Ford C-MAX Energi Problems by Year
NHTSA has 137 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Ford C-MAX Energi, across 5 model years (2013–2017). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (50). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.

Ford C-MAX Energi years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical C-MAX Energi year: 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 C-MAX Energi: 50 complaints, 1 recall
- 2016 C-MAX Energi: 32 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2014 C-MAX Energi: 30 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Ford C-MAX Energi problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 54 | 5 | 1 |
| Power Train | 18 | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 18 | 5 | 2 |
| Structure | 12 | 5 | 4 |
| Back Over Prevention | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Ford C-MAX Energi model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 C-MAX Energi | 10 | 0 | 4★ | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2016 C-MAX Energi | 32 | 0 | 4★ | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2015 C-MAX Energi | 15 | 0 | 4★ | Back Over Prevention | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 C-MAX Energi | 30 | 0 | 4★ | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2013 C-MAX Energi | 50 | 1 | 4★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford C-MAX Energi years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (50) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical C-MAX Energi year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford C-MAX Energi?
Electrical System, with 54 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Ford C-MAX Energi have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.