2013 Ford C-Max Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2013 Ford C-Max has 221 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and steering.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 221 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
47 21.3%
STEERING
39 17.6%
POWER TRAIN
36 16.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 10.9%
ENGINE
15 6.8%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 21.3% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 30 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Ford C-Max
The 2013 Ford C-Max has 221 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2013 Ford C-Max are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (47), STEERING (39), POWER TRAIN (36).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 122 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Ford C-Max?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 30 of 30 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
47 Reports21% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
CAR WILL NOT START, NOTHING LEFT ON, CAR JUMPED WITH JUMPER, TOOK PLACE AGAIN YESTERDAY 5/27/2014. UNABLE TO JUMP START THIS TIME, FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE APPLIED A JUMPER ABLE TO GET ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UP, BUT CAR WILL NOT RUN. FORD DEALER RECEIVED CAR, STATED THAT THEIR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE DID NOT KNOW HOW TO JUMP CAR. ALSO STATED BATTERY WAS DEAD, BUT TESTED FINE. ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN, COULD NOT TELL ME. THEY STATED THAT ALL POWER SYSTEMS LIKE LIGHTS OR PHONES ARE AUTOMATICALLY TURNED OFF AFTER 45 MINUTES. HAVE CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. WHEN BATTERY IS DEAD, GEAR SHIFTER CANNOT BE MOVED TO EVEN PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE CARPORT TO BE TOWED. *TR
5/28/2014
VEHICLE PARKED IN GARAGE OVER NIGHT. DEAD BATTERY. TOWED TO DEALER. COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. JUNE 1 VEHICLE PARKED IN GARAGE OVER NIGHT, DEAD BATTERY IN THE MORNING. *TR
6/1/2014
STEERING
39 Reports18% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. A LIGHT WARNING OF POWER STEERING PROBLEM CAME ON. EXITED AND WENT TO A TRUCK STOP. RESTARTED CAR BUT THE POWER STEERING DIDN'T WORK. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE. *TR
5/11/2014
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A 70MPH HIGHWAY. NO WARNING OR INDICATION. THE STEERING JUST CUT OUT. I WAS TRAVELLING WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK WHEN I BASICALLY LOST ALL CONTROL OVER THE CAR. IT WAS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO NAVIGATE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. A GENTLEMAN HAD TO STOP AND HELP ME GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER. THE CAR IS THREE YEARS OLD AND WE WERE TOLD THE POWER STEERING IS SHOT. WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED AND IT WILL COST $1,700.
8/29/2016
POWER TRAIN
36 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
CAR WILL NOT START, NOTHING LEFT ON, CAR JUMPED WITH JUMPER, TOOK PLACE AGAIN YESTERDAY 5/27/2014. UNABLE TO JUMP START THIS TIME, FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE APPLIED A JUMPER ABLE TO GET ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UP, BUT CAR WILL NOT RUN. FORD DEALER RECEIVED CAR, STATED THAT THEIR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE DID NOT KNOW HOW TO JUMP CAR. ALSO STATED BATTERY WAS DEAD, BUT TESTED FINE. ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN, COULD NOT TELL ME. THEY STATED THAT ALL POWER SYSTEMS LIKE LIGHTS OR PHONES ARE AUTOMATICALLY TURNED OFF AFTER 45 MINUTES. HAVE CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. WHEN BATTERY IS DEAD, GEAR SHIFTER CANNOT BE MOVED TO EVEN PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE CARPORT TO BE TOWED. *TR
5/28/2014
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
7/19/2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
OEM ELECTRIC CHARGER (A SEPARATE MECHANISM NOT A PART OF THE VEHICLE) CAUGHT FIRE UPON PLUGGING IT INTO A SOCKET (SAME CHARGER, SAME SOCKET HAS BEEN USED FOR OVER 3 YEARS)
6/2/2017
ANYTIME I BREAK OR LET OFF THE GAS AND THERE IS A BUMP OR A STEEL PLATE IN THE ROAD MY CAR SLIDES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OR 3 YEARS NOW. WHEN IT RAINS AND ITA WET OUTSIDE ITS EVEN WORSE. I HAVE BRAND NEW TIRES ON AND IT STILL HAPPENS.
