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2015 Ford C-Max Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2015 Ford C-Max has 58 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.4/ 10

Based on 58 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

7 12.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 12.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 12.1%

STEERING

6 10.3%

AIR BAGS

5 8.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 12.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 22 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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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2015 Ford C-Max

The 2015 Ford C-Max has 58 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 12% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2015 Ford C-Max are POWER TRAIN (7), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 29 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 2015 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.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 C-Max complaints2014 C-Max complaints2017 C-Max complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REVERSE GEAR SETTING ACTUALLY PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AFTER STARTING THE PARKED CAR ND ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OFPARKING SPACE. I TRIED TURNING OFF ENGINE, AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED, THE CAR CONTINUED TO CREEP FORWARD UNTIL THE CAR MADE CONTACT WITH THE PARKING SPACE SIGN. THIS IS NOT A SMALL ISSUE AS 1) IT PROBABLY OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY WITH THE SAME MODEL IN THE SAME FLEET AND LEASER CHARGED ME UPWARD OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX VOSMETIC DAMAGE CAUSED WHILE PARALLEL PARKING AND 2) THUS COULD CAUSE BODILY INJURY HAD THE PARKING SPACE NOT BEEN BLOCKED IN FRONT. THESE CARS ARE PART OF A MEMBERSHIP BASED RENTAL FLEET, AND SHOULD BE HIGHLY MAINTAINED. AFTER CONTACTING THE EMERGENCY NUMBER OF THE FLEET LEASER, I WAS A FEW MINUTES LATER ABLE TO REENTER AND START THE CAR, AND THE REVERSE GEAR OPERATED PROPERLY. THE LEASER HAS PREVIOUSLY RAISED MY INSURANCE RATE BASED ON SMALL AMOUNTS OF DAMAGE TO A FLEET VEHICLE INCURRED WHILE PARKING. MY GUESS IS THAT THEY KNOW OF TE PROBLEM AND HAVE CHOSEN TO BLAME THE DRIVERS RATHER THAN THE MANUFACTURERS OR MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS.

8/15/2016

1. ON TAKING A TRIP FROM PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN THIS CMAX WAS PARKED & LOCKED IN THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 9 AM CST 2. AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM EST A TELEPHONE CALL WAS RECEIVED FROM THE AIRPORT POLICE INFORMING ME THAT THE CMAX WAS IN THE PARKING LOT RUNNING WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND I WAS ASKED TO GO TO THE PARKING LOT AND TURN THE AUTOMOBILE OFF. AFTER I INFORMED THE OFFICER THAT I WAS IN INDIANA AND COULD NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUEST, I PROCEEDED TO MAKE NUMEROUS TELEPHONE CALLS; FORD MOTOR COMPANY, GARY SMITH FORD AND OTHERS IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE CMAX TURNED OFF BUT WAS TOLD IT COULD NOT BE DONE. I THEN RETURNED OFFICER'S CALL AND ASKED THAT THEY GO TO THE PARKING LOT, BREAK THE DRIVERS WINDOW, AND PRESS THE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN THE CMAX OFF. THE OFFICER CALLED ME BACK TO INFORM ME THAT WHEN THEY WENT TO THE LOT, THE CMAX WAS NOT RUNNING AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. 3. UPON RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT ON 2/8 I HAD TO USE THE KEY TO ACCESS THE CMAX SINCE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE GAS TANK WAS EMPTY. 4. A JUMPER BATTERY WAS USED AND FUEL WAS ADDED TO ENABLE THE CMAX TO RUN. 5. THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS INDICATORS, AUDIBLE AND VISUAL TO ALERT THE DRIVER IF EXITING THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CAR IS IN THE RUN MODE. THE EXIT FROM THE CMAX ON 2/2 WAS NORMAL. NOTHING WAS ON. THE LOCKING INDICATION WAS NORMAL AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON ( I KEEP THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN THE POSITION WHERE IF THE VEHICLE IS IN THE RUN MODE, THE LIGHTS ARE ON ). THIS PROBLEM HAD TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A SIGNAL FROM AN AIRCRAFT OR A RADIO, RADAR WITH ENOUGH POWER TO BROADCAST SOME DISTANCE. 6. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS TYPE IGNITION SYSTEM CAN BE TURNED ON ACCIDENTALLY, IT COULD ALSO BE TURNED OFF ACCIDENTALLY AND THAT COULD BE DISASTROUS IF THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL.

