Owners have filed 177 complaints
about the 2013 Ford Redundant C-Max Hybrid with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
159.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3422.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2616.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2616.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2516.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1610.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
95.8%
150,000+ miles
31.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 10Mar 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 146,000 milesConyers, GACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11093324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,500 milesSherman Oaks, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES WITH APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET OF DISTANCE, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE, AND REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10978585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,500 milesSherman Oaks, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES WITH APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET OF DISTANCE, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE, AND REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10978585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,500 milesSherman Oaks, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES WITH APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET OF DISTANCE, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE, AND REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10978585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,500 milesSherman Oaks, CACrash
AIR BAGS
ABS FAILED CAUSING CAR TO SLIDE ON SLICK SURFACE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN FRONT END COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10955066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,500 milesSherman Oaks, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS FAILED CAUSING CAR TO SLIDE ON SLICK SURFACE, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN FRONT END COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10955066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 107,000 milesAmherst, MA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Stop Safely Now'" was displayed on the screen. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. However, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The failure persisted. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Stop Safely Now'" was displayed on the screen. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After waiting for several minutes, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle functioned as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure first occurred three years ago, and the dealer diagnosed that it as a battery failure. The contact was unsure if the battery was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,463 milesBellflower, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started on several occasions but needed to be towed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer suggested that a waiver be signed for the battery replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced electrical failures. The instrument panel intermittently malfunctioned, and the turn signals failed to operate properly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,463.
NHTSA complaint #11719818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesManteca, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image, potentially compromising the back over prevention system. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The rearview camera warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11695114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGodfrey, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was wobbly. The contact exited the highway immediately and was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. The contact then pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted, causing the control arms to separate. The dealer determined that the rear subframe and connecting parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that a high voltage wire was chewed on by rodents. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGodfrey, IL
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was wobbly. The contact exited the highway immediately and was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. The contact then pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted, causing the control arms to separate. The dealer determined that the rear subframe and connecting parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that a high voltage wire was chewed on by rodents. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPinole, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving on three occasions at approximately 30-55 MPH, several unknown warning lights were flashing. The message to shift to park(P) was flashing. The vehicle was shifted to park, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact's husband assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact determined that the battery was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for five weeks, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box had corrosion and defective fuses. Additionally, there was a failing control unit. The dealer informed the contact a Ford engineer was advising with the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPinole, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving on three occasions at approximately 30-55 MPH, several unknown warning lights were flashing. The message to shift to park(P) was flashing. The vehicle was shifted to park, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact's husband assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact determined that the battery was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for five weeks, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box had corrosion and defective fuses. Additionally, there was a failing control unit. The dealer informed the contact a Ford engineer was advising with the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSalinas, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was an abnormal hissing and crackling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlbany, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ19005 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11618860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlbany, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ19005 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11618860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlbany, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driver’s attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ19005 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11618860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBedford, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the hatchback ajar message was displayed. The contact attempted to raise the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to raise up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11615448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. Additionally, the vehicle remained on after the contact had pushed the Auto Start/Stop button to turn off the vehicle. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle after pushing the Auto Start/Stop button numerous times. The dealer and Five Star Ford Stone Mountain (3800 US-78, Snellville, GA 30039) were made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11476859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and 20V331000 (Latches, Locks, and Linkages) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a transmission failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11476016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and 20V331000 (Latches, Locks, and Linkages) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a transmission failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11476016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a grinding noise was heard with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed with a defective passenger’s side rear wheel bearing. The contact was informed that the wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was transported to Maryland. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing. The contact stated that the grinding noise continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the grinding noise continued with unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced in the near future. The transmission was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the manufacturer offered to assist in paying for the transmission repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11473585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesMarietta, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound. After exceeding 20 MPH, the abnormal sound stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Krause Family Ford of Woodstock (195 Woodstock Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188, (770) 809-1030) where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Consumer wanted to add to existing complaint that this vehicle was serviced TWICE at the Ford Lithia Spring (870 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122) location prior to reaching the 100,000 miles. Consumer's step-father (the previous owner of the vehicle) stated that the vehicle was making the whining noise as early as DECEMBER 2021, but that he believed it was normal due to it being a hybrid vehicle and it having been serviced and not informed of any issues.
NHTSA complaint #11467937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLake Ozark, MO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The vehicle previously had the passenger's side front door latch replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side front door latches were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11467402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWashington Court House, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that the rear doors had seized and failed to open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the doors were repaired three times. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that the small battery in the vehicle had malfunctioned on several occasions and the vehicle could not be started. The contact indicated that the battery had been replaced by the dealer on at least 5 separate occasions. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11442779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesYonkers, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start up or unlock due to a defective battery. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer several times to have her battery replaced or her software updated; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired as of her last visit. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11435541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Forest, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut-off without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer on three separate occasions for service. Each time the vehicle was towed to the dealer, the vehicle would resume normal operation upon arrival and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11428569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Forest, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut-off without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer on three separate occasions for service. Each time the vehicle was towed to the dealer, the vehicle would resume normal operation upon arrival and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11428569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). RIVERSIDE FORD (2089 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31204, (478) 464-2900) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11416169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO OPERATIONAL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RECALIBRATED THE RADIO FUSE HOWEVER, A YEAR LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC THEN REMOVED THE RADIO FUSE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH DISABLED ALL AUDIBLE SOUNDS FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD FOR HER AS IT TOOK AWAY THE BACKUP ALERT SOUNDS THAT WOULD ALERT HER OF IMMINENT OBJECTS WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED HANSEL FORD (3075 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) AND WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11389773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.