86 of the
458 complaints filed about the Ford C-Max
are about the electrical system —
19% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
Major electrical issues, including rear view camera not working, vehicle starting when no key fob is in or near the vehicle, tail lights burning out even after replacement, one taillight blinking faster than the other, screen for infotainment not turning on, all of a sudden vehicle not starting with complete battery drainage even after vehicle was just charged. And too many other issues to name, my year vehicle has many of the same issues that have been reported for both a 2015 and a 2016 Ford Cmax energi yet my year does not have the same recall notices despite the same issues. My vehicle has very low miles I believe less than 100,000
NHTSA complaint #11753199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the last couple of years I've had a problem with the backup camera it goes out randomly sometimes the picture turns upside down sometimes it's just a black screen sometimes there is a thing that says see the dealer. It's intermittent it's unexpected and other Ford years have been recalled for the same problem but for whatever reason they're not including my 2014 in the recall. I just had someone come pick up my car for another service and I had to warn them that it doesn't work so it doesn't surprise that. If you pretend it doesn't exist then you can use your observations as we were taught but if you are expecting a backup camera to keep you safe it is unreliable glitchy and unsafe
NHTSA complaint #11737348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summary of Safety Issue The vehicle repeatedly experiences sudden loss of propulsion while driving, accompanied by a “Stop Safely Now” warning message and various other dashboard warnings . During these events the accelerator pedal becomes completely unresponsive while the vehicle remains powered, indicating a failure of the hybrid propulsion system or high-voltage battery control system. The vehicle and video footage of the failure are available for inspection upon request. Timeline of Events January 13, 2026 – The vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning message and lost the ability to accelerate. The vehicle had to be towed to Lehighton Ford. January 21, 2026 – Paid $866.85 for repairs including battery service, Rear Control Module replacement, and PCM harness repair. Lehighton Ford stated the vehicle was repaired and safe to drive. Within minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle stalled again in active traffic and had to be returned. The issue was escalated to the Ford Engineering hotline and a Field Service Engineer. February 17, 2026 – The dealership attempted to return the vehicle after performing a BECM reprogramming. Upon pickup, new issues were immediately observed including near-stall conditions and hybrid system malfunction, so the vehicle was left with the dealership again. February 18, 2026 - The owner brought forth concerns about Ford’s Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 17-0015 which identifies potential damage to the traction battery interlock harness as a root cause for intermittent stalling and "Stop Safely Now" warnings. Although the dealership recorded Diagnostic Trouble Code B11D8—a fault directly related to the stall condition—the dealership later stated that no diagnostic codes relevant to the TSB were present and this component was not inspected. February 20, 2026 - Dealership claims that the vehicle has been test-driven for over 100 miles and is “functioning perfectly” and that a ‘battery rebalance’ was causing the issues experie
NHTSA complaint #11729640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took it to the Ford dealership and they diagnosed it as having a parasitic draw from the 12 V battery when the car is shut down so when you go to get into the car if the battery is dead, they will fix it for $425 however, this problem was a recall in 2013 and my car did have a recall done to it. However, the issue is still going on therefore I feel as though the customer should not be charged. My car broke down going up the canyon and it told me to pull over safely, which I did going up the hill, but it was on an exit and it was a dangerous situation as I could not even turn on my flashers. This has been a known issue with the Ford C max since 2013 and since their software program then did not correct the problem and now they want to update the software why should the cost come from the Consumer?
NHTSA complaint #11721095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11707531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11706588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING the dashboard instrument panel beeps and flashes the word "Put in Park" and "Stop Safely Now", and the speedometer stops working, all kinds of warning lights start flashing on and off on the instrument panel, the heater goes on and off on it's own, then the instrument panel goes black, speedometer shows zero and car goes into shutdown mode. I was put in risk while driving without a speedometer and other vehicles near me were put into risk; when I pull over and stop the vehicle it strands me and I need a tow. This has happened randomly many times; I took it to FORD for repair, they didn't know how to fix the problem, my car was at FORD for 6 weeks! and I was without a car all that time, now 3 months later it's doing the same thing! I have videos of it happening along with the pictures I'm posting here, it is very scary when it's happening while driving and it's scary being stranded in unsafe places having to wait for a tow. This issue is Unresolved and DANGEROUS, I need FORD to get more involved.
NHTSA complaint #11648591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11636375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH with all four windows closed, there was a strong abnormal odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then opened all the windows allowing the odor to release, and the abnormal odor was not as potent. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that the original Volvo battery could be emitting a toxic substance that was entering the vehicle; the battery was original equipment. The contact sustained dizziness and difficulty breathing. Medical attention was not sought. This occurred on several different occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to the place of residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,500.
