2017 Ford C-Max Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2017 Ford C-Max has 25 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve unknown or other and steering.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 25 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 20%
STEERING
4 16%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 12%
POWER TRAIN
3 12%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 8%
Quick Insights
The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 20% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 12 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 2017 Ford C-Max
The 2017 Ford C-Max has 25 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2017 Ford C-Max are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5), STEERING (4), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 8 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 2017 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 12 of 12 systems
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE PARK ASSIST FAILED WHEN THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE IN A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE. THE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM APPEARED TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY UNTIL DURING THE VEHICLE'S IT'S INITIAL BACKUP MANEUVER WHEN IT BACKED MY VEHICLE INTO A PARKED PICKUP TRUCK IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO PAINT DAMAGE ON MY VEHICLE'S BUMPER WITH DO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN BRANDON FLORIDA HAS TESTED THE SYSTEM AND REPORTED THAT THE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY,THUS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON 11/09/2017 (CAS-13504308) AND AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEM.
11/29/2017
THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE. MY INTENTION WAS CLEARLY TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING STALL. HOWEVER I HIT THE BRAKE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, ATTEMPTED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK, AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. IT WAS AS IF IT WAS GOING FULL SPEED, IN REVERSE. I COULDN'T STOP IT IN TIME BEFORE HITTING A SIDEWALK AND STAIR CASE BEHIND ME; AS WELL AS SIDE SWIPING A PARKED CAR IN THE STALL TO THE LEFT OF ME. MY DRIVER DOOR WAS DESTROYED BECAUSE IT WAS OPENED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*DT
3/14/2021
STEERING
4 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD C-MAX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN FELT LOOSE AS IF IT WERE NOT ATTACHED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOKAN FORD (2 FRANKLIN PARK W #1, ST ALBANS CITY, VT), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,100.
9/25/2018
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle in cold temperatures, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that the steering wheel operated as needed after the vehicle had warmed up. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that he used his physical strength to steer the steering wheel, and he drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.
1/24/2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO ABOVE HIGHWAY SPEED, AND REQUIRED CONTINUAL BREAKING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. WHEN HOME AND IN PARK, ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV TO MAX. SHUT CAR DOWN, AND WHEN RESTARTED IT RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. NO OBSTRUCTION OF GAS PEDAL.
3/19/2020
THE CAR WAS IN ACCELERATION MODE AT EVERY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AT STOP SIGNS, ALWAYS EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS. I CONTINUALLY BRAKED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. TIRES SQUEALED WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AT STOP SIGNS. THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE INTO THE GARAGE; THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE KITCHEN. WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK, ENGINE STILL REVVED.
3/19/2020
POWER TRAIN
3 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE CAR WAS IN ACCELERATION MODE AT EVERY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AT STOP SIGNS, ALWAYS EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS. I CONTINUALLY BRAKED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. TIRES SQUEALED WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AT STOP SIGNS. THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE INTO THE GARAGE; THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE KITCHEN. WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK, ENGINE STILL REVVED.
3/19/2020
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure was experienced intermittently. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown.
7/7/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE FINISHED CHARGING, AND THEN WAS UNPLUGGED. VEHICLE'S WARNING SYSTEM SAYS VEHICLE WAS STILL PLUGGED IN AND AND WOULDN'T MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED CHARGING PORT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CHARGING PORT IS UNATTAINABLE AND VEHICLE SITS AT DEALERSHIP WITH NO LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. CHARGING PORT UNATTAINABLE, TELLS ME FORD HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE.
4/22/2021
Rear back-up camera does not display on dashboard console screen when air temperature is cold, i.e. below about 45º, and will only turn back on when the car has sufficiently warmed up after driving some distance. This has been happening for at least two years. When the camera is not working, there is a blind spot directly behind the car. The rear of the car proximity warning signal still works, but the screen remains black. I brought this problem to the attention of the dealership service manager, who told me he could not find anything obviously wrong.
1/27/2024
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Ford Dealer Service recommends I replace lug nuts. I have 35th miles. That they are expanding and Ford cannot assure they or other repair shops will be able to remove lug nuts for repairs or replacements such as brakes, tires, etc. I read many complaints online about this problem, that the lug nut can break causing other lug nuts to break under pressure, that cause tire to fall off. They do not replace under warranty and do not discount parts. I call upon NHTSA to have Ford recall these affected cars for replacement lug nuts. Thank you
8/14/2022
Swollen lugnuts
6/5/2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The vehicle accelerate on its own accord, despite no foot or pressure to the accelerator, even going uphill and including after braking. For example, ona flat road, I stepped on the brakes and began to decelerate, I released the brake and the vehicle immediately began to accelerate forward at a high speed. I had to slam the brakes to prevent further movement. This is one of many instances, the most common of which is acceleration upwards of 10-15mph after the accelerator is released. It appears as if the accelerator remains pressed forward, I can feel the accelerator move back into place significantly later than when I remove my foot. I fear for my life and safety, and that of others. The vehicle is available upon request. I have not gone to a dealer or service center. The vehicle has not been inspected, but I have read similar reports online. There were no warning lamps or messages, but the issues began October 2022, and have increased in frequency since.
12/22/2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The vehicle accelerate on its own accord, despite no foot or pressure to the accelerator, even going uphill and including after braking. For example, ona flat road, I stepped on the brakes and began to decelerate, I released the brake and the vehicle immediately began to accelerate forward at a high speed. I had to slam the brakes to prevent further movement. This is one of many instances, the most common of which is acceleration upwards of 10-15mph after the accelerator is released. It appears as if the accelerator remains pressed forward, I can feel the accelerator move back into place significantly later than when I remove my foot. I fear for my life and safety, and that of others. The vehicle is available upon request. I have not gone to a dealer or service center. The vehicle has not been inspected, but I have read similar reports online. There were no warning lamps or messages, but the issues began October 2022, and have increased in frequency since.
12/22/2022
WHEELS
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Lug nuts are deforming. Costco techs require 3 sockets to obtain proper torque. Two piece construction is problematic.
9/29/2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Rear back-up camera does not display on dashboard console screen when air temperature is cold, i.e. below about 45º, and will only turn back on when the car has sufficiently warmed up after driving some distance. This has been happening for at least two years. When the camera is not working, there is a blind spot directly behind the car. The rear of the car proximity warning signal still works, but the screen remains black. I brought this problem to the attention of the dealership service manager, who told me he could not find anything obviously wrong.
1/27/2024
ENGINE
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.
4/25/2024
TIRES
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
At night I noticed the indicator light came on for tire pressure drove to the next gas station to check it was flat tire I looked every where for the spare tire no luck.called dealer told me where to look. Then he checked something and said it came with a air pump under the passenger seat. I read the symbol of Instructions very confused and limited no use of car for days with ordering tire waiting for delivery and so on....
7/25/2025
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 2017 Ford C-Max?
Are complaints about the 2017 Ford C-Max a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Ford C-Max?
Are complaints about the 2017 Ford C-Max severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Ford C-Max: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 25
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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