Ford C-MAX Energi Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 17, 2026 · 137 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

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
Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid exhibited at the 2011 Wahsington DC Auto Show. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 50 complaints
2013: 502013502014: 302014302015: 152015152016: 322016322017: 10201710

n = 137 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

  1. 2013 C-MAX Energi: 50 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2016 C-MAX Energi: 32 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 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 areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Electrical System5451
Power Train1841
Steering1852
Structure1254
Back Over Prevention1140
Engine941
Fuel/propulsion System830
Wheels741
Vehicle Speed Control532
Latches/locks/linkages430
Equipment330
Air Bags221
Hybrid Propulsion System220
Seat Belts220
Service Brakes220
Suspension211
Tires220
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Exterior Lighting111
Lane Departure110
Visibility110

All Ford C-MAX Energi model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2017 C-MAX Energi1004★Electrical SystemFar fewer complaints than other years
2016 C-MAX Energi3204★Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2015 C-MAX Energi1504★Back Over PreventionFar fewer complaints than other years
2014 C-MAX Energi3004★Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2013 C-MAX Energi5014★Electrical SystemFar 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.