Ford C-MAX Ford C-MAX

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Ford C-MAX repairs by problem area

Engine (15%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (46%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (7%)

Chart based on 307 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Ford C-MAX.

Ford C-MAX engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (5%)

$100 - $499 (14%)

< $100 (81%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 37 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2014 Ford C-MAX 4dr Hatch

141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Plug-in Hybrid CVT FWD

88000 mi Hybrid battery range dropped from 20+ miles/full charge during spring, to 16 miles/full charge in the summer, now down to 12/miles in Nov @ 40 degrees F. Previous winters showed a slight ranged decrease down to 18-ish. Yellow wrench investigated to show many MIL codes. Tech connected a loose harness cable which fixed all the MIL codes. Tech did extensive testing with Ford engineering to end up saying this was a normal battery aging 
2000 mi Main cooling fan bearings were going out. Main cooling fan replaced. 
5500 mi Cooling fan noise has returned. Problem not yet resolved. 
8000 mi Squeeky cooling fan as it spins down from low operating speed. 
23000 mi The plug-in charging system had several modules which failed and needed to be replaced. It was covered under warranty. 

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2014 Ford C-MAX 4dr Hatch

141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD

6000 mi We spun the drive wheels going up hill on a gravel road. After we pushed it out, I noticed the yellow engine light was on.rnFord said it was not a problem unless the yellow light blinked.rnFord fixed a recall on the car at the same time. 
18700 mi CEL blinking and running rough when gas engine on. Dealer said "defective coil" relating to 1st cylinder. Replaced under warranty. 

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2013 Ford C-MAX 4dr Hatch

141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Plug-in Hybrid CVT FWD

123000 mi Replaced engine spark plugs as part of a tune-up 
19000 mi Fuel injectors became faulty, and car sputtered. This was a warranty repair. 
116000 mi

US $250
Replaced 1 fuel injector 
117000 mi

US $711
Had two leaks in the cooling system, one in the hose assembly and one in the thermostat assembly 
45000 mi

US $100
Car would not shut down. Had to be jump started & reset at selling dealer, CarMax. 
95000 mi

US $75
Thermostat failed on Christmas Day on way to grandma's house. 
95500 mi Loud whining sound coming from engine compartment. CEL determined it was coming from hybrid system as well. Turned out to be both the hybrid and transmission systems both needed replacing. 
27000 mi MG2 bearing failed. Entire transmission replaced. Took 5 weeks to find replacement transmission. Fuel pump failed. Took three weeks to find replacement part, eventually had to be sourced from Australia. 
24000 mi CEL due to Power Control module Fault 
39000 mi Hard start with a noticeable knock causing a flashing check engine light. Computer threw P0302 (Misfire on cylinder 2). Dealer determined to be a faulty fuel injector. Injector was replaced under warranty. Looks to be about $30 for the injector and about half an hour of labor with basic tools for a DIYer that is out of warranty. 
46000 mi Computer system can no longer tell how long it will be for a complete charge of the plug-in battery pack nor can it schedule timing or preset climate conditioning. Dealer verified the issue and said that they have no solution for it. I ended up buying a digital timer on Amazon that can handle setting my charging times for off-peak electricity as well as the amperage required. I do miss the preset climate conditioning for these cold mornings. 
70173 mi

US $550
Cylinder 2 misfire, determined to be a faulty fuel injector. Motorcraft refused to warranty the part despite it being covered under a 2Y/24K warranty because the power train warranty had originally paid for the initial replacement. Dealer quoted $940 to replace a single injector so I brought it to an independent shop who replaced all four injectors and spark plugs for $550 with tax. Mechanic said that the plugs were in very rough shape despite the plugs being iridium with around 70K miles on them in a very light duty application (60% of miles were on all electric power). 
81000 mi Failing catalytic converter. Multiple engine codes were being thrown in an intermittent fashion. Dealer and independent mechanic tested O2 sensors and found them to be functioning properly and determined that it was likely the catalytic converter was on its way out. Dealer quoted 14 hours of labor to replace the catalytic converter as it requires dropping of the front knuckles, front subframe, transmission, and hoisting of the engine to get to it. Sold vehicle and bought a Toyota. If you see this Ford out there, avoid like the plague (1FADP5CU7DL550461). 
18000 mi Block heater was leaking 
134000 mi Pulled codes: U3012, P0137, P013A. The U code is probably a separate issue. Most likely solution is replacement of O2 sensors. The car is 9 y.o., so I will replace the O2S and look for possible loose wires, etc. A complication is that there are two possible parts for upper O2S. For early 2013 models (to 7/8/13) BA5Z9F472B, from 7/8/13 DS7Z9F472A. The lower sensor is part CJ5Z9G444B. Further research/inspection needed to determine which upper sensor to order. 
134573 mi

US $50
This repair was initiated due to codes P0137 and P013A, both implicating oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 2. Completed replacement of downstream "lower" O2 sensor HO2S12. Most of the work hours consisted of assembling tools, hoisting vehicle on jackstands (tricky using the same jacking points for jackstand placement), and strategizing access to the component. A heat shield is somewhat in the way. Sprayed PB Blaster penetrant shortly before removal. Old sensor found with carbon buildup. New sensor had preapplied antiseize. Beneath and below the O2S to the right (passenger side), the connectors for both O2S can be seen, and these plugs are accessible. Secured plug for this downstream O2S (the white plug) to the metal bracket with a tie wrap. The "lower" sensor is Ford part CJ5Z9G444B, also known as Motorcraft DY1203. Retail price for genuine Motorcraft part is $69.27, and it can be found for $45 at Ford dealer online sales sites and $36-$39 at RockAuto. Following repair, reset codes, and the codes have not returned in 3 days since. Planning to replace the upper O2S soon. This car is 1FADP5CU7DL550461, which I just discovered previous owner had reported on this forum: "avoid like the plague." I don't believe the catalytic converter is failing as dealer had advised previous owner; it was probably the O2S failing. 

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2013 Ford C-MAX 4dr Hatch

141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD

39000 mi Engine mounts failing leading to loud rattling sound when engine is running and vