Federal complaints
120
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 120 of 120 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 94 of 120 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
50 complaint records
"VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER (NO LIGHTS, ACCESSORIES, ETC.) AND WOULD NOT START. EVEN A JUMP WOULD NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO START. THIS HAS SINCE HAPPENED ON 2 ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS. IN EACH CASE IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
18 complaint records
"VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS LIFTED ON SLIPPERY SURFACES CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE AND SPIN. COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
15 complaint records
"STEERING WENT OUT 2 TIMES TAKEN TO DEALER COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, CAR WAS STOPPED CALLED A TOW TRUCK ,DRIVER OF TOW TRUCK COULD NOT TURN WHEEL11/18/2016..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V303000 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 13V085000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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,... | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 20-2219 Jun 2020 | Power Train | Some 2013-2016 Fusion/MKZ/C-MAX vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. | |
| TSB 20-2171 May 2020 | Structure | Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral... | |
| SSM 48130 Aug 2019 | Visibility | Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. | |
| 15B04 Jul 2015 | Electrical System | THIS TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER LETTER. SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. BULLETIN INFORMATION INVOLVING 2013-2014 MODELYEAR C-MAX HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES SOFTWARE UPDATE. | |
| 44863 Jul 2015 | Visibility | FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA |
Show 40 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15B04 May 2015 | Electrical System | TSB CONTAINS OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. FORD 2013-2014 C-MAX HYBRID: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM REGARDING 12VOLT BATTERY TEST AND MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE. *LJ | |
| 12M02 Nov 2014 | Electrical System | THIS TSB CONTAINS OWNERS LETTER. SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON. FORD MY/FORD LINCOLN 2011-2014 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC AND MYFORD/MY LINCOLN TOUCH. WARRANTY EXTENSION COVERING ACCESSORY PROTOCOL INTERFACE MODULE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE. *LJ | |
| TSB-14-0173 Sep 2014 | Electrical System | FORD: AFTER FOUR WHEEL FLAT TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE DISCHARGED OF 12 VOLT BATTERY AND/OR SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC CLUSTER MESSAGE. MODEL 2013-14 C-MAX HYBRID OR ENERGI. *PE | |
| ASI-44718 Sep 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | FORD: POTENTIAL DRIVING ISSUES OCCUR WHEN USING AFTERMARKET DEVICES FOR VEHICLES WITH SMART DATA LINK CONNECTOR (SDLC) AND TO CHECK FOR AFTERMARKET DEVICES AND DISCONNECT THEM FROM DATA LINK CONNECTORS AND RETEST FOR CODES PRIOR TO DIAGNOSTICS. | |
| TSB-14-0155 Aug 2014 | Electrical System | FORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. ON SOME VEHICLES, THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS EXPERIENCE A DISCHARGE AND TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, A SERVICE PROCEDURE HAS BEEN PROVIDED. MODEL 2013-14 C-MAX. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0151 Aug 2014 | Engine | FORD: AN INTERMITTENT NOISE IS HEARD MOSTLY AT SPECIFIC SPEEDS, RPM RANGES, AND VEHICLE LOADS, WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING AND NOISE IS LOUD, LOW FREQUENCY, AND DRONING POWERTRAIN TYPE, WHILE DRIVING UP A GRADE OR HILL. MODEL 2013-14 C-MAX. *PE | |
| ASI-44451 Mar 2014 | Equipment | FORD: SOME MODEL VEHICLES MANUAL FOR POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSION DIAGNOSTIC (PC/ED) HAS BEEN UPDATED REGARDING IMPROVED COOLING FAN CIRCUIT DUE TO A LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING, A MALFUNCTIONING INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND OVERHEATING. *PE | |
