2014 Ford C-Max

80 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Jul 28, 2026Failure Oct 4, 2025Chula Vista, CAElectrical system

   Major electrical issues, including rear view camera not working, vehicle starting when no key fob is in or near the vehicle, tail lights burning out even after replacement, one taillight blinking faster than the other, screen for infotainment not turning on, all of a sudden vehicle not starting with complete battery drainage even after vehicle was just charged. And too many other issues to name, my year vehicle has many of the same issues that have been reported for both a 2015 and a 2016 Ford Cmax energi yet my year does not have the same recall notices despite the same issues. My vehicle has very low miles I believe less than 100,000

   NHTSA complaint 11753199
2. Filed May 12, 2026Failure May 1, 2023Oakland, CAElectrical system

   For the last couple of years I've had a problem with the backup camera it goes out randomly sometimes the picture turns upside down sometimes it's just a black screen sometimes there is a thing that says see the dealer. It's intermittent it's unexpected and other Ford years have been recalled for the same problem but for whatever reason they're not including my 2014 in the recall. I just had someone come pick up my car for another service and I had to warn them that it doesn't work so it doesn't surprise that. If you pretend it doesn't exist then you can use your observations as we were taught but if you are expecting a backup camera to keep you safe it is unreliable glitchy and unsafe

   NHTSA complaint 11737348
3. Filed Apr 7, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Phoenix, AZUnknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   My 2014 Ford Cmax Energi is unable to exceed 80 MPH. This is due to Ford MyKey systems not allowing other keys to be made for the vehicle without restrictions being applied. Because I had to get a new key made, my car now is unable to go over 80MPH. In Arizona, the flow of traffic is quick and intense. I am unable to reliably drive on the freeway because of how my car is restricted. Ford refuses to do anything about it.

   NHTSA complaint 11729773
4. Filed Dec 4, 2025Failure Dec 4, 2025Mobile, ALUnknown or other

   While car shopping, I found a Ford hybrid listed with ~40,760 miles. Its public history shows a severe, unexplained odometer discrepancy. In September 2022, mileage was ~38,353. By May 2023, it spiked to 392,484. The current title shows 40,760 miles marked with a † (dagger), indicating "mileage discrepancy" or "not actual mileage." The seller is marketing it as a low-mileage vehicle. This misrepresentation poses a serious safety risk. A car with potentially 400,000+ miles of wear is being sold as having only ~40,000. Critical safety components like brakes, suspension, tires, and the hybrid battery system degrade with use. Concealing this extreme wear risks mechanical failure, endangering the buyer and others on the road. The problem is documented in the vehicle history report. I did not purchase the car. This appears to be odometer fraud and title washing, turning a high-mileage vehicle into a deceptively "low-mileage" sale, creating a significant safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint 11702942
5. Filed Jul 11, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2025El Cajon, CAUnknown or other

   Backup camera nonfunctional. Will occasionally work or be upside down.

   NHTSA complaint 11672747
6. Filed Oct 3, 2024Failure Sep 11, 2024131,500 milesSan Fernando, CAAir handling/filtration1 injured

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH with all four windows closed, there was a strong abnormal odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then opened all the windows allowing the odor to release, and the abnormal odor was not as potent. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that the original Volvo battery could be emitting a toxic substance that was entering the vehicle; the battery was original equipment. The contact sustained dizziness and difficulty breathing. Medical attention was not sought. This occurred on several different occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to the place of residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,500.

   NHTSA complaint 11617872
7. Filed Jul 15, 2024Failure Jun 26, 2024Mcdonough, GAElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   Recall Number18S24 My car had 3 recalls so I contacted the Legacy Ford dealer in McDonough on [XXX] and made an appointment on [XXX]. When we brought the car, dealer didn't fix the recall above saying they didn't have parts even though we made an appointment over 2 months before. They told us they will let us know when they gets the parts, but it's been over 2 weeks and they don't contact us or respond any of our email. And since we brought our car to dealer, the car stop charging from charging cord. They said they didn't do anything about that and if we want diagnostic, they will charge for $150. I just wanted to fix all of the recall so I bought the car but feel like I just brought it to break my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11602481
8. Filed Jun 26, 2024Failure Jun 26, 2024106,000 milesBurtonsville, MDPower train

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tune-up and to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the axle was loosened, and the bushing was damaged, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHSTA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11596882
9. Filed May 6, 2024Failure Nov 3, 2023Auburn, WAPower train

   When I first drive it with battery-only mode (about 15 miles), it is quiet. When the engine kicks in, there is a loud whining noise when driving it on the streets or on highways and even on idle. I took it to Ford dealership they said it is the transmission and they can not repair just some parts of it, so it needs a brand new transmission to the tune of $8000. At only 110k miles, I could not drive it past 15 miles of battery range.

   NHTSA complaint 11587106
10. Filed Apr 5, 2024Failure Apr 3, 2024Bellingham, WAPower train

    Transmission failed at 80,000 miles, replaced at ford dealership, failed again at 105,000 miles, just 2 years after replacement.

