VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford C-Max problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Ford C-Max sits mid-pack among C-Max years: 40 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 50, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), driver assistance (6), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

40

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other C-Max years?

C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted231 complaints2013: 231 complaints2014: 104 complaints2015: 60 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 12 complaints
C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-Max years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford C-Max problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System820%
Driver Assistance615%
Other513%
Transmission513%
Tires & Wheels38%
Brakes25%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Engine25%
Seats13%
Seat Belts13%
Airbags13%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2016 Ford C-Max have recalls?

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

25V695000Driver AssistanceOctober 13, 2025 · 1,448,655 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

22V413000TransmissionJune 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V052000Body & StructureJanuary 24, 2017 · 17 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

Consequence

Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the mobile charger failed and the vehicle was unable to be charged. The contact stated that several different outlets were tried however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 29, 2021

“Both this 2016 and my 2013 ford c-max hybrid have the backup cameras failing. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they have a black or blue screen than pops up and it says camera unavailable. I know there is a recent recall for other fords with backup camera issues, but the c-max sells much lower…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 1, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD C-MAX. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ARRIVED BACK TO WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED AWAY. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 18, 2019 · crash

“I was driving slowly leaving a supermarket parking lot. There was no one else around. There was a sudden loud bang, the car lurched upward and to the right, coming to rest over a curb hanging down a ditch. The front end started to smoke and then caught fire. The car was a total loss. There had been…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 29, 2021 · fire

“In the course of routine maintenance, it has been brought to my attention that Stock Ford lug nuts have "Swelled" and can not be removed using normal methods, making on the road tire replacement impossible. Ford states this is a known issue with defective Ford lug nuts.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 24, 2023

2016 Ford C-Max — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford C-Max reliable?

It is close to typical for the C-Max: 40 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 C-Max problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford C-Max have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ford C-Max. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford C-Max years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C-Max years to avoid are 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among C-Max years belongs to 2018.

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.