2/12/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

1. ON TAKING A TRIP FROM PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN THIS CMAX WAS PARKED & LOCKED IN THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 9 AM CST 2. AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM EST A TELEPHONE CALL WAS RECEIVED FROM THE AIRPORT POLICE INFORMING ME THAT THE CMAX WAS IN THE PARKING LOT RUNNING WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND I WAS ASKED TO GO TO THE PARKING LOT AND TURN THE AUTOMOBILE OFF. AFTER I INFORMED THE OFFICER THAT I WAS IN INDIANA AND COULD NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUEST, I PROCEEDED TO MAKE NUMEROUS TELEPHONE CALLS; FORD MOTOR COMPANY, GARY SMITH FORD AND OTHERS IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE CMAX TURNED OFF BUT WAS TOLD IT COULD NOT BE DONE. I THEN RETURNED OFFICER'S CALL AND ASKED THAT THEY GO TO THE PARKING LOT, BREAK THE DRIVERS WINDOW, AND PRESS THE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN THE CMAX OFF. THE OFFICER CALLED ME BACK TO INFORM ME THAT WHEN THEY WENT TO THE LOT, THE CMAX WAS NOT RUNNING AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. 3. UPON RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT ON 2/8 I HAD TO USE THE KEY TO ACCESS THE CMAX SINCE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE GAS TANK WAS EMPTY. 4. A JUMPER BATTERY WAS USED AND FUEL WAS ADDED TO ENABLE THE CMAX TO RUN. 5. THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS INDICATORS, AUDIBLE AND VISUAL TO ALERT THE DRIVER IF EXITING THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CAR IS IN THE RUN MODE. THE EXIT FROM THE CMAX ON 2/2 WAS NORMAL. NOTHING WAS ON. THE LOCKING INDICATION WAS NORMAL AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON ( I KEEP THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN THE POSITION WHERE IF THE VEHICLE IS IN THE RUN MODE, THE LIGHTS ARE ON ). THIS PROBLEM HAD TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A SIGNAL FROM AN AIRCRAFT OR A RADIO, RADAR WITH ENOUGH POWER TO BROADCAST SOME DISTANCE. 6. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS TYPE IGNITION SYSTEM CAN BE TURNED ON ACCIDENTALLY, IT COULD ALSO BE TURNED OFF ACCIDENTALLY AND THAT COULD BE DISASTROUS IF THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL.

2/12/2017

IT IS ACCELERATING TO FAST AFTER LETTING FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL.

5/22/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS NOT HOLDING EV NOW/LATER MODES CAUSING UNEXPECTED BATTERY USAGE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION. AN EXAMPLE IS TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70-75 MPH); VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SWITCH INTO AUTO MODE AND REVERT FROM GAS/HYBRID PERFORMANCE TO ELECTRIC/BATTERY ONLY PERFORMANCE WHICH IS REDUCED POWER AND RESPONSE AGAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE AS I HAVE FOUND THIS TO HAPPEN BEFORE I ENTER THE HIGHWAY AND CAN ADJUST MY DRIVE ACCORDINGLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS HAPPENS IN EV NOW MODE WHICH HOLDS THE ELECTRIC ENGINE TO PREVENT GAS USE AT ALL BUT THE SYSTEM WILL INADVERTENTLY SWITCH TO THE AUTO MODE. CONDITION IS EXTREMELY SPORADIC AND DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE MOST TIMES WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE. FORTUNATELY I DO HAVE A FEW INSTANCES WHERE A CODE WAS THROWN AND I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AND MAKE SOME WARRANTY REPAIRS NONE OF WHICH HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL COMES BACK IN THE SAME RANDOM FORM. ATTACHED ARE THE SEVERAL DEALER VISITS TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN AND AFTER SEVERAL VISITS, THE TRANSMISSION PUMP MODULE SEEMS TO BE A REPEAT ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE MODES NOT HOLDING AS IT SHOULD.

