2015 Ford C-Max Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. 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 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11755222

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the rearview camera became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the recall notification letter related to the NHTSA Campaign Number. 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, who referred him to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11738031

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

NHTSA Complaint Update / Addendum I am submitting this update to my existing complaint regarding Safety Recall 25S49 (NHTSA Recall No. 25V695) for my 2015 Ford C-MAX Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ). Ford Motor Company has now formally stated, in writing through the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, that: • The rearview camera defect may cause a blank or distorted image while in reverse • The condition increases crash risk • Parts are not currently available in sufficient quantities • No repair will be available until Q2 2026 or later • No loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement is authorized • Owners are expected to continue operating affected vehicles indefinitely Due to this recall and lack of remedy, my vehicle was removed from service on October 14, 2025. As of December 29, 2025, the vehicle has been unusable for 76 days, resulting in $2,209.32 in documented lost income based on historical earnings of $29.07 per day. Ford has acknowledged the safety defect but is offering no interim solution while delaying the repair for potentially over six months. I am concerned this creates an unreasonable safety and economic burden on affected owners and may represent a broader issue impacting many consumers. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford’s prolonged delay, lack of interim remedy, and refusal to provide alternative transportation while a known safety defect remains unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11707531

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 25V695 / Ford Recall 25S49 on my 2015 Ford C-MAX (VIN: 1FAD*************). Ford Motor Company’s recall notice dated October 2025 states that the rearview backup camera may display a blank or distorted image, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford further confirms that parts are not available and that there is no estimated timeline for repair. Due to this acknowledged safety defect, my vehicle was removed from service on October 14, 2025 following a rearview camera inspection. I rely on this vehicle for income-producing transportation services. Prior to removal from service, my vehicle generated $1,221 over 42 days, resulting in a documented daily average of $29.07 per day. As of today, the vehicle has been unavailable for 71 days, resulting in a verified loss of income totaling $2,063.97, which continues to increase by $29.07 per day. I received the official recall letter on November 7, 2025, yet Ford has provided: No repair parts No estimated repair date No interim remedy No loaner or rental assistance Despite multiple contacts with Ford and the Department of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline, there is still no remedy. I am requesting that NHTSA review the effectiveness of this recall and Ford’s failure to provide a timely remedy for an acknowledged safety defect that is causing ongoing financial harm.

NHTSA ID

11706588

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

There has been no accident yet but this is a safety hazard. My vehicle is under 100,000 miles and the part should be replaced by the dealership. The rear cross traffic assistance sensor may be damaged. It just stopped working this week.

NHTSA ID

11674198

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

When I went to the garage, I noticed my brake lights were on, but the ignition was not. I tested the car, it started without me stepping on the brake. I could also move the car out of park without stepping on the brakes. I thought the switch on the brake pedal had failed and so I took it to my mechanic for replacement. The mechanic tested the switch and found it okay. However, he had seen the same problem in other Fords (Recall # 22V-011 or 22S02) and it involved the Pedal Stop Bumper deteriorating. The recall indicated it would replace only the Pedal Stop Bumper. My mechanic said that replacement part wasn't available to them. So, I took it to the dealer hoping that since I had the same problem, I was included in the recall. My C-Max was not listed. They said that that the Pedal Stop Bumper replacement part wasn't available for my car, and that they would have to replace the entire brake pedal system for an outrageous $1400. I had little choice, and so I agreed with the hope that Ford would provide some relief. They didn't. Instead, they said hang onto the receipts and maybe someday there will be a recall, and I'll be reimbursed. So now I'm writing you. Clearly, this was considered to be a safety hazard in the other Ford products, and I believe it to be exactly the same in mine: brake lights always on are a safety hazard as well as being able to shift the car out of park or start the car without depressing the brake. Moreover, the battery will run down unless I disconnect it at night. Basically, my car is unsafe to drive without this repair.