| ASI-44440 Mar 2014 | Tires | FORD: VEHICLE DRIFT LEFT AT LOW SPEED REGENERATIVE BRAKING AND TIRES NEED INSPECTING AND INFLATED FOR COLD PRESSURE CORRECTION, PER MANUAL. MODEL 2013-2014 C-MAX HYBRID, ENERGI. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0024 Jan 2014 | Power Train | FORD: THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A METAL ON METAL SCRAPING SOUND AND THE NOISE IS PRESENT, IN ALL GEAR RANGES, WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING AND NOT PRESENT WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN PARK. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 FUSION. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0013 Jan 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE A BROKEN LATCH OR THE LATCH HOUSING IS CRACKED. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 ESCAPE. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0020 Jan 2014 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WRENCH LAMP AND/OR RED TRIANGLE LAMP, THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP IS ACCOMPANIED WITH VARIOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) AND SERVICE PROCEDURES UPDATES. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| ASI-44360 Jan 2014 | Equipment | FORD: THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) COULD HAVE LOW VOLTAGE FROM POOR GROUND, CAUSING AN INTERMITTENT, ERRATIC OPERATION OF SEVERAL COMPONENTS, IF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) IS PRESENT. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 ESCAPE, FOCUS. *PE | |
| CSP-13B12 Dec 2013 | Electrical System | FORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE FRONT CONTROL DISPLAY INTERFACE MODULE (FCDIM) FAILS TO TRANSITION TO SLEEP MODE AND STAYS IN AWAKE MODE, KEEPING OTHER VEHICLE MODES AWAKE AND THIS INCREASES, SIGNIFICANTLY, THE DRAINAGE ON 12 VOLT BATTERY, CAUSING IT TO... | |
| ASI-44339 Dec 2013 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN: THE WRENCH LAMP (HYBRIDS) OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP (ENERGI) WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN USING ENGINE BLOCK HEATER AND LAMPS TURN OFF WITHIN NO MORE THAN THREE DRIVE CYCLES AFTER UNPLUGGING ENGINE BLOCK HEATER. MODEL 2013-2014 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ HYBRID/ENERGI. *PE | |
| ASI-44325 Dec 2013 | Electrical System | FORD: A MESSAGE INDICATING SIRUS UPDATE STUCK AT 0% STATUS, WHERE RADIO FAILS TO TURN ON, AND CD FAILS TO EJECT WITH MESSAGE SAYING NO DISK; A SOFTWARE SOLUTION TO ISSUES IS BEING DEVELOPED. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, F-SUPER DUTY. *PE | |
| ASI-44287 Nov 2013 | Electrical System | FORD: SOME VEHICLES CAN HAVE A POOR GROUND THAT CAUSES LOW VOLTAGE IN BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) THAT LEADS TO ERRATIC, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND GROUND CIRCUITS NEED TO BE CHECKED. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 ESCAPE, FOCUS. *PE | |
| ASI-44214 Oct 2013 | Electrical System | FORD/LINCOLN: HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY BAR IS EMPTY, CAUSING RED TRIANGLE WARNING LAMP TO ILLUMINATE AND SERVICING VEHICLE, BE AWARE THAT BATTERY IS USED TO CRANK COMBUSTION ENGINE FOR MAXIMUM OF 20 SECONDS AT TIME. MODEL 2013 HYBRID, C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| ASI-44234 Oct 2013 | Equipment | FORD: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EJECT THE COMPACT DISC (CD), IT WOULD STICK IN PLAYER. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 ESCAPE. *PE | |
| ASI-44195 Sep 2013 | Service Brakes | FORD: POWERTRAIN/TRANSAXLE WHINE, THUMPING OR CLUNKING OR TIPPING IN OR OUT OF THROTTLE OR A TACTILE VIBRATION, WHENEVER BRAKING IS DUE TO FOREIGN OBJECT LODGED IN POWERTRAIN MOUNTS. MODEL 2013 C-MAX, 2013-2014 FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| ASI-44170 Sep 2013 | Equipment | FORD: THE COMPACT DISC (CD), WHEN TRYING TO EJECT, WOULD BECOME STUCK AND POSSIBLY NEED TO BE REMOVED AND/OR REPAIRED, AFTER PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND. MODEL 2013 C-MAX. *PE | |
| CSP-13B10 Aug 2013 | Fuel System | FORD: ON SOME HYBRID VEHICLES, THE FUEL ECONOMY LABELS WILL BE CHANGED, TO MATCH BETTER THE FUEL ECONOMY PERFORMANCE BY EPA TESTS (45MPG CITY/40MPG HIGHWAY/43MPG COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY. MODELS 2013 C-MAX. *PE | |
| CSP-13B09 Aug 2013 | Equipment | FORD: THE FUEL ECONOMY LABELS ON SOME AFFECTIVE UNSOLD VEHICLES, WILL BE REVISED TO MATCH FUEL ECONOMY LABEL TO PERFORMANCE ON EPA TESTS OF 45MPG CITY/40MPG HIGHWAY/43MPG COMBINED. MODEL 2013 C-MAX. *PE | |
| CSP-13B07 Aug 2013 | Power Train | FORD: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT, POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION WHEN UPDATING PCM AND MODULES SOBDM-C AND IDS SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, THEN R86.01 NEEDS UPDATING. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ HYBRID. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-28 Jun 2013 | Engine | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE INTELLIGENT ACCESS REMOTE START WILL EXPERIENCE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P025A/U0109, P025A/U0109/P0103, P025A/P0103/P1A0C, AS WELL AS STALLING AFTER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND CRANK NO START. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FOCUS, ESCAPE. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-23 Jun 2013 | Electrical System | FORD/LINCOLN: WHEN VEHICLE IS LEFT UNATTENDED FOR HOURS IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES, ON SOME VEHICLES, BATTERY FAILS TO MAINTAIN A CHARGE OR BECOMES DISCHARGED WHEN OPERATED AT MAXIMUM ELECTRICAL LOADS FOR SHORT CYCLE DRIVE. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-22 Jun 2013 | Engine | LINCOLN FORD: CHECK ENGINE LAMP AND/OR WRENCH LAMP ILLUMINATES AND ACCOMPANIED BY VARIOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES, ON SOME VEHICLES. MODELS 2013 MKZ, C-MAX, FUSION. *PE | |