9/4/2018
ENGINE
15 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, MY HUSBAND BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY WITH HIS KNEE AND THE CAR TURNED OFF. HE QUICKLY FIGURED OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED IT AND WE CONTINUED ON. *TR
6/8/2014
THE LOSS OF POWER INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 27, 2014, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE 405 AND 5 FREEWAYS IN LOS ANGELES, CA. THE FORD C MAX 2013 SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM 70 MPH TO LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE CAR WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH READ: "STOP SAFELY". DUE TO THE COURTESY OF THE MANY DRIVERS ON THE FREEWAY AT 7 IN THE MORNING, THE CAR CROSSED 4 TO 5 LANES OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, IN A LIMITED OPERATING MODE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR, ENDING AT THE ON-RAMP FOR CARS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BUT NOT TURNED OFF. AT THAT POINT THE FUEL HISTORY DISPLAY WAS BLANK FOR THE LAST FIVE MINUTES. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 5 MINUTES, THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND APPEARED TO RUN NORMALLY. IMMEDIATELY, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEAREST FORD SERVICE CENTER, GALPIN FORD IN SHERMAN OAKS, CALIFORNIA FOR ASSISTANCE AND DIAGNOSIS. THE GALPIN SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT LOCATE A COMPUTER CODE THAT RELATED TO THE PROBLEM. AFTER LEAVING GALPIN FORD, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN 350 MILES TO WALNUT CREEK, CA WITH NO POWER ISSUES. THE NEXT DAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS CONTACTED AT WALNUT CREEK FORD (WHERE THE CAR WAS LEASED ON MARCH 27, 2014). THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE INDICATED IF THERE WAS NO COMPUTER CODE FOR THE PROBLEM, NO DIAGNOSIS COULD BE MADE UNTIL THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED AGAIN. AS OF JUNE 11, 2014, THE LOSS OF POWER ISSUE HAS NOT RECURRED. *TR
6/11/2014
STRUCTURE:BODY
8 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE REAR HATCH BECOMES UNLATCHED WHEN A BUMP IN THE ROAD, EVEN A SMALL RAISED ONE, IS DRIVEN OVER. I HAVE INFORMED THE LOCAL DEALER OF THIS. THE HATCH DOOR DOES NOT FULLY UNHINGE TO OPEN.
11/7/2016
WHEN WE ARRIVED HOME FROM A SHORT DRIVE, THE DRIVER SIDE, REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD ONLY OPEN 4 OR 5 INCHES. AFTER PASSENGER EXITED (ANOTHER DOOR) WE TRIED AGAIN. SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN IT, THIS TIME IT OPENED ONLY AN INCH. IT APPEARS THE INSIDE PANEL IS LOOSE AND IS PREVENTING HINGE FROM OPERATING.
8/1/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD CAUSING ANOTHER VEHICLE TO BE STRUCK. ENDED UP IN A NEIGHBORS FRONT YARD 2 FEET AWAY FROM BRICK WALL BEFORE IT FINALLY CAME TO A HALT. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE CMAX HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT AND INTENDED TO TAKE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON 1/21/2015. ON 1/20/2015 UNABLE TO UNLOCK WITH REMOTE. THEN UNABLE TO GET CAR STARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED IN. *TR
1/22/2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INSTRUCTING ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. WHEN I DID PULLED OVER, I SET THE GEARSHIFT IN "PARK" MODE, AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY MORE PROBLEMS THAT DAY. SUBSEQUENTLY, I NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE ( BOTH ELECTRIC AND GASOLINE) SHUT OFF SUDDENLY AND I LOST ALL POWER MOMENTARILY, THEN TURNED ON AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY AND I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN I POSITION THE GEARSHIFT JUST PAST THE DRIVE MODE, THE PROBLEM STOPS. IN OTHER WORDS, WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS SET JUST PAST PARK, THE CAR NEVER LOSES POWER. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR IN JANUARY 2015, I WAS TOLD THAT THE GEARSHIFT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND FURTHERMORE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF MARCH (IT'S ON BACKORDER). *TR
4/7/2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INSTRUCTING ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. WHEN I DID PULLED OVER, I SET THE GEARSHIFT IN "PARK" MODE, AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY MORE PROBLEMS THAT DAY. SUBSEQUENTLY, I NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE ( BOTH ELECTRIC AND GASOLINE) SHUT OFF SUDDENLY AND I LOST ALL POWER MOMENTARILY, THEN TURNED ON AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY AND I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN I POSITION THE GEARSHIFT JUST PAST THE DRIVE MODE, THE PROBLEM STOPS. IN OTHER WORDS, WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS SET JUST PAST PARK, THE CAR NEVER LOSES POWER. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR IN JANUARY 2015, I WAS TOLD THAT THE GEARSHIFT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND FURTHERMORE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF MARCH (IT'S ON BACKORDER). *TR
4/7/2015
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED A 7 INCH STEP AND CRASHED INTO THE WALL. WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED HARD. IT TOOK ABOUT 20 FEET TO STOP THE CAR.
