VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford C-Max problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other C-Max years?

C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted231 complaints2013: 231 complaints2014: 104 complaints2015: 60 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 12 complaints
C-Max NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-Max years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford C-Max problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System217%
Steering217%
Airbags217%
Seat Belts18%
Suspension18%
Transmission18%
Visibility & Wipers18%
Fuel System18%
Other18%

Does the 2018 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.

“I recently rear ended a car and the front of the vechical was damaged. The air bag censor was destroyed, however the airbags did not come out. This was on a 2018 Ford c-max. Many people pointed out this malfunction and how my life was put at risk.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 6, 2023 · crash

“Steering locks to the point that it can't turn. Happened while driving. Unknown cause. Warning light came on for driver to park. Issue unresolved and can no longer drive car.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 4, 2023

“STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS UNSAFE AS VEHICLE WANDERS WITHIN LANE PURPORTEDLY DUE TO ELECTRIC-ASSIST POWER STEERING. SPEEDS ABOVE 40MPH, VEHICLE REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING INPUT TO STAY WITHIN LANE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 6, 2018

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a red light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2023

“THE RIGHT-HAND OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR CONTAINS A SMALL INSET MIRROR INTENDED TO PROVIDE A DIFFERENT ANGLE OF VIEW SO AS TO GIVE THE DRIVER VISIBILITY OF VEHICLES ALONGSIDE OR IN THE "BLIND SPOT." IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MOUNTED AT AN ANGLE RELATIVE TO THE PLANE OF THE MAIN MIRROR SIMILAR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 4, 2018

2018 Ford C-Max — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford C-Max reliable?

The record is thin — 12 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 2018 C-Max problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Ford C-Max have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Ford C-Max. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Ford C-Max under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.