NHTSA ID

11663221

Incident

May 23, 2025

The issues that I am having is with the power staring at this. On my way back from dropping off my child I entered the apartment complex and drove over a speed bump and that’s when the fault light came on about the power steering. I noticed that when the light came on my steering wheel started to stiffen however, it’s when I got home and took my car off that the steering wheel became stuck and needed more power to turn the wheel. This is the first time I’m ever seeing this issue, but my ABS tire light is the only light that has remained on since purchasing the vehicle a few months ago. I have already contacted Ford to see about what they could do, and I was instructed that this particular vehicle did not have a recall while others do which highly concerns me. Upon further research, I found out that this is a common occurrence since 2014 with these models.

NHTSA ID

11654741

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Ford 2015 CMax Energi with 41,000 miles. I was driving on a 2 Lane Highway coming to a stoplight and had to press the brakes firmly to avoid an accident at which time my 2015 CMax Energi abruptly stopped w a growling noise,. The dashboard lit up like Christmas. I observed The ABS system/ABS module failure/malfunctioned lights. 2015 C Max Energi was available for inspection when I brought it to the dealership and verified it was ABS Module that had malfunctioned. I was told by the dealership for my safety and others not to drive the car. Sawgrass Ford retained my car for repairs. Sawgrass Ford as well as family and friends stated that my safety and the safety of others were at risk because of the obvious reliability of brake failure. Brake failure could lead to death to me and anyone else on the roads/highway. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer@ Sawgrass Ford Sunrise Florida. The vehicle and the component has been inspected by the dealership because it was repaired once the part , which took about 2 1/2 months due to parts being backorder from Ford Corporation. Ford has MANY previous ABS MODULE recalls on several of their MODELS, but the CMax Energi isn’t due to it not being a popular car. I’ve researched through the Internet and forums and found that this is a common problem for the CMax Energi. I retained the damaged parts and have them enclosed w photo of damaged parts and the box that contained the new parts. Additionally, when the brakes were applied the car lurch and jerked, and additionally, there was the “smelling of electrical burning “ Bright red warning lights. AAA was called an immediately was towed to the dealership around mid November. Dealership got in touch with me November 23 and ordered the part FV672C219. At that time I was told that the part would not be available and it was on backorder. Ford corporation 800-392-3673 and confirmed b/o

NHTSA ID

11636375

Incident

Nov 15, 2024

Other vehicle impacted our car driver side at front fender/front door joint, continued rearward to rear fender. Airbags deployed, EXCEPT for driver side curtain airbag. Driver injured (fractured left ribs, left shin laceration, right hand laceration/burn, multiple bruised on arms, legs, thighs, left back upper shoulder area).

NHTSA ID

11614265

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle would downshift with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11608735

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

Had a front end collision airbags did not deploy car was total

NHTSA ID

11585535

Incident

Apr 19, 2024

Mileage

131,224 mi

Had a front end collision air bags did not deploy

NHTSA ID

11585303

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

2 issues 1) back-up camera has started to intermittently fail. Sometimes it displays when you start to back up then goes blank. 2) the driver side rear door is stuck shut. The inside panel binds against the door jam and prevents it from opening.

NHTSA ID

11576201

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

I bought this vehicle in 2018. For the next 6 years, I lived in an area where I was unable to plug it in to a wall to charge, so used it as a hybrid. Now, I have a house and when I plugged it in for several hours, it melted the plug and nearly started an electrical fire. Upon further investigation, I found the serial number to the charger that was included with purchase as the factory-issued charger, matches a known recall due to fire safety hazard, but my VIN does *not* match the recall. At the time of purchase I was informed the charger was not the factory original but "everything would be okay." I have contacted the dealership that sold it to me and they won't take responsibility for not only selling me a faulty piece of charging equipment, but also failing to inform me about a recall that impacted it, and only through sheer luck and me noticing the outlet was starting to melt, it didn't start an electrical fire in my house. Ford also refuses to take responsibility for it. My local Ford dealership confirmed that it's a recalled charger, but also said they can't process the recall because my VIN doesn't match it, and confirmed it was not the correct charger to be sold with that car. I already had the electrical outlet replaced, and didn't realize at the time that there may be a recall issue with the charger, but the charger is visibly scorched and melted and I can also get the statement from the electrician that the outlet was scorched. I can't afford to replace the charger, and Ford refuses to help me correct their mistake - which was both expensive and created a serious safety hazard for me. NOTE: File upload feature is not working, but I have photographs of the melted charger and it's serial number