2/16/2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MY 2013 FORD C-MAX ENERGI PRODUCES A "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING MESSAGE AND QUICKLY LOSES ALL POWER. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 DAYS. WHEN IT HAPPENS, YOU HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE ENGINE, OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR AND WAIT A FEW MORE MINUTES BEFORE IT CAN BE STARTED AGAIN. A WARNING LIGHT IS LEFT ON FOR ~25 MILES. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS ON ALL ELECTRIC. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS FAILURE ONCE THE MAIN BATTERY IS DISCHARGED AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING ON GAS.
6/4/2017
ON 12/20/2017 AT ABOUT 8:30 PM ON ROUTE 139 (HIGHWAY) EAST BOUND, AFTER STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE PROPULSION SHUT OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO PLACE GEAR IN PARK, AND RESTART VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON 12TH STREET IN JERSEY CITY, NJ BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PARK LESS THAN A MILE AWAY. IN THE MORNING I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BRING IT TO WAYNE FORD AT 444 ROUTE 46, WAYNE , NJ 07470, WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A INTERSECTION. ON ROUTE 1(HIGHWAY) IN JERSEY CITY, NJ. AGAIN I HAD TO PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED MULTIPLY TIMES BEFORE I FINALLY ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED AGAIN ON LOCAL ROADS ANS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY OF ROUTE 46 OR ROUTE 3 WHICH I HAD TO USE TO GET TO THIS LOCATION.. I EXPLAINED TO THE REPAIR PERSON MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION AS I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, ONCE WHILE TURNING, ALWAYS WHEN IN MOTION. ALSO ASKED THAT ALL RECALL ITEMS OF THIS VEHICLE BE CORRECTED AT THIS TIME TOO. AS OF THIS DATE 1/01/2018 WAYNE FORD HAS YET TO TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED.
1/1/2018
AIR BAGS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS MISALIGNED, BENT UPWARD AND OUT, NOT MEETING THE DOOR PANEL/TOP OF DASH PROPERLY AS DOES THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS MISALIGNMENT CREATES A GAP BETWEEN THE DASH AND DOOR PANEL, NORMALLY LESS THAN A PENCIL WIDTH, OF NEARLY A HANDS WIDTH. ALSO, THE GAP BETWEEN TOP OF THE DASH, NORMALLY FLUSH WITH THE OTHER DASH MOLDINGS, IS POPPED UP 1/2 INCH OR MORE. THIS INCONSISTENT ALIGNMENT IS VERIFIED BY VIEWING OTHER C-MAX VEHICLES. MY CONCERN BESIDES THE QUALITY OF FITMENT IS THE AIRBAG ALIGNMENT DURING A CRASH. IS THIS MISALIGNMENT AN ISSUE FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT TO THE CORRECT ANGLE AND IF SO WOULD THIS CAUSE INJURY BEYOND THE INCIDENTAL INJURY CAUSED BY NORMAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.. *TR
7/19/2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V597000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
3/6/2015
WHEELS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
A GRINDING, WHINING NOISE DEVELOPED AT ABOUT 66,000 MILES. BECAUSE IT WAS A ROAD NOISE AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD SOON NEED NEW TIRES, I REPLACED THE TIRES. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING AND NO MORE NOISE. I WAS TOLD IF I CONTINUED DRIVING WITH THAT PART I WOULD HAVE SHORTLY LOST MY WHEEL AND THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF CONTROL.
2/18/2017
I KEEP HAVING MY BACK TIRES WEAR OUT & CAUSES ME TO HAVE A BLOW OUT, THANKFULLY SO FAR IT HASN'T CAUSED ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD MY CAR LINED UP AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T OUT OF LINE BAD ENOUGH TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE. CAN YOU HELP ME FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE? IT IS GETTING VERY EXPENSIVE BUYING NEW TIRES. WHEN THE TIRES GO OUT IS DURING THE TIME I AM DRIVING IT. I'M INCLUDING THE LAST DATE THIS HAS HAPPENED BELOW, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS & A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR.
