VehicleVerdict

2017 Ford C-Max problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2017 Ford C-Max — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other C-Max years?

C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted231 complaints2013: 231 complaints2014: 104 complaints2015: 60 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 12 complaints
C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-Max years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford C-Max problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other623%
Steering415%
Tires & Wheels415%
Speed Control415%
Transmission312%
Electrical System28%
Fuel System14%
Engine14%
Visibility & Wipers14%

Does the 2017 Ford C-Max have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Government vehicle was parked and unoccupied when caught fire. Damaged another government vehicle parked next to it. Both total losses. State Fire Marshal was at the scene stated that it appeared the fire started around the engine compartment.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 21, 2021 · fire

“At night I noticed the indicator light came on for tire pressure drove to the next gas station to check it was flat tire I looked every where for the spare tire no luck.called dealer told me where to look. Then he checked something and said it came with a air pump under the passenger seat. I read…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 19, 2025

“THE CAR WAS IN ACCELERATION MODE AT EVERY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AT STOP SIGNS, ALWAYS EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS. I CONTINUALLY BRAKED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. TIRES SQUEALED WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AT STOP SIGNS. THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE INTO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 13, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD C-MAX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN FELT LOOSE AS IF IT WERE NOT ATTACHED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOKAN FORD (2 FRANKLIN PARK W #1, ST ALBANS CITY, VT), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 23, 2018

“THE CAR WAS IN ACCELERATION MODE AT EVERY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AT STOP SIGNS, ALWAYS EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS. I CONTINUALLY BRAKED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. TIRES SQUEALED WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AT STOP SIGNS. THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE INTO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2020

2017 Ford C-Max — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford C-Max reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 C-Max problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 2017 Ford C-Max have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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.