Ford C-Max years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford C-Max years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (187 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 1 (from 15 complaints), 2018 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2016 at 2 (from 22 complaints). On the 2013 Ford C-Max, 38 of 187 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
Ford C-Max reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford C-Max. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 → Fewest | 1 | 10 | 1 | Air bags | 40 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 1 | 15 | 1 | Steering | 39.5 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 2 | 22 | 3 | Back-over prevention | 38.5 |
| 2015 → | 2 | 52 | 6 | Steering | 38.5 |
| 2014 → | 4 | 80 | 8 | Powertrain | 38.5 |
| 2013 → Most | 7 | 187 | 8 | Steering | 39 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Hatchback, Wagon
- Oil
- 5W-20 synthetic blend (2.0L Atkinson-cycle hybrid) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/50R17
Known issues for this generation
Ford originally rated the 2013 C-Max Hybrid at 47 mpg city/highway/ combined, sharing the label of the related Fusion Hybrid rather than testing the C-Max separately; independent testing by Consumer Reports and others found real-world results well below that figure, at 37 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' own testing. EPA rules at the time permitted the shared label because the two cars use the same engine, transmission and electric drive and their weights fall within 35 pounds of each other, even though they share neither size, shape nor platform. Ford lowered the C-Max's own rating to 40 mpg combined for 2013 and made goodwill payments to about 200,000 owners and lessees. The dispute produced a consolidated federal class-action (In re Ford Fusion and C-MAX Fuel Economy Litigation, MDL No. 2450) and, in 2022, a $19.2 million settlement with a 40-state and D.C. consortium over the 2013-2014 C-Max's advertised fuel economy.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford C-Max years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 1 (from 15 complaints), 2018 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2016 at 2 (from 22 complaints).
Which Ford C-Max year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (187 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2013 Ford C-Max, 38 of 187 complaints name Steering.
How do Ford C-Max owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford C-Max years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What years was the Ford C-Max sold in the US?
The C-Max Hybrid and Energi were sold in the US for model years 2013 through 2018.
Did the Ford C-Max have a fuel economy lawsuit?
Yes; Ford's 47-mpg claim for the 2013 C-Max was lowered to 40 mpg after real-world testing, leading to goodwill payments and a 2022 multistate settlement.