2014 Ford C-Max Energi problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median C-Max Energi year — the 2014 model ranks #2 of 5 C-Max Energi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (16 of 39), far ahead of body & structure at 4.
39
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2014 compare to other C-Max Energi years?
What are the most common 2014 Ford C-Max Energi problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 16 | 41% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 10% | — flat |
| Transmission | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLUGGED IN AND RECHARGING IN THE GARAGE. TWO HOURS LATER, AN EXTENSIVE FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE CHARGE CORD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE DEALER TESTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE…”
“THERE IS A RECALL ON DOOR LATCH. FORD IS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET MY CAR FIXED BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT ALLOW THE DEALERDHIP TO ORDER MORE THAN ONE SET OF PARTS AT A TIME. THE DEALERSHIP MUST COMPLETE ONE WORK ORDER BEFORE THE NEXT CAR'S PARTS CAN BE ORDERED, MAKING IT ESSENTIALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO…”
“THE CAR DID THE SAME THING THIS MORNING, 7/14/2017, SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR ON THE DOWN GRADE IN LOW. I JUST FILED A REPORTED OF 2 OTHER INSTANCES OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS OF THE SAME NATURE YESTERDAY 7/13/2017. I ALSO REPORTED TO OUR LOCAL FORD AGENCY THIS MORNING ( AUTONATION FORD IN TORRENCE, CA). IT…”
“THE PORTABLE CHARGER WALL PLUG MELTED WHILE CHARGING. THE PLASTIC MELTED AND WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. THIS WAS AFTER TWO HOURS OF CHARGING AN EMPTY BATTERY. FORD IS NOT REPLACING IT UNDER WARRANTY, IS IT IS JUST OUTSIDE 3 YEARS.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ALHAMBRA FORD IN ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BROUGHT IN FOR…”
2014 Ford C-Max Energi — common questions
Is the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2014 model at #2 of 5 C-Max Energi years. It is one of the C-Max Energi years to avoid.
What are the most common 2014 C-Max Energi problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (16 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).
Does the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi.
Is the 2014 Ford C-Max Energi under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford C-Max Energi years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C-Max Energi years to avoid are 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among C-Max Energi years belongs to 2017.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.