2015 Ford C-Max Electrical Problems

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

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

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

120 v0lt charger overheated now the unit will not charge the car same as the recalled units on 2013, 2014, 2015 my unit is a 2015 and local dealer says it is not covered why is this

NHTSA ID

11444892

Incident

Dec 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN NON-ECO MODE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ORIGIN LOCATED AT 6400 N 51ST AVE, GLENDALE, AZ 85301, AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *BF*JB

NHTSA ID

11361725

Incident

Apr 1, 2019

Mileage

55,000 mi

WHEN PARKING OR STOPING, TURNING THE KEY OFF, REMOVING THE KEY THE ENGINE WILL KEEP RUNNING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO FORD UNDER WARRANTIES. THIS IS EASY TO CATCH IN A CLOSED GARAGE BUT IMPOSSIBLE TO DETECT OUTSIDE (NO NOISE WHEN WALKING AWAY FROM CAR) 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS.

NHTSA ID

11344265

Incident

Aug 5, 2020

Mileage

38,167 mi

CHARGING CORD OVERHEATED AND MELTED AT THE PLUG. RECALL IN PLACE ON THIS ITEM, BUT FORD SPECIFICALLY MENTIONS IN RECALL TO ENSURE CHARGING CORD IS PLUGGED IN TO DEDICATED AND UNDAMAGED/NON CORRODED OUTLET (IT WAS-UNTIL AFTER EVENT) AND NOT ATTACHED TO AN EXTENSION CORD (IT WAS NOT).

NHTSA ID

11170728

Incident

Jan 7, 2019

Mileage

30,200 mi

VEHICLE IS NOT HOLDING EV NOW/LATER MODES CAUSING UNEXPECTED BATTERY USAGE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION. AN EXAMPLE IS TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70-75 MPH); VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SWITCH INTO AUTO MODE AND REVERT FROM GAS/HYBRID PERFORMANCE TO ELECTRIC/BATTERY ONLY PERFORMANCE WHICH IS REDUCED POWER AND RESPONSE AGAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE AS I HAVE FOUND THIS TO HAPPEN BEFORE I ENTER THE HIGHWAY AND CAN ADJUST MY DRIVE ACCORDINGLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS HAPPENS IN EV NOW MODE WHICH HOLDS THE ELECTRIC ENGINE TO PREVENT GAS USE AT ALL BUT THE SYSTEM WILL INADVERTENTLY SWITCH TO THE AUTO MODE. CONDITION IS EXTREMELY SPORADIC AND DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE MOST TIMES WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE. FORTUNATELY I DO HAVE A FEW INSTANCES WHERE A CODE WAS THROWN AND I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AND MAKE SOME WARRANTY REPAIRS NONE OF WHICH HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL COMES BACK IN THE SAME RANDOM FORM. ATTACHED ARE THE SEVERAL DEALER VISITS TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN AND AFTER SEVERAL VISITS, THE TRANSMISSION PUMP MODULE SEEMS TO BE A REPEAT ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE MODES NOT HOLDING AS IT SHOULD.

NHTSA ID

11031986

Incident

Jul 10, 2017

Mileage

38,173 mi