    NHTSA complaint 11581402
11. Filed Feb 9, 2024Failure Feb 8, 2024San Diego, CASteering

    System: Electric Power Steering assist module failed on engine start up. Safety: Without power steering it is extremely difficult to steer the car manually which could cause an accident and/or bodily injury. This is a well known problem with the Ford cMax which has created a recall for earlier model years of the cMax (but my 2014 model is not covered under previous recalls). Inspection: Vehicle is at the Ford dealership and has been diagnosed with a failed Power Steering module and is currently under parts replacement. Warnings: On 8 Feb 2014 during engine start, I warning window was displayed that said "Service Power Steering". Same warning window appeared the following morning when car was started. I drove it carefully to the dealership for repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11571042
12. Filed Jan 11, 2024Failure Dec 25, 2023307,868 milesCalumet City, ILLatches/locks/linkages, Power train, Steering

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The sound occurred while driving over a bump in the roadway and while accelerating. The tire pressure sensor failure warning light had been illuminated. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering) and believed that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The manufacturer also confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V331000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) and 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 307,868.

    NHTSA complaint 11564892
13. Filed Dec 30, 2023Failure Sep 12, 2023Las Vegas, NVAir bags, Unknown or otherCrash1 injured

    The airbags did not deploy upon collision

    NHTSA complaint 11562694
14. Filed Dec 4, 2023Failure Nov 18, 201990,000 milesYuma, AZLatch

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera displayed images upside down. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door latch was inoperable and failed to lock as needed. The contact also stated that the hatchback latch failed to close without excessive force. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured cable inside the hatchback. The contact was informed that the cable needed to be replaced. The contact previously experienced electrical failure with the electrical system and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the electrical failure was covered under warranty. The contact stated that the failure with the passenger-side rear door and the back-over prevention camera had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11558398
15. Filed Aug 6, 2023Failure Jul 19, 2023Forest Grove, ORAir bagsCrash1 injured

    While driving my 2014 Ford CMAX Hybrid, I struck a deer at approximately 55 mph. There is moderate damage to my front end, but during the crash, my airbags did not deploy.

    NHTSA complaint 11536821
16. Filed Apr 11, 2023Failure Apr 11, 2023South Gate, CAEngine, Latches/locks/linkages, Power train

    2014 FORD C-MAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SEVERAL DEFECTS ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL DEFECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1.-)UPDATING THE PCM SOFTWARE AND THE REPLACE THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. 2.-)TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHEN CHANGING GEARS. 3.-) INFORMATION FAILURES FROM THE COMPUTER ABOUT THE ENGINE OIL CHANGE INDICATING THE OIL CHANGE WASN'T MADE. 4.- )REAR DOOR LOCK FAILURES.

    NHTSA complaint 11516459
17. Filed Jan 24, 2023Failure Jan 19, 2023Bailey, COSteering

    Electric power steering assist failed. Started intermittent and cleared on restart of the vehicle. Now complete failure within 2 days of first alert. Spouse was going to drive the vehicle after the vehicle was parked overnight and when she started the vehicle the power steering was inactive and the warnings were displayed and audible. Warning and alarm to "Service Power Steering" is still active and cannot be cleared. We are currently traveling and will not be home for months and must drive the vehicle without power steering assist. My spouse cannot drive the vehicle with this malfunction. We have researched for solutions and have found that this is a common failure for 2014 Ford Cmax Hybrid and there is not a fix other than complete replacement of the Power Steering Motor and Rack Assembly. The safety and health of myself, passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and even animals is the risk especially if this component(s) fails during active driving and it has according to social media posts and blogs. We have tried to have the vehicle diagnosed by dealerships, but they cannot get the vehicle in for service in any time frame that does not come with significant inconveniences and financial loss. Dealers will not order a part without first diagnosing the problem and cannot schedule an appointment any time soon. I contacted Ford Support directly and they confirmed that steering components have been recalled on 2014 Ford Cmax based on production dates, however, our Cmax was built outside of those parameters. We have logged case number: CAS40982963 with Ford.

    NHTSA complaint 11503463
18. Filed Dec 16, 2022Failure Dec 16, 202278,000 milesColumbia, MDElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the rear liftgate was opening independently. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, he noticed that the failure was related to the original key fob of the vehicle. The contact stated that the key fob button that engaged the liftgate was two times press button; however, the key fob would engage the liftgate unintendedly when the key fob button was in contact with any object or surface. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the failure could occur while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11497730
19. Filed Dec 12, 2022Failure Nov 19, 2022Commmack, NYSteering

    Complete failure of the steering without any warning, Was not able to steer the car. The dealership diagnosed the cause is a failure of the steering Rack Pinion which needed to be replaced. I understand that the 2014 Ford C-Max has a recall on the Steering Rack Pinion, but for some reason my car was not included in this recall. It is obviously it should been included.

    NHTSA complaint 11497005
20. Filed Oct 29, 2022Failure Oct 29, 2022Hudson, INSeat belts

    Folded down rear seat. Found both seatbelt (receiver) anchor bolts had not been attached to the nuts on the floor pan.

    NHTSA complaint 11491418