NHTSA complaint #11617872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Stereo/Navigation console went out, just went black and stopped working. I bought it to my local garage and they said it was a costly repair and that there is a recall/service bulletin on it and that i should take it to a Ford Dealer. I did and they acknowledged the issue but said my VIN wasn't covered, but it was a known issue with C-Max of this year. So I didnt have the car services. A few months later, (2 weeks ago) my battery died and could not be jumped, so I had it towed to my Ford Dealer. He informed me that the potential cause of the battery damage was a short in the Console/Radio/Nav/Screen system. I agreed to go forward with the costly repair... They have so far not been able to resolve the issues. This morning I called Ford and explained the issue. They said since there is not a Recall associated with my VIN, there was nothing they could do. I asked them to look up the "issue" not the VIN and they acknowledged that there are issues with 2013 C-Max Energi models associated with the console. I asked for a bulletin number and was given 202363. I believe the recall is associated with the Ford Parts and so my VIN number may not be registered or something to that effect. I'm not sure how to look up the number they provided. While I dont think that not having a Radio or Nav system is a safety issue. The fact that it has caused the car to completely shut down and standing us is an issue. Again, Ford is aware that this type of issue exists, for this model, for this manufacturing year. They say they will only cover the repair if your agency tells them to, UGH Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11616983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall Number18S24 My car had 3 recalls so I contacted the Legacy Ford dealer in McDonough on [XXX] and made an appointment on [XXX]. When we brought the car, dealer didn't fix the recall above saying they didn't have parts even though we made an appointment over 2 months before. They told us they will let us know when they gets the parts, but it's been over 2 weeks and they don't contact us or respond any of our email. And since we brought our car to dealer, the car stop charging from charging cord. They said they didn't do anything about that and if we want diagnostic, they will charge for $150. I just wanted to fix all of the recall so I bought the car but feel like I just brought it to break my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11602481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear back-up camera does not display on dashboard console screen when air temperature is cold, i.e. below about 45º, and will only turn back on when the car has sufficiently warmed up after driving some distance. This has been happening for at least two years. When the camera is not working, there is a blind spot directly behind the car. The rear of the car proximity warning signal still works, but the screen remains black. I brought this problem to the attention of the dealership service manager, who told me he could not find anything obviously wrong.
NHTSA complaint #11568220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering locks to the point that it can't turn. Happened while driving. Unknown cause. Warning light came on for driver to park. Issue unresolved and can no longer drive car.
NHTSA complaint #11510405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Several times over the past 3 years, the 12 volt battery has been deeply drained while the car has been off/unused for ~3 days. (The problem has been described on your website: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10093862-2532.pdf.) This is a safety issue because there is a reasonable expectation of serviceability of a car, for emergencies or for returning to a safe place. Just as one depends on the reasonable reliability of devices like fire extinguishers, elevators, heart monitors, etc., so does one expect cars to be reasonably reliable. There is no advance warning that the battery will be drained.
NHTSA complaint #11505555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the rear liftgate was opening independently. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, he noticed that the failure was related to the original key fob of the vehicle. The contact stated that the key fob button that engaged the liftgate was two times press button; however, the key fob would engage the liftgate unintendedly when the key fob button was in contact with any object or surface. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the failure could occur while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers became inoperable, and the headlights inadvertently turned off. The contact stated that the horn would beep independently but failed to operate while depressed. Additionally, the heater and A/C unit became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle also failed to start. The contact had to jump start the vehicle on several occasions. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have a 2013 Ford C-Max SE that is having terrible white noise and static from the speakers. I see that this is common with the SYNC system and not limited to C-Max models How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have not had a diagnostic run but I have seen so many listservs with the speaker issue. The car will be quiet and then blast static to the point of having to pull over to get the car over to get it to stop. It's so loud sometimes that it is hard to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I am taking the car in on November 10th for an inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I am taking the car in on November 10th for an inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, this has gradually be increasing in severity over the last few months.
NHTSA complaint #11491352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ever since we brought the car to a Ford dealership for a recall on the back door latch we have had issues with the battery. We have to jump start it every day.
NHTSA complaint #11480312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This Vehicle has given us numerous numerous issues and left us stranded it has been a safety issue for my family we recently had to have law enforcement involved to try to save us from where we got stranded due to the unreliability of this vehicle and after already having a transmission replacement and having the car right now in the shop for approaching one month and they still cannot find the issue There has been one problem after another forward keeps giving me the run around when I contact them directly and the dealership Is just giving me extremely generic responses and telling me that their staff is not available this week and that they have many other customers to have to worry about and that I basically can go rent a car if I have a problem with not having a vehicle, I do not want to continue to have to risk my life or the life of my wife or children because of the lack of ownership from the dealership and the manufacturer in this situation I keep losing out and being told to just wait and wait, please help! There is a current safety recall also, butbi feel like this entire vehicle is a safety concern at this point for my family and myself.
NHTSA complaint #11477476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated that while her vehicle was charging in her garage, the outlet and wires were burnt. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was given a new charge cord .The contact stated that new cord had the same issue but a unknown warning light illuminated and melted the outlet again. The manufacture was notified. The failure mileage was 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11455896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.