8/27/2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE BATTERY 12V IS UNEXPECTEDLY DISCHARGED VIA THE TCU MODULE (MODEM) GM5Z-14G229-BD. THE DRIVER CAN NOT START THE CAR. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO THE MENTIONED PROBLEM REMAINED. THE DEALER DID NOT COMPLY WITH TSB 16-0157 AND DID NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. FORD DOES NOT SEE THE POSSIBILITY OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. MODULE NUMBER GM5Z-14G229-BD.I ALREADY HAD PROBLEMS TWICE. ONCE IN THE PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE AND ONCE AT WORK.
9/9/2018
THE OUTSIDE DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS GETTING SO HOT THE PLASTIC IS MELTING. *TR
6/25/2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 4-1-2015, AT APPROXIMATELY 1PM, WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON HIGHWAY 702 IN PIERCE COUNTY WASHINGTON IN MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN I SWITCHED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FROM INTERMITTENT TO THE LOW CONTINUOUS SPEED. ANTICIPATING THE HEAVY WASH FROM AN ONCOMING FULLY LOADED LOGGING TRUCK I SWITCHED THE WIPERS TO THE HIGH SPEED AND THE WIPERS FROZE IN PLACE JUST AS I REACHED THE LOGGING TRUCK. FORTUNATELY THEY RESTARTED WHEN I SWITCHED THEM BACK TO THE LOW CONTINUOUS SPEED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER, KORUM FORD IN PUYALLUP, WA AND ARRANGED FOR A SERVICE CALL THE NEXT DAY 4-2-2015. THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT THE WIPERS FAILED BECAUSE OF DAMAGE TO THE WIRING THAT GOES TO THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE WIPER'S HIGH SPEED. THEY ALSO ADVISED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS DONE BY MICE AND SHOWED ME THE CHEWED MARKS ON THE PLASTIC COVER AND SOME MOUSE DROPPINGS. THEY ALSO SHOWED ME THE SHREDDED INSULATION LINING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ENGINE HOOD. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT FORD USES SOY IN THE INSULATION AND THAT ATTRACTS THE MICE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 4-11-2015 THE SERVICE ADVISOR SHOWED ME WHERE TO PUT CAYENNE PEPPER TO DISCOURAGE THE MICE FROM EATING THE WIRE INSULATION. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE AND REFUSED TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF THE DAMAGE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IF I HAD NOT BEEN ON A FAMILIAR STRAIGHT ROAD I WOULD HAVE BEEN HEAD-ON WITH A LOADED LOGGING TRUCK. I GUESS I'M FORTUNATE THAT IT ONLY COST ME $2,324.73 INSTEAD OF MY LIFE. FORD NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A METHOD OF PREVENTING RODENT DAMAGE CAUSED BY THEIR USE OF SOY IN THE WIRE INSULATION AND THEY MUST ADVISE OWNERS OF THE RISK OF DAMAGE BY RODENTS AND THEY SHOULD NOT CHARGE CUSTOMERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. *TR
4/23/2015
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.
12/14/2022
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V597000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
7/28/2015
LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NOT BUCKLE. WILL NOT LOCK. GRANDSON USE TO SIT IN THAT POSITION.
1/7/2017
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR INTERIOR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE AND CAUSED THE DOOR NOT TO OPEN CORRECTLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR PANEL NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
2/13/2017
2013 Ford C-Max Energi Rear Door Interior Trim Panel detaches due to a faulty retainer clip and interferes with rear door closure. My door appeared closed, but during a right hand turn, the rear passenger door opened unexpectedly and ejected passenger contents onto the carriageway. Ford TSB-14-0030 "Rear Door Trim Panels Loose" describes a retainer clip that causes the rear door trim panel to detach (and interfere with safe operation of the passenger doors).
