Model year

2015 Ford C-Max Energi

Hatchback, plug-in hybrid, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 18, 2016 to Jul 17, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints15Close to the median 2015 hatchback
Severity index13.32015 hatchbacks average 10.9
First 24 months4Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2015 Ford C-Max Energi peaked in 2016, with 5 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0246201652017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2015 Ford C-Max Energi name back-over prevention

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Back-over prevention
5
Electrical system
4
Steering
3
Airbags
1
Engine and cooling
1
Latches and locks
1
Powertrain
1
Brakes
1
Structure
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2015 Ford C-Max Energi

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2015 Ford C-Max Energi

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

15 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure Jul 17, 202649,000 milesKnoxville, MDBack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was inoperative, and the image was intermittently upside down. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that another unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts were only available for the 2022 Mustang vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11751168
  2. Filed Apr 23, 2026Failure Apr 23, 2026115,000 milesBurbank, CABack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the image appeared upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11733422
  3. Filed Jan 29, 2026Failure Oct 25, 2025Ontario, 00Back over prevention

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11714148
  4. Filed Jan 28, 2026Failure Oct 13, 2025Troy, MIBack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact called the local dealer and the manufacturer for an ETA on parts availability and was informed that a date was not available. The contact was informed that another letter would be sent from the manufacturer whenever the part was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11713998
  5. Filed Jan 16, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2025Upland, CABack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX Energi. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a black screen. The contact stated that occasionally the rear-view camera displayed images of previous displays. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact was an elderly person who needed the use of the rear-view camera display and needed the vehicle to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11711546
  6. Filed Jul 18, 2022Failure Dec 17, 202190,000 milesWaverly, IAPower train

    The contact owned a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated upon parking and turning off the vehicle by a river, the vehicle later rolled away into the river. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact was able to extract the vehicle out of the river with the assistance of professionals. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11474531
  7. Filed Jun 17, 2022Failure Jun 17, 202220,000 milesSan Diego, CAElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated that the manufacturer label indicated that the vehicle was drivable for 22 miles when fully charged; however, the vehicle was only drivable for approximately 14 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, the vehicle was only drivable for 8 miles. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was related to the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11469819
  8. Filed Dec 9, 2019Failure Dec 9, 201920,000 milesSunrise, FLElectrical system, Service brakes

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE ABS SERVICE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V436000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAWGRASS FORD (LOCATED AT 14501 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323, (954) 851-9000), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11288025
  9. Filed Nov 13, 2018Failure Nov 12, 201857,500 milesGroveland, MASteering

    THIS CAR HAS 57,500 MILES AND IS INSIDE THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD. THE POWER ASSIST STEERING FELT STICKY, NOT SMOOTH LIKE NORMAL, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN ALMOST THERE AN ERROR LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THERE WAS A POWER STEERING ISSUE. IT CLEARED AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THEN SOON AFTER A POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE CAME ON, BUT THE PERFORMANCE WAS STILL STICKY BUT FUNCTIONAL. I PULLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP LOT AND POWERED DOWN, THEN BACK UP TO DRIVE INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THE POWER STEERING WAS NON-OPERATIONAL AT THAT POINT. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATES THE STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY ALSO STATE IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON OTHER FORD MODELS, BUT NOT THE C-MAX SO FAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND HAS OCCURRED FAR TOO EARLY IN THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE FOR WEAR AND TEAR. THE FIRST SERVICE INTERVAL FOR THE STEERING IS 60,000 MILES AND THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN THERE YET.

    NHTSA complaint 11151212
  10. Filed Apr 26, 2017Failure Apr 26, 201718,899 milesLenoir, NCElectrical system

    FOR THE 5TH TIME MY VEHICLE HAS DIED DUE TO A VOLTAGE DRAW ON THE 12V BATTERY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER 5 TIMES THE MOST RECENT FOR 3 WEEKS AND IT STILL FAILS DUE TO A POWER ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE DUE TO FREQUENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES STARTED ON 2/2/2017, AND CONTINUED THROUGH 3/12/2017, 3/22/2017, 4/3/2017 AND 4/26/2017

    NHTSA complaint 10980962
  11. Filed Oct 12, 2016Failure Mar 10, 2015Monrovia, CALatch

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN SECURELY LOCKED AND OPENED TWICE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TWO MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PROVIDED NO REPAIR SOLUTION. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE NOTICE INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10915510
  12. Filed Jun 1, 2016Failure May 28, 20164,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAVisibility

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD C-MAX ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DURING NINETY DEGREE TEMPERATURE WEATHER WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE MOON ROOF CRACKED EXTENSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AT THE DEALER'S REQUEST, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER'S LOCATION FOR EXAMINATION. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRACKS APPEARED TO BE AN IMPACT DAMAGED, STATING THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAVE HIT THE ROOF AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10871820
  13. Filed May 19, 2016Failure May 17, 20168,200 milesBeaverton, ORAir bags, Engine, BodyCrash

    ABOUT A MONTH AGO IN APRIL 2016, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SURGED AHEAD AND STRUCK MY GARAGE DOOR, DAMAGING IT. IN THIS INSTANCE I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR. ON MAY17, 2016 AFTER PICKING UP MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SCHOOL, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WITH NO DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I HIT AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY CAR AND 2 OTHER CARS, THEN WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS CAN HAPPEN YET AGAIN AND CAUSE EVEN MORE SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY INJURY.