NHTSA ID

11564193

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

A low rumbling noise seemingly situated at the right front (passenger) tire started with no warning approximately two months prior; no warning lights came on, the car did not change its driving--only a low rumbling noise which increased in revolutions with acceleration and quietened with braking and when in neutral--emerged. I subsequently took the car to a local mechanic to evaluate if the brakes were failing but in his diagnosis, he thought the likely cause to be internal to the transmission--a finding now confirmed by two other mechanics, including the Ford dealership. However, in researching this issue, a Technical Service Bulletin (20-2219) outlining this known issue with the transmission of the 2013-2016 Ford C-max built before August 2015 (mine was built in April 2015) popped up, issued June 2020. My car is now marginally outside of warranty at 112,000 miles but this known issue is one that makes the car a danger to drive-both to myself and other drivers on the road-as no warning has come on, the sound is deceptively benign and yet if the transmission fails while on a highway or other fast-paced motorway, there could be a significant accident that ensues. Given that Ford is aware of this fault in their transmission builds with no prior warning to owners of these cars, this puts road safety of the C-max driver/passengers and others concurrently on the road at significant risk. I am baffled as to why this issue has not been recalled given its severity and the risk of it occurring just outside of warranty when costs to replace the transmission are exorbitant.

NHTSA ID

11538439

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that upon shifting to park, the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly. The vehicle ran over the curb and crashed into the handicap sign. The fuel tank detached during the crash. There were no warning lights illuminated. The fire department was on the scene. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire, air bag deployment, or injury. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11534766

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

Mileage

45,000 mi

The rear drivers side door opened unexpectedly going around a turn and did not re-latch after it was closed. The door opened and slammed closed going around a turn and injured my son sitting in the back seat. The child locks on the door were still engaged during the incident and after. This is the second time it has happened. Both days were close to 100 degrees in temperature. The door intermittently does not latch.

NHTSA ID

11534478

Incident

Jul 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that when she entered the vehicle, she noticed the rear passenger seat belt was not long enough to latch. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis and repairs. The manufacturer was made aware and advised to file a complaint with NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11496815

Incident

Nov 25, 2022

Mileage

37,000 mi

Outside brake lights stayed on after car was turned off. I see recalls on other 2015 Ford models for the same issue but mine is not on the list and I have to pay $748 for the repair.

NHTSA ID

11489262

Incident

Oct 4, 2022

lug nuts deteriorating

NHTSA ID

11485321

Incident

Sep 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear became difficult. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ID

11473552

Incident

Jan 15, 2022

Mileage

142,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated that the red hazard light would intermittently appear on the charger cable while charging the vehicle. The contact changed the charging outlet; however, the failure returned overtime. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V592000 (Equipment) which she linked to the failure; however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The consumer stated the dealer plugged the charge chord to the vehicle and verified the red blinking light when vehicle is charging.

NHTSA ID

11473402

Incident

Sep 1, 2018

Mileage

10,000 mi

As I was driving I lost power steering and almost crashed the car. A red alert and sound on the dashboard told me “steering assist failure service vehicle”. Also the light on the dashboard for steering was illuminated. I was able to barely drive the car home (approx 3 miles). Took to my local mechanic and had the error code: u3000 49-08 Driving the car by my husband in our neighborhood resulted in the same problem including the warning sounds and message. He was able to restart the car and the steering was fine and was able to drive it back to its parking spot. Took the car to the Sheehy Ford dealer today and am being told it is a 3k repair to replace the rack and pinion.

NHTSA ID

11472338

Incident

Jun 30, 2022

I was driving on the freeway when my power steering failed. Ford has switched to an Electronic Steering Control system and it has had multiple class action suits against them, however no recalls have been done. I nearly ran off the road because when I turned off the freeway it took all of my strength to correct the wheel. There was no warning, just full failure and alerts on my dash board. This is a known problem and needs to be corrected. Not only that, it is a $3000 repair job on a known problem.

NHTSA ID

11450886

Incident

Feb 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle it was discovered that the horn was inoperable and inaudible. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the horn was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11445380

Incident

Dec 20, 2021

Mileage

108,000 mi