2/2/2022
EQUIPMENT
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V592000 (EQUIPMENT); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. SERRAMONTE FORD (999 SERRAMONTE BLVD, COLMA, CA 94014, 855-638-2136) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2/6/2019
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V592000 (Equipment); however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2/17/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2013 FORD C-MAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE BATTERY IN VEHICLE. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE 12 VOLT BATTERY WOULD DRAIN LEAVING THE OCCUPANTS STRANDED. *JS
10/15/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. TRI FORD INC LOCATED AT 12610 IL-143, HIGHLAND, IL 62249, (618) 654-2122) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE RADIO REMAINING ON AND THE DOOR LOCKS ACTUATING INDEPENDENTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. THE CONTACT FOUND INFORMATION ONLINE, WHICH STATED THAT REPLACING THE RADIO FUSE WOULD FIX THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECHARGED THE BATTERY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
6/8/2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE LOSS OF POWER INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 27, 2014, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE 405 AND 5 FREEWAYS IN LOS ANGELES, CA. THE FORD C MAX 2013 SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM 70 MPH TO LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE CAR WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH READ: "STOP SAFELY". DUE TO THE COURTESY OF THE MANY DRIVERS ON THE FREEWAY AT 7 IN THE MORNING, THE CAR CROSSED 4 TO 5 LANES OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, IN A LIMITED OPERATING MODE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR, ENDING AT THE ON-RAMP FOR CARS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BUT NOT TURNED OFF. AT THAT POINT THE FUEL HISTORY DISPLAY WAS BLANK FOR THE LAST FIVE MINUTES. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 5 MINUTES, THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND APPEARED TO RUN NORMALLY. IMMEDIATELY, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEAREST FORD SERVICE CENTER, GALPIN FORD IN SHERMAN OAKS, CALIFORNIA FOR ASSISTANCE AND DIAGNOSIS. THE GALPIN SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT LOCATE A COMPUTER CODE THAT RELATED TO THE PROBLEM. AFTER LEAVING GALPIN FORD, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN 350 MILES TO WALNUT CREEK, CA WITH NO POWER ISSUES. THE NEXT DAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS CONTACTED AT WALNUT CREEK FORD (WHERE THE CAR WAS LEASED ON MARCH 27, 2014). THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE INDICATED IF THERE WAS NO COMPUTER CODE FOR THE PROBLEM, NO DIAGNOSIS COULD BE MADE UNTIL THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED AGAIN. AS OF JUNE 11, 2014, THE LOSS OF POWER ISSUE HAS NOT RECURRED. *TR
6/11/2014
STRUCTURE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS MISALIGNED, BENT UPWARD AND OUT, NOT MEETING THE DOOR PANEL/TOP OF DASH PROPERLY AS DOES THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS MISALIGNMENT CREATES A GAP BETWEEN THE DASH AND DOOR PANEL, NORMALLY LESS THAN A PENCIL WIDTH, OF NEARLY A HANDS WIDTH. ALSO, THE GAP BETWEEN TOP OF THE DASH, NORMALLY FLUSH WITH THE OTHER DASH MOLDINGS, IS POPPED UP 1/2 INCH OR MORE. THIS INCONSISTENT ALIGNMENT IS VERIFIED BY VIEWING OTHER C-MAX VEHICLES. MY CONCERN BESIDES THE QUALITY OF FITMENT IS THE AIRBAG ALIGNMENT DURING A CRASH. IS THIS MISALIGNMENT AN ISSUE FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT TO THE CORRECT ANGLE AND IF SO WOULD THIS CAUSE INJURY BEYOND THE INCIDENTAL INJURY CAUSED BY NORMAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.. *TR
7/19/2014
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TOOK MY CAR FOR SERVICE, DEFECTIVE TRUNK LID RELEASE MECHANISM AND RECALL 14S04. SERVICE DONE. TRUNK DONE BUT AGAIN NOT WORKING - THIS THE 3RD ATTEMPT THAT HAS FAILED. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT THAT RECALL DID NOT REQUIRE ATTENTION. I AM DISSATISFIED WITH RIVERTOWNFORD IN COLUMBUS, GA, AND WISH TO REGISTER THEIR INEPTITUDE IN HANDLING POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY MATTERS. *TR
11/22/2014
SEATS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
REAR FOLDING SEAT LATCH DISENGAGED. NO LONGER ABLE TO FOLD 60% OF REAR SEAT. NOW FACED WITH CHARGES UPWARDS OF 600$ BECAUSE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN OPENED AND ON LEVEL SURFACE. WAS LIGHTLY USED, MAYBE 15 TIMES IN ENTIRE LIFE. ALSO, APIM MODULE DRAINING BATTERY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. FIELD SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT MADE, BUT CAR IS NOW OUT OF APPLICABLE TIME.
