2015 Ford C-Max Energi Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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
- Driver assistance526.3%
- Electrical421.1%
- Steering315.8%
- Engine15.3%
- Interior & seats15.3%
- Powertrain (other)15.3%
- Airbags15.3%
- Visibility15.3%
- Body & structure15.3%
- Brakes15.3%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was inoperative, and the image was intermittently upside down. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that another unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts were only available for the 2022 Mustang vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the image appeared upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that the manufacturer label indicated that the vehicle was drivable for 22 miles when fully charged; however, the vehicle was only drivable for approximately 14 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, the vehicle was only drivable for 8 miles. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was related to the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE ABS SERVICE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V436000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAWGRASS FORD (LOCATED AT 14501 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323, (954) 851-9000), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR HAS 57,500 MILES AND IS INSIDE THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD. THE POWER ASSIST STEERING FELT STICKY, NOT SMOOTH LIKE NORMAL, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN ALMOST THERE AN ERROR LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THERE WAS A POWER STEERING ISSUE. IT CLEARED AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THEN SOON AFTER A POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE CAME ON, BUT THE PERFORMANCE WAS STILL STICKY BUT FUNCTIONAL. I PULLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP LOT AND POWERED DOWN, THEN BACK UP TO DRIVE INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THE POWER STEERING WAS NON-OPERATIONAL AT THAT POINT. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATES THE STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY ALSO STATE IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON OTHER FORD MODELS, BUT NOT THE C-MAX SO FAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND HAS OCCURRED FAR TOO EARLY IN THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE FOR WEAR AND TEAR. THE FIRST SERVICE INTERVAL FOR THE STEERING IS 60,000 MILES AND THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN THERE YET.
FOUND CORROSION ON BOTH SIDE STEERING AXLES AND STEERING KNUCKLE AT 17K, TOOK IT TO SUNNYVALE FORD IN CA, THEY GAVE ME THE ANSWER WAS IT'S NORMAL CONDITIONS IT'S BARE METALS , FORD WAS LAYING TO THE CONSUMER, ALSO COOLANT SPILL OUT FROM HIGH VOLTAGE RESERVOIR, DEALERSHIP SAID THOSE ARE NORMAL CONDITIONS NO NEED TO TAKE CARE ABOUT IT ,STEERING WHEEL WAS COCK TO EITHER SIDE FORD DEALERSHIP DOES NOT ABLE TO FIXED STEERING WHEEL ON CENTER, CORROSION FOUND ON EVERY FORD VEHICLE AND IT'S NORMAL, I THINK GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP IN AND GET A RECALL FOR THOSE ISSUED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT A MONTH AGO IN APRIL 2016, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SURGED AHEAD AND STRUCK MY GARAGE DOOR, DAMAGING IT. IN THIS INSTANCE I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR. ON MAY17, 2016 AFTER PICKING UP MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SCHOOL, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WITH NO DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I HIT AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY CAR AND 2 OTHER CARS, THEN WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS CAN HAPPEN YET AGAIN AND CAUSE EVEN MORE SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY INJURY.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN SECURELY LOCKED AND OPENED TWICE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TWO MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PROVIDED NO REPAIR SOLUTION. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE NOTICE INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated upon parking and turning off the vehicle by a river, the vehicle later rolled away into the river. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact was able to extract the vehicle out of the river with the assistance of professionals. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT A MONTH AGO IN APRIL 2016, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SURGED AHEAD AND STRUCK MY GARAGE DOOR, DAMAGING IT. IN THIS INSTANCE I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR. ON MAY17, 2016 AFTER PICKING UP MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SCHOOL, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WITH NO DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I HIT AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY CAR AND 2 OTHER CARS, THEN WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS CAN HAPPEN YET AGAIN AND CAUSE EVEN MORE SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY INJURY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DURING NINETY DEGREE TEMPERATURE WEATHER WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE MOON ROOF CRACKED EXTENSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AT THE DEALER'S REQUEST, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER'S LOCATION FOR EXAMINATION. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRACKS APPEARED TO BE AN IMPACT DAMAGED, STATING THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAVE HIT THE ROOF AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT A MONTH AGO IN APRIL 2016, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SURGED AHEAD AND STRUCK MY GARAGE DOOR, DAMAGING IT. IN THIS INSTANCE I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR. ON MAY17, 2016 AFTER PICKING UP MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SCHOOL, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WITH NO DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I HIT AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY CAR AND 2 OTHER CARS, THEN WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS CAN HAPPEN YET AGAIN AND CAUSE EVEN MORE SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY INJURY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE ABS SERVICE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V436000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAWGRASS FORD (LOCATED AT 14501 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323, (954) 851-9000), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .