2013 Ford C-Max

The high-voltage hybrid battery pack degrades over time, causing reduced fuel economy, loss of electric-only driving range, and eventually a 'Stop Safely Now' warning that disables the vehicle. Some owners report the battery failing as early as 80,000-100,000 miles. The C-Max Energi plug-in version experiences more rapid degradation in hot climates.

Ford warranted the hybrid battery for 8 years/100,000 miles (10 years/150,000 miles in CARB states). If within warranty, the dealer will replace the battery pack free of charge. Out of warranty, consider a remanufactured battery pack from a specialist. Individual cell replacement may be possible at lower cost.

The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) develops a shudder or vibration during acceleration, particularly when transitioning between electric and gasoline power. Some owners report a harsh clunk when the gasoline engine engages, and the transmission may hesitate before accelerating from a stop.

Have the dealer reprogram the hybrid control module and transmission control module with the latest calibration. Ford issued TSBs addressing the engagement harshness. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If internal damage is present, the eCVT may need rebuild or replacement.

The regenerative braking system on the C-Max causes inconsistent brake pedal feel, with the pedal sometimes feeling spongy and other times grabbing harshly. Front brake rotors warp prematurely, causing a pulsating pedal during conventional braking. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is not seamless.

Replace warped front rotors and brake pads. Have the dealer recalibrate the regenerative braking system blend with the friction brakes. Inspect the brake hydraulic system for air intrusion, which is common in hybrid vehicles with complex brake systems. Use OEM-spec rotors for best results.

The 2013-2016 C-Max is included in Ford's massive door latch recall. The door latch pawl spring tab can fracture, preventing the door from staying closed. This is particularly dangerous on the C-Max because the hatchback design means a rear liftgate latch failure can also occur.

Ford issued recalls 15S27 and 16S36 to replace all affected door latches with an improved design. Contact your dealer to verify your VIN. The repair is free of charge.

The 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine's internal heat exchanger can leak coolant into the transmission fluid. This cross-contamination turns the transmission fluid pink or milky and damages internal clutch packs and seals. If not caught early, both the engine cooling system and transmission suffer catastrophic damage.

If coolant contamination is detected early, flush the transmission thoroughly and replace the internal cooler. If the transmission has already been damaged, a full rebuild or replacement is necessary. Monitor transmission fluid color during regular maintenance. Replace the engine coolant-to-transmission heat exchanger.

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.

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.

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.

An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.