    NHTSA complaint 10865727
  14. Filed Feb 18, 2016Failure Dec 10, 2015Hayward, CASteering

    FOUND CORROSION ON BOTH SIDE STEERING AXLES AND STEERING KNUCKLE AT 17K, TOOK IT TO SUNNYVALE FORD IN CA, THEY GAVE ME THE ANSWER WAS IT'S NORMAL CONDITIONS IT'S BARE METALS , FORD WAS LAYING TO THE CONSUMER, ALSO COOLANT SPILL OUT FROM HIGH VOLTAGE RESERVOIR, DEALERSHIP SAID THOSE ARE NORMAL CONDITIONS NO NEED TO TAKE CARE ABOUT IT ,STEERING WHEEL WAS COCK TO EITHER SIDE FORD DEALERSHIP DOES NOT ABLE TO FIXED STEERING WHEEL ON CENTER, CORROSION FOUND ON EVERY FORD VEHICLE AND IT'S NORMAL, I THINK GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP IN AND GET A RECALL FOR THOSE ISSUED.

    NHTSA complaint 10836867
  15. Filed Feb 18, 2016Failure Jan 29, 20166,000 milesRancho Mirage, CAElectrical system, Steering, Unknown or otherCrash

    1. REAR WINDOWS OPEN 6 TO 8 INCHES UPON RETURNING TO CAR FROM STORE- HAPPENED 4 TIMES. (SITTING IN PARKING LOTS) 2. CAR ON OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE. GARAGE HAS THE GAS FURNACE AND HEATER 3. DOES NOT STEER WHEN YOU WANT IT TO./ JUST TAKES OFF ON ITS OWN/ CAUSED WRECK. SLOW LEFT TURN. WENT ALL BY ITSELF INTO THE SIDEWALK. 4. DOES NOT TURN OFF OR ON WHEN TOLD TO DO SO/ MOVES AFTER PARKED, EVEN IF FULLY BELTED IN 5. THE SYNC DOES NOT WORK AND NAVIGATION GOT ME LOST TWICE IN LA 6. HUMMING NOISES AND VIBRATION BELOW MY FEET AT SPEED (65 TO 70)

    NHTSA complaint 10836817
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on file

  • DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
    Pedestrian alert sounds
    Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
  • RQ19005 Recall query, Latches and locks
    Door Latch Failures
    Opened Dec 19, 2019, closed Feb 7, 2022 · led to a recall
  • PE16001 Preliminary evaluation, Latches and locks
    Door Latch Failure
    Opened Jan 16, 2016, closed Oct 29, 2016 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

17 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 21B09 S2 Apr 12, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms & Urgency / Expiration Date: Program extension until July 31, 2023. Service Action: o IDS level 128 or higher is…
  • 21B09-S1 Jul 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines - 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit. The North America 3G cellular service began decommissioning in August 2021 and a complete shutdown of the 3G network took place in February 2022. Vehicles o…
  • Service Mar 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Online automotive service information system for March 2016
  • 21B09 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit The North America 3G cellular service began decommissioning in August 2021 and will be fully decommissioned in February 2022. Vehicles on the road equipped with…
  • 16B10 Apr 5, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market
  • TSB 20-2171 May 18, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat p…
  • SSM 48619 Mar 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original …
  • SSM 48301 Nov 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 20132017 C-MAX Energi, 20172018 C-MAX Hybrid, 20132020 Fusion Energi and 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with any of the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): P0496, P1450, P04ED,…
  • SSM 48130 Aug 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the gl…
  • TSB 18-2373 Dec 12, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2019 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected to the second Generation 120-volt electric vehicle service…
  • tsb18-2216 Jul 20, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2018 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected to the second Generation 120-volt electric vehicle service…
  • SSM 47347 Jun 11, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2013-2017 C-Max PHEV may exhibit diagnostic code P2183 and may have the coolant hoses that attach to the lower bulkhead connections incorrectly installed. The two hoses share the same female connectors and mate to matching male tube ends. There are two…
  • SSM 46534 Apr 14, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2013-2017 Fusion Hybrid Energi built on or before 24-Mar-2017, 2012-2016 Focus Electric and 2013-2016 C-MAX Energi and equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via MyFord Mobile app, discharged battery, incomplete user authorization …
  • SSM 46371 Feb 9, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME 2012-2017 FOCUS ELECTRIC/2013-2017 CMAX ENERGI/FUSION ENERGI/2015-2017 MKC/MKZ/2016-2017 MKX AND 2017 CONTINENTAL VEHICLES OPERATING WITH A 3G TCU ON OR BEFORE 16-JAN-2017 MAY NOT RESPOND TO CUSTOMERS REMOTE COMMANDS VIA MYLINCOLN/MYFORD MOBILE PHONE A…
  • ASI-45098 May 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: THE BATTERY ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BECM) NEEDS REPROGRAMMING TO LATEST CALIBRATION TO RESET DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0B13 AFTER CONNECTING TO ELECTRIC CHARGING STATION. MODEL 2013-15 C-MAX PHEV, FUSION PHEV. *PE
  • 44863 Jul 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA
  • 44851 Jan 9, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: CERTAIN 2015 C-MAX VEHICLES PRODUCED ON OR BEFORE OCT. 20, 2014 MAY EXPERIENCE 12-VOLT BATTERY DRAIN. *TA
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.