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    GREEN CHOICE

    Ford C-MAX

    EPA MPG: 40 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 10 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

    The 2013 Ford C-MAX has been recalled 10 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Ford C-MAX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "It randomly goes blank and will not turn on."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE)

    "The electronics in this car were pretty temperamental since I first purchased the car. Glitches and sudden disconnection of our phones and the screen would just go blank for no reason. We could only get the cruise control to turn on sometimes which seemed to be an electronic issue."

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "My phone will not pair with the sound system."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "This model and other Ford cars have a known malfunction based in APIM computer modem which causes the car to be dead periodically and need to be towed. The issue was never addressed by Ford dealer despite me asking what it will take and cost to replace the computer module. My questions simply were ignored. At one time a new battery was put in but that is only a temporary fix. I now drive without using radio, Bluetooth or other items that could affect APIM or drain the system. Not acceptable to not address a known issue. There is plenty of similar reports online."

    Anonymous, (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "We took a road trip from South Carolina to New England. The car had over 120,000 miles on it. Coming home in North Carolina the steering began shaking noticeably. The Ford dealer in New Bern aligned the front end and put on new tires, which we needed anyway. End of problem."

    Anonymous, SC (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Ball joints

    "Normal wear and tear wore them out."

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford C-MAX 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Shocks or struts

    "wear / noise"

    Anonymous, MA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "This happened after about a year of intermittent wheel problems that the mechanic could not diagnose. The tire kept wearing unevenly until the entire arm of the linkage disconnected."

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The entertainment system. It's abysmal. No specific issues other than it's a terrible design and extremely awkward to use."

    Anonymous, NY (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Rear suspension cambers needed adjusting to keep tires from scrubbing."

    Anonymous, IL (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Vibrating buzz at driving speeds."

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Around 2021 during an oil check asked about a sense the transmission was slipping. Was told it was a transmission problem. I paid out of pocket to have the transmission replaced. Then last year noticed something again, had checked out during an oil change and mechanic said the noise was coming from the transmission. As the replaced transmission had a 3 year warranty, I brought it in to where I had purchased, they replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous A., MN (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "12 volt battery failed in less than 36 months. Dealer made me wait 24 hours while they tested failed battery, then another 3 days before replacement arrived."

    Anonymous, MN (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Multiple times since purchasing it in 2019 the 12-Volt battery was mysteriously discharged, such that keyless entry and it Start button failed until battery was recharged. Replacement of the 12-Volt battery and diagnostics at dealership didn't end this. During the past year, discharge while parked happened about 2 times. I carry a portable engine-start battery in the car to avoid being stranded."

    Anonymous A., CA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Door handle fell off."

    Anonymous, IL (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Tailgate panel is loose from body. Repair will cost$900. Probably due to frequent opening and closing."

    Anonymous A., MI (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "A few months ago climate control turns in automatically when I start the car. I could not find a way to reset this myself."

    Anonymous, (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "Fan makes loud noise when heater or a/c is on full, makes less noise when on low."

    Anonymous A., MI (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "Worn out from normal wear and tear"

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford C-MAX 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Car would vibrate at highway speeds. Diagnosed as CV & tie rod (I believe) issue."

    Anonymous, CO (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "Warning light was traced to water pump."

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Under guard comes loose and interferes with driving. Car is has very low ground clearance which means, over time, llastic guard is damaged by road debri and normal driving conditions."

    Anonymous A., TX (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    "Rotors rust rapidly reducing braking effect, making noise, and vibrating."

    Anonymous, MN (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission leaks

    "The dealer found a small transmission leak and I had it fixed."

    Anonymous, IL (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "Leak in radiator, seam opened up. Radiator was replaced."

    Anonymous, NJ (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "It had a coolant leak in the cylinders. Ford recommended to replace bottom part of the motor."

    Anonymous, AB (2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN
    Jun 10, 2022
    A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V413000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2925968
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Jun 08, 2020
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V331000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2147323
    EQUIPMENT
    Sep 10, 2018
    An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V592000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 49197
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Sep 06, 2016
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V643000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2046297
    AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
    Sep 26, 2014
    The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V597000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 746842
    AIR BAGS
    May 07, 2014
    If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V237000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 594785
    SEATS
    Apr 02, 2014
    The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V164000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 43135
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT
    Oct 17, 2013
    Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V475000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 23000
    STRUCTURE
    Jul 10, 2013
    In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 C-Max hybrid vehicles, without panoramic roofs, that were manufactured January 19, 2012, through June 25, 2013. During vehicle testing, the vehicle exceeded a head injury criteria requirement set by the standard. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbers between the headliner and the roof. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C02.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V303000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 33021
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Mar 07, 2013
    The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
    Summary:
    Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
    For more information:
    Ford's recall campaign number is 13S02.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V085000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 5675
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