10/6/2017

CHARGING CORD OVERHEATED AND MELTED AT THE PLUG. RECALL IN PLACE ON THIS ITEM, BUT FORD SPECIFICALLY MENTIONS IN RECALL TO ENSURE CHARGING CORD IS PLUGGED IN TO DEDICATED AND UNDAMAGED/NON CORRODED OUTLET (IT WAS-UNTIL AFTER EVENT) AND NOT ATTACHED TO AN EXTENSION CORD (IT WAS NOT).

1/18/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN STARTING THE CAR ONE DAY, I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT THERE WAS A POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE - STEERING WAS MANUAL AND VERY HEAVY. NO CODES PRESENT AND THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GO AWAY. IT CAME BACK AGAIN ANOTHER TIME WHILE DRIVING AND WENT AWAY AGAIN. THE POWER ASSIST SEEMS TO BE WORKING BUT IS "STICKY" AND THE WHEEL STAYS LOCKED AT FIRST WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE STEERING GEAR FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT $2300+. THE CAR HAS ONLY 45000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY PART.

5/10/2019

THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING STALL AT THE GROCERY STORE AS WE PULLED OUT A MESSAGE CAME UP POWER STEERING FAILURE SERVICE NOW

9/22/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. I WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE IMPACT WAS TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. MY VEHICLE WAS SPUN AROUND 45 DEGREES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND I WAS TOSSED AROUND IN THE VEHICLE WITH MY SEAT BELT ON. THE CARS COMPUTER DETECTED AN IMPACT SERIOUS ENOUGH TO INITIATE A 911 CALL. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

12/17/2015

DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG COVER UNDER STEERING COLUMN IS NOT ATTACHED

12/13/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS NOT HOLDING EV NOW/LATER MODES CAUSING UNEXPECTED BATTERY USAGE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION. AN EXAMPLE IS TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70-75 MPH); VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SWITCH INTO AUTO MODE AND REVERT FROM GAS/HYBRID PERFORMANCE TO ELECTRIC/BATTERY ONLY PERFORMANCE WHICH IS REDUCED POWER AND RESPONSE AGAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE AS I HAVE FOUND THIS TO HAPPEN BEFORE I ENTER THE HIGHWAY AND CAN ADJUST MY DRIVE ACCORDINGLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS HAPPENS IN EV NOW MODE WHICH HOLDS THE ELECTRIC ENGINE TO PREVENT GAS USE AT ALL BUT THE SYSTEM WILL INADVERTENTLY SWITCH TO THE AUTO MODE. CONDITION IS EXTREMELY SPORADIC AND DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE MOST TIMES WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE. FORTUNATELY I DO HAVE A FEW INSTANCES WHERE A CODE WAS THROWN AND I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AND MAKE SOME WARRANTY REPAIRS NONE OF WHICH HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL COMES BACK IN THE SAME RANDOM FORM. ATTACHED ARE THE SEVERAL DEALER VISITS TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN AND AFTER SEVERAL VISITS, THE TRANSMISSION PUMP MODULE SEEMS TO BE A REPEAT ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE MODES NOT HOLDING AS IT SHOULD.

10/6/2017

CHARGING CORD OVERHEATED AND MELTED AT THE PLUG. RECALL IN PLACE ON THIS ITEM, BUT FORD SPECIFICALLY MENTIONS IN RECALL TO ENSURE CHARGING CORD IS PLUGGED IN TO DEDICATED AND UNDAMAGED/NON CORRODED OUTLET (IT WAS-UNTIL AFTER EVENT) AND NOT ATTACHED TO AN EXTENSION CORD (IT WAS NOT).