11/3/2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
VERY LOUD POPPING INITIALLY. DEAFENING POPS THAT SOUND LIKE YOUR WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A HIGH VELOCITY OBJECT. AT FIRST YOU CANT TELL WHERE THE SOUND IS COMING FROM. IT DOES RESEMBLE THE SOUND OF A SPEAKER BLOWING. IT DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN THE RADIO OR BLUETOOTH AUDIO IS BEING USED. IN THE BEGINNING AFTER IT POPS THE BLUE TOOTH WILL NOT WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES TO A FEW DAYS. THE SOUNDS ARE TERRIFYING AND DISTRACTING. I BELIEVE IT DOES PLACE ONE IN AN UNSAFE PREDICAMENT. YOU ARE NOT SURE IF YOU HIT SOMETHING OR SOMETHING HAS STRUCK YOU. YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN. ON OTHER OCCASION IT IS CLEAR THAT THE SPEAKERS ARE CRACKING AND AGAIN IT VERY LOUD AND DANGEROUSLY DISTRACTING
6/7/2020
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR LOCK DOES NOT CLOSE THE DOOR. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE SERVICE ON A PREVIOUS CALL RELATED TO LOCKS. THE WORK WAS REPORTEDLY DONE. AFTER OBSERVING THE WEAR OF THE LOCK ELEMENTS, IT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE ORIGINAL LOCKS. MAYBE THE DEALER CHARGED THE CAR MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPAIR AND NEVER REPLACED THE LOCKS WITH THE CORRECT ONES. I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CAR WHEN THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE. *TR
6/13/2020
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
We have a recall notice relating to the door latch that may come open while driving and the Ford dealer in Longmont, CO says they don't have parts to replace the defective door latch part. We have been waiting for several months now and the Ford dealer doesn't have the parts. We don't feel safe driving the car until this recall can be fixed.
8/12/2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The backup camera randomly works or doesn't work, or it will quit working midway thru using it. The screen will glitch out, or turn blue or gray or black, sometimes the camera image will be upside down.
2/28/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The backup camera image is intermittently reversed, or it sends an error message telling me to contact the dealership, or it simply displays a black screen and is it available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk, because it is nauseating and disorientating if I glance at the screen while trying to back up and it is easy to hit anyone or anything behind me as I back up as my brain tries to process the upsidedown image. The problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer and an independent service center. The vehicle, or camera image has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The car was parked for 2.5 weeks while I was on vacation and it first appeared on my first drive upon returning.
6/19/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
12/14/2022
SUSPENSION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Description from Ford Dealer is in quotes, plus I added more details: "Rear sub-frame" (F1FZ5035D Cross Member) "broke in half" (due to rusting). "Unsafe to drive at this time." Good thing my wife questioned the new clunking sound that was emanating from the rear of the vehicle when going over bumps. We were able to proactively catch this before it resulted in an accident. I believe these parts should last much longer than 10 years.
5/8/2023
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
On March 21, after communicating several times with Yakima regarding difficulties I was having in installing the roof rack onto our car, I was able to install the racks, though the tower and clip system for the front rack were uncomfortably at the limit of extension of the drive bolt (the part of the system that applies the tension that keeps the rack on the car). With the multiple installation attempts and communication with Yakima Consumer Service I am very confident that I installed the rack consistent with Yakima instructions. Following installation the roof racks were not used to transport our kayaks until mid June. On June 16 my wife was driving on the very busy Interstate 5 close to our home in Lynnwood WA when the front rack separated from the car, impacting and damaging the roof on the way off. It was extremely lucky that no vehicle was behind her, and no accident was caused. We found remnants of the front rack on the side of the highway, and there was clear evidence that the rack had been hit by one or more vehicles. I don't know the extent of the damage to those vehicles. I called the Washington State Police to report and ask whether any incident had been reported; none had. The next day I submitted a report to Yakima about the incident. To this date I have not received any response to my report, somewhat surprising since the Consumer Service dept had been very prompt in responding to my previous communications when I was having difficulty installing the racks. Email correspondence with Yakima and photos are attached.
7/26/2023
TIRES
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
225/57/17 driving down the interstate and the tire blew
3/3/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Ford C-Max?
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Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Ford C-Max: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
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- Complaint entries
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- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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