| TSB-13-6-17 Jun 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | FORD:LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE ARE VARIOUS RELATED CONCERNS ABOUT THE SYNC FEATURES, SUCH AS SYNC FEATURES INOPERATIVE, LACK OF OR SLOW RESPONSE TO PHONE AND VOICE BUTTON OPERATION. | |
| ASI-32272 Jun 2013 | Engine | LINCOLN/FORD: AS A RESULT OF PERFORMING KEY ON ENGINE OFF (KOEO) SELF TEST, ON SOME VEHICLES, A PENDING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0053/P0054 (HEGO HEATER CODE), MAY BE SET. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ HYBRID/ENERGI. *PE | |
| ASI-32299 Jun 2013 | Structure | FORD: DUE TO CHAFING OF WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN HEADLINER AND ROOF SHEET METAL PASSING THROUGH, POWER LIFTGATE STOPS DURING TRAVEL AND MUST BE OPENED OR CLOSED, MANUALLY. MODELS 2013 C-MAX. *PE | |
| ASI-32290 Jun 2013 | Equipment | FORD: THERE IS AN ISSUE, ON SOME VEHICLES WITH MYFORD TOUCH, WHERE RADIO FAILS TO COME ON, MESSAGE SAYING SIRUS UPDATE IS STUCK, CD FAILS TO EJECT WITH MESSAGE NO DISK; SOFTWARE IS BEING PERMANENT DEVELOPED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. MODELS 2013 F-SUPER DUTY, C MAX. *PE | |
| ASI-32275 Jun 2013 | Equipment | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, WITH MYTOUCH, MY EXPERIENCE DISPLAYED TIME JUMPING OR AUDIO POPPING DURING INITIAL IGNITION ON CYCLE, OR SLOW NAVIGATION CALCULATIONS, DUE TO AMOUNT OF DATA, WITHIN SIZE OF CONTACT LIST, CREATING PROCESSING PROBLEM FOR MODULE DURING KEY ON CYCLE. | |
| ASI-32298 Jun 2013 | Electrical System | LINCOLN/FORD: DUE TO VARIOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES, SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL CONCERNS OR VARIOUS DRIVABILITY ISSUES SUCH A POSSIBLE INTRUSION OF WATER IN CONNECTORS. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION/MKZ HYBRID/ENERGI. *PE | |
| CSP-13B06 May 2013 | Structure | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, AFTER BEING LOCKED FOR THREE MINUTES OR MORE, SECONDARY LATCH POSITION RELEASES, ONLY AFTER ATTEMPTING USE OF FOOT MOTION, FOR HANDS FREE LIFTGATE OPENING AND WOULD NEED A SECOND FOOT OPEN MOTION TO FULLY OPEN LIFTGATE. | |
| TSB-13-5-21 May 2013 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: BRAKE PEDAL IS SENSITIVE AND GRABBY OR A REVERSE 2-3 SECOND TRANSMISSION DELAY ENGAGEMENT DUE START ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATING. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| TSB-13-5-22 May 2013 | Electronic Stability Control | FORD/LINCOLN: DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, SOME HYBRID/ENERGI VEHICLES WILL EXPERIENCE ILLUMINATION OF ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS, AFTER TURNING ON IGNITION. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| TSB-13-5-6 May 2013 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HANDS FREE LIFTGATE MAY EXHIBIT INOPERATIVE NON-OPENING FEATURE AFTER VEHICLE BEEN LOCKED OVER 3 MINUTES OR POSSIBLE LONGER. MODEL 2013 C-MAX. *PE | |
| TSB-13-5-1 May 2013 | Electrical System | FORD/LINCOLN: WHEN VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR SHORT DRIVE CYCLES, WITH MAXIMUM ELECTRICAL LOADS, AND LEFT UNATTENDED, THE 12-VOLT BATTERY FAILS TO MAINTAIN CHARGE OR BECOMES DISCHARGED, AFTER SEVERAL HOURS. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ. *PE | |
| ASI-32210 May 2013 | Power Train | FORD/LINCOLN: DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1124 CAN BE RETRIEVED FROM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM), WHEN PERFORMING KEY ON ENGINE RUNNING (KOER) SELF TEST. MODELS 2013 C-MAX, FUSION, MKZ HYBRID/ENERGI. *PE | |
| TSB-13-4-22 Apr 2013 | Power Train | FORD: DUE TO DIAGNOSTICS CODE (DTC) P061A AND/OR (U1011), SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ILLUMINATION OF RED TRIANGLE LAMP OR WRENCH LAMP OR BOTH IN TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) OR POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AND/OR P060C. MODEL 2013 C MAX. *PE | |
| SB-32167-70 Apr 2013 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN ILLUMINATED MIL OR SAFETY STOP NOW MESSAGE, OR A NO START CONDITION OR POSSIBLE MISFIRE OR ROUGHNESS AT IDLING THROUGH 2000RPM OR A LACK OF ACCELERATION. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Redundant C-Max Hybrid →