1/18/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY IN THE RAIN AND FELT THE STEERING WAS A LITTLE "JERKY" I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WET ROAD CONDITION AND WIND. A FEW MINUTES LATER AN ALERT POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING STEERING FAILURE AND TO PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY. I WASN'T FAR FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC WAS DONE, I WAS INFORMED THAT IS WAS THE RACK AND PINION. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME OVER 3,000.00 TO REPLACE. AFTER CONSULTING WITH MY RETIRED MECHANIC BROTHER AND ANOTHER MECHANIC FRIEND, THEY SUGGESTED I CONTACT FORD. IT TOOK OVER 3 WEEKS BUT FORD OFFERED TO TAKE ON PART OF THE COST. I WAS OUT OF POCKET $855.00 FOR THE REPAIR, BUT WAS ALSO WITHOUT A CAR FOR 3 WEEKS. I STILL FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE COVERED THE ENTIRE REPAIR. I HOPE THIS POST WILL HELP GENERATE A RECALL, AS I'VE SEEN OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I'M UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT IF A RECALL IS ISSUED, I WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THE MONEY I PAID FOR THIS REPAIR. EVERYONE I'VE SPOKEN TO WITH KNOWLEDGE OF CARS AND THEIR MECHANICS AGREE THAT THE RACK AND PINION SHOULD NOT GO OUT BEFORE AT LEAST 100,000. MILES.

5/7/2019

Outside brake lights stayed on after car was turned off. I see recalls on other 2015 Ford models for the same issue but mine is not on the list and I have to pay $748 for the repair.

10/14/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EQUIPMENT

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V592000 (EQUIPMENT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NORTH SIDE FORD (1312 N KELLER DR, EFFINGHAM, IL 62401, (217) 342-3929) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVIALABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

3/20/2019

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated that the red hazard light would intermittently appear on the charger cable while charging the vehicle. The contact changed the charging outlet; however, the failure returned overtime. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V592000 (Equipment) which she linked to the failure; however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The consumer stated the dealer plugged the charge chord to the vehicle and verified the red blinking light when vehicle is charging.

7/11/2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2015 FORD C-MAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT INTO THE GARAGE, WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GAS, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD RAMMING INTO THE INNER WALL. WHILE REVERSING DIRECTLY AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE LURCHED BACKWARDS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *JS

4/17/2019

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that upon shifting to park, the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly. The vehicle ran over the curb and crashed into the handicap sign. The fuel tank detached during the crash. There were no warning lights illuminated. The fire department was on the scene. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire, air bag deployment, or injury. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

7/27/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR HATCH LATCH BEGAN TRIGGERING ON ITS OWN. I INSPECTED THE MECHANISM AND FOUND THE HATCH ELECTRONICS ARE NOT SEALED AGAINST WATER INTRUSION AT ALL. THE WATER WAS CAUSING A SHORT IN THE LATCH AND WOULD TRIGGER IF THE CAR WAS PARKED OR IN MOTION, TURNED ON OR OFF. *TR

6/13/2020

THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE WILL UNLOCK AND OPEN WHEN THE BUTTON IS NOT PRESSED AND WHEN NO ONE IS OUTSIDE THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT FULLY CLOSE SOME OF THE TIME. WHEN THE LIFTGATE CLOSES, IT DOES NOT LOCK PROPERLY AND I CAN HEAR THE LATCH TRYING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I HAVE VIDEO OF THESE SITUATIONS.

4/18/2021

ENGINE

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN PARKING OR STOPING, TURNING THE KEY OFF, REMOVING THE KEY THE ENGINE WILL KEEP RUNNING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO FORD UNDER WARRANTIES. THIS IS EASY TO CATCH IN A CLOSED GARAGE BUT IMPOSSIBLE TO DETECT OUTSIDE (NO NOISE WHEN WALKING AWAY FROM CAR) 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS.

8/10/2020

THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAS FAILED FIVE TIMES AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN THIS SENSOR FAILED IT RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF POWER WHILE THE CAR WAS ON THE ROAD AND IN TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRASHES AND INJURY.

