2017 Ford C-Max

15 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Jan 22, 2026Failure Jan 16, 2026San Francisco, CAUnknown or otherFire

   On 1/16/2026, while operating my 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid in the Bay Area, the vehicle displayed a low tire pressure warning. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid mechanical or electrical failure that required me to safely pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, I observed smoke followed by open flames originating from the vehicle. Emergency services were contacted immediately, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle sustained catastrophic damage and was declared a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility following the incident. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle had not undergone any recent mechanical repairs or modifications beyond routine maintenance, including an oil change approximately two weeks prior to the incident and a state smog inspection approximately one week prior. The vehicle had been operating normally prior to the warning and failure. All physical documentation stored within the vehicle, including the title, registration, and passport, was destroyed in the fire. Photographic and video documentation of the incident and damage, along with contemporaneous incident records, are available upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11712723
2. Filed Aug 13, 2025Failure Jul 20, 202543,896 milesSwanton, VTSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The contact stated that the steering wheel had loosened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached steering wheel bolt. The contact was informed that the steering wheel bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,896.

   NHTSA complaint 11680455
3. Filed Jul 26, 2024Failure Jul 26, 202270,000 milesHolly Springs, NCPower train

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while while driving at various speeds, and while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11604691
4. Filed Jun 5, 2024Failure Jun 3, 2024Clearwater, FLUnknown or other, Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

   Swollen lugnuts

   NHTSA complaint 11592716
5. Filed Apr 25, 2024Failure Apr 25, 2024Glen Allen, VAEngine, Vehicle speed control

   Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.

   NHTSA complaint 11585231
6. Filed Jan 27, 2024Failure Dec 1, 2021Meriden, CTElectrical system, Visibility/wiper

   Rear back-up camera does not display on dashboard console screen when air temperature is cold, i.e. below about 45º, and will only turn back on when the car has sufficiently warmed up after driving some distance. This has been happening for at least two years. When the camera is not working, there is a blind spot directly behind the car. The rear of the car proximity warning signal still works, but the screen remains black. I brought this problem to the attention of the dealership service manager, who told me he could not find anything obviously wrong.

   NHTSA complaint 11568220
7. Filed Jan 24, 2024Failure Jan 21, 202450,500 milesNeedham, MASteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle in cold temperatures, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that the steering wheel operated as needed after the vehicle had warmed up. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that he used his physical strength to steer the steering wheel, and he drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.

   NHTSA complaint 11567542
8. Filed Oct 21, 2022Failure Oct 11, 202255,000 milesMocksville, NCFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH, the vehicle started to stall and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that gasoline was leaking onto the wires and spark plugs. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11490331
9. Filed Aug 14, 2022Failure Aug 12, 2022Columbus, OHLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

   Ford Dealer Service recommends I replace lug nuts. I have 35th miles. That they are expanding and Ford cannot assure they or other repair shops will be able to remove lug nuts for repairs or replacements such as brakes, tires, etc. I read many complaints online about this problem, that the lug nut can break causing other lug nuts to break under pressure, that cause tire to fall off. They do not replace under warranty and do not discount parts. I call upon NHTSA to have Ford recall these affected cars for replacement lug nuts. Thank you

   NHTSA complaint 11479223
10. Filed Jul 7, 2022Failure Jun 10, 2022Aurora, ILPower train

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure was experienced intermittently. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11472806
11. Filed Jun 10, 2021Failure May 21, 2021Kansas City, MOUnknown or otherFire

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11420399
12. Filed Mar 19, 2020Failure Mar 13, 202033,000 milesELK Grove Village, ILPower train, Vehicle speed control

    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 THE GARAGE; THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE KITCHEN. WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK, ENGINE STILL REVVED.

    NHTSA complaint 11318715
13. Filed Mar 19, 2020Failure Mar 13, 20201 milesELK Grove Village, ILVehicle speed control

    UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO ABOVE HIGHWAY SPEED, AND REQUIRED CONTINUAL BREAKING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. WHEN HOME AND IN PARK, ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV TO MAX. SHUT CAR DOWN, AND WHEN RESTARTED IT RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. NO OBSTRUCTION OF GAS PEDAL.

    NHTSA complaint 11318708
14. Filed Sep 25, 2018Failure Sep 23, 201813,100 milesSwanton, VTSteering

    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 NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,100.

    NHTSA complaint 11131163
15. Filed Nov 10, 2017Failure Nov 5, 201710,500 milesValrico, FLUnknown or otherCrash

    THE PARK ASSIST FAILED WHEN THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE IN A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE. THE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM APPEARED TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY UNTIL DURING THE VEHICLE'S IT'S INITIAL BACKUP MANEUVER WHEN IT BACKED MY VEHICLE INTO A PARKED PICKUP TRUCK IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO PAINT DAMAGE ON MY VEHICLE'S BUMPER WITH DO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN BRANDON FLORIDA HAS TESTED THE SYSTEM AND REPORTED THAT THE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY,THUS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON 11/09/2017 (CAS-13504308) AND AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEM.

    NHTSA complaint 11051973