2016 Ford C-Max 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 2016 Ford C-Max, 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%
- Electrical210.5%
- Brakes210.5%
- Powertrain (other)210.5%
- Visibility210.5%
- Suspension15.3%
- Fuel system15.3%
- Engine15.3%
- Airbags15.3%
- Interior & seats15.3%
- Other / unspecified15.3%
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 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. 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 rear-view camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera not Available" was displayed on the screen. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
See attached document for complaint. RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 25V695 To whom it may concern, In August 2025 we took our 2016 CMAX into the Ford Dealer we purchased it from to have the check out the back-up camera that was not working and have a service done. They charges us $225.00 to check it out and then wanted to service it for several hundred dollars more. There was no mention at that time about a recall, and after re-reading the bulletin you sent out, that did not come until October. The online status was that any repairs were not to begin until June 2026. Both of us are seniors and being concerned of the safety issues with the camera, we looked for the best price to repair/replace the camera and found a company, G&O Body in Placerville that did the repair for $618.25 In November.. So, at this point, we are out of pocket $843.25 to fix an issue that was put under free repair thru the recall. I would like to know how to apply for reimbursement for this camera replacement cost.
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 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the display screen would not display any images and not allow the contact to use any of the functions. The contact also stated that sometimes it would take up to 5 minutes for the display screen to engage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE WHILE GOING 70 MPH. TOOK THE CAR IN AND WE WERE TOLD IT HAD A RECALL ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. WE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND IT ISN'T LISTED ON THE NHTSA SITE.
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
Component Failure The ABS system failed with only 14,500 miles on the odometer. Symptom The brake pedal became soft, Allowing more brake pedal travel than normal. Taken to Ford dealer Symptom described to service Representative and was told after several hrs that the brakes were normal. I told them that the brake pedal was always taut and the current behavior could become a danger to others and myself. It's after I provided my own OBD11 scan report ( Using a BlueDriver scan tool ) that indicated there is an Anti-Lock Brake module Code Failure That convinced them and Was told to leave the vehicle overnight. Dealer confirmed, that there is a definite problem and that it could be the brake master cylinder and brake booster. There were no warning lamps indication or lights except for the brake pedal losing pressure. The brakes did function, but the pedal almost when to the floor. Currently My Ford Cmax Sel Hybrid has been sitting in their service center for 7 days just waiting for Ford warranty service approval and was just notified that it was okayed and I would have to wait for parts to be ordered.
MY 2016 FORD C-MAX WITH 10000 MILES HAS BRAKE ISSUES... ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE BRAKES ARE RUSTED AND NEED REPLACED FOR $1000.00. SERIOUSLY, A VEHICLE WITH 10000 MILES HAS BAD BRAKES AND NOT COVERED BY THE FORD WARRANTY..... I HOPE NOTHING HAPPENS WHILE MY WIFE IS DRIVING THE CAR AS SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE.....
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD C-MAX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH DOWNHILL, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT CRUISED DOWN A HILL INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FORMULA FORD INC (LOCATED AT 265 RIVER ST, MONTPELLIER, VT 05601, 802-223-5201) WHO STATED THAT THE SOBD MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING APPROVAL ON THE PART FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND THE "STOP NOW PULL OVER" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO PERRY FORD OF POWAY (12740 POWAY RD, POWAY, CA 92064), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. *BF ** *TR
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
The backup camera doesn't regularly function, ranging from 15% to 75% of the time. A tire man with prior experience in a Ford dealership recommended checking for an electronics update to the system. There may be a worsening functionality when the weather is wet, but that's not a clear correlation.
THE PASSENGER-SIDE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD HAS BECOME UNGLUED. A GLASS REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAD DEPLOYS OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE NOTICED THE RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD LIFTING UP WHEN WE WERE CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN TO FORD FOR A DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION, BUT ALL WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 CMAX CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERCARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. STRUT BRACE FAILURE ON ONE SIDE OF VEHICLE AT AROUND 12,000 MILES. THEN THE OTHER SIDE STRUT BRACE FAILED A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERMITTENT INABILITY TO CONTROL SPEED. FINALLY GOT AN ERROR CODE OF P2112 (THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM) WHILE IN MOTION AND VIBRATION BECAUSE THE BATTERY DOES NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY
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
The contact owned a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while coming to a stop in a parking lot attempting to obtain mail from a mailbox; the vehicle independently accelerated and it was unknown what gear the vehicle was stationed in. In addition, it was unknown if the brake pedal was depressed or the gear the vehicle was in at the time of the failure. The vehicle had struck and knocked 3 mailboxes down and crashed into the front passenger side corner panel of a Mail Van coming to a stop as it was revving. The vehicle traveled 26 feet from its original stationed position. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. Both front wheels were severely bent outwards after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The mail delivery employee sought medical attention for cuts and bruises. The contact did not seek medical attention or sustained any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by AAA where it was later taken by the insurance provider for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,530.
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
THE PASSENGER-SIDE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD HAS BECOME UNGLUED. A GLASS REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAD DEPLOYS OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE NOTICED THE RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD LIFTING UP WHEN WE WERE CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN TO FORD FOR A DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION, BUT ALL WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED.
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
We drove from Cincinnati, OH to Wray, Co for Christmas. We drove 15 hrs straight back home ( gas and potty breaks). I drove the last 9 hrs. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. So the heated seats are wonderful - usually. Yes, I used the heated seats almost all the way. I’m always hurting so I didn’t notice a problem. On our last gas stop I told my husband I must have been sweating because I felt like I had a heat rash. We got home at 3 am and my husband said it looked more like a burn. It was painful and when I looked at it I saw blisters. Next morning it was more painful and red and ugly looking. I called Ford Corporate to give them a heads up that there was an issue with their heated seats. They stated they couldn’t help. Sorry I got hurt. Take it to local service and let them know. Called Ford service - they can get me in on Jan 17 and I have to pay for it. I just want someone aware that their heated seats can cause severe burns. Btw. The burn is on my upper right thigh.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR TIRES REPEATEDLY WEARING OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE A BLOWOUT CAUSING HARM TO MYSELF AND OTHERS
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 .