4/9/2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING MY 2015 FORD C-MAX AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOSE POWER. I PRESS THE GAS AND NOTHING. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A INTERSECTION AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE. BIG RED TRIANGLE SHOW UP SAYING "STOP SAFELY NOW". CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 4 DAYS, THEY ARE TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE FORD VEHICLES AND A RECALL WAS CALLED FOR THE FOCUS. I GUESS FORD IS TO BIG TO GO AFTER AND THE NTSB DRAGS THERE FEET LIKE NO OTHER. CALL FOR A RECALL ON ALL VEHICLES THAT "STOP SAFELY NOW'. WILL YOU WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE TO DO SOMETHING!!

9/19/2017

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT HER VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, PUSHING HER VEHICLE INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS THE DRIVER' S SIDE SEAT HEADREST DETACHED EXPOSING THE TWO METAL RODS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF SHE WAS HIT AGAIN THE POSTS WOULD HAVE ENTERED THE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS PER THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK, RIGHT HAND, KNEE AND HIP THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MILEAGE WAS 94,000

2/6/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle it was discovered that the horn was inoperable and inaudible. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the horn was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 108,000.

12/29/2021

WHEELS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

lug nuts deteriorating

9/19/2022

SEAT BELTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that when she entered the vehicle, she noticed the rear passenger seat belt was not long enough to latch. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis and repairs. The manufacturer was made aware and advised to file a complaint with NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

12/9/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that upon shifting to park, the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly. The vehicle ran over the curb and crashed into the handicap sign. The fuel tank detached during the crash. There were no warning lights illuminated. The fire department was on the scene. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire, air bag deployment, or injury. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

7/27/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2 issues 1) back-up camera has started to intermittently fail. Sometimes it displays when you start to back up then goes blank. 2) the driver side rear door is stuck shut. The inside panel binds against the door jam and prevents it from opening.

3/8/2024

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle would downshift with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

8/15/2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

When I went to the garage, I noticed my brake lights were on, but the ignition was not. I tested the car, it started without me stepping on the brake. I could also move the car out of park without stepping on the brakes. I thought the switch on the brake pedal had failed and so I took it to my mechanic for replacement. The mechanic tested the switch and found it okay. However, he had seen the same problem in other Fords (Recall # 22V-011 or 22S02) and it involved the Pedal Stop Bumper deteriorating. The recall indicated it would replace only the Pedal Stop Bumper. My mechanic said that replacement part wasn't available to them. So, I took it to the dealer hoping that since I had the same problem, I was included in the recall. My C-Max was not listed. They said that that the Pedal Stop Bumper replacement part wasn't available for my car, and that they would have to replace the entire brake pedal system for an outrageous $1400. I had little choice, and so I agreed with the hope that Ford would provide some relief. They didn't. Instead, they said hang onto the receipts and maybe someday there will be a recall, and I'll be reimbursed. So now I'm writing you. Clearly, this was considered to be a safety hazard in the other Ford products, and I believe it to be exactly the same in mine: brake lights always on are a safety hazard as well as being able to shift the car out of park or start the car without depressing the brake. Moreover, the battery will run down unless I disconnect it at night. Basically, my car is unsafe to drive without this repair.

5/27/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

There has been no accident yet but this is a safety hazard. My vehicle is under 100,000 miles and the part should be replaced by the dealership. The rear cross traffic assistance sensor may be damaged. It just stopped working this week.

7/17/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

There has been no accident yet but this is a safety hazard. My vehicle is under 100,000 miles and the part should be replaced by the dealership. The rear cross traffic assistance sensor may be damaged. It just stopped working this week.

7/17/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 Ford C-Max?

The most reported complaint category for the 2015 Ford C-Max is POWER TRAIN, with 7 owner reports. That is about 12% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2015 Ford C-Max a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 29 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 Ford C-Max?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2015 Ford C-Max severe?

29 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford C-Max: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
58
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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