VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 179 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.4 times the median C-Max Hybrid year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 3 C-Max Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 56 reports (31% of the total).

179

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other C-Max Hybrid years?

C-Max Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted179 complaints2013: 179 complaints2015: 19 complaints2016: 10 complaints
C-Max Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-Max Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5631%
Engine1810%
Steering158%
Transmission158%
Body & Structure137%
Latches & Locks116%
Other84%
Fuel System74%
Brakes74%
Airbags63%
Seat Belts42%
Lighting42%
Speed Control42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Suspension21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Driver Assistance21%
Seats11%

Does the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V475000Electrical SystemOctober 17, 2013 · 23,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V303000Body & StructureJuly 10, 2013 · 33,021 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy

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.

13V085000Latches & LocksMarch 7, 2013 · 5,675 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES WITH APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET OF DISTANCE, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE, AND REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 6, 2017 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON HIGHWAY 90 IN BILOXI, MS, I RECEIVED A "STOP SAFELY NOW" RED TRIANGLE WARNING ON MY 3 WEEK OLD 2013 FORD CMAX HYBRID. THE CAR DIED AND I WAS STOPPED IN THE TURNING LANE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. I CALLED THE BILOXI POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING OFF THE ROAD SAFELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 10, 2013

“AS OF CURRENTLY THIS IS GOING TO BE THE 10TH TIME THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ( FACTORY RECALLS AND REPAIRS ). THIS LAST TIME WAS BECAUSE OF A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT TOOK OVER 3 WEEKS TO REPAIR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 21, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON THE HIGHWAY THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ALMOST CAUSING .A WRECK. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON FOUND OUT THERE IS NO WAY OF PUTTING POWER STEERING FLUID IN VEHICLE. ITS A EPS SYSTEM FAILURE ,FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WOULD COST $2000.00 TO FIX. THEN WE SEEN ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 4, 2018

“CAR ELECTRONICS WILL NOT SHUT OFF. RADIO REMAINS ON CONTINUOUSLY, EVEN WITH KEYS REMOVED AND DOORS LOCKED. NO CHIMES TO INDICATE IF CAR IS ON/OFF. AT OTHER TIMES, CAR NAVIGATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS WILL FAIL. FAILURES AND NON-RESPONSE CAN HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION. RADIO NOT TURNING OFF AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 18, 2018

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 179 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 3 C-Max Hybrid years. It is one of the C-Max Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 C-Max Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (56 complaints), engine (18 complaints), steering (15 complaints).

Does the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford C-Max Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C-Max Hybrid years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among C-Max Hybrid years belongs to 2016.

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.