MY THINKING THIS CAR IS NOT SAFETY BECAUSE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE DO RECALL FOR THIS MODAL

NHTSA ID 10662696 · filed Dec 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission inadvertently downshifted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear bearings needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear bearings; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Gaithersburg (901 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879) where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 14B07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 350,000.

NHTSA ID 11499581 · filed Dec 30, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND THE DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10926131 · filed Nov 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 14V597 FORD RECALL NUMBER 14S21 ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 IT HAS BEEN A YEAR NOW AND FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED THE PARTS. IS NOT A YEAR SUFFICIENT TIME TO SUPPLY THE PARTS AND REPAIR MY CAR?

NHTSA ID 10777382 · filed Sep 25, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NOT WORK AND FAILED TO GIVE INDICATION THAT TIRE WAS BAD AND IT RESULTED IN RIPPED TIRE ON NJ TURNPIKE. FORD'S DEALER TESTED THE SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT CODES WERE NOT RESET BUT THEY DEALER OR THE FORD REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10618707 · filed Aug 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX PREMIUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REPAIRS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V237000 (AIR BAGS) WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED CAUSING THE PHONE SYSTEM TO ONLY ALLOW INCOMING CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,500.

NHTSA ID 10610924 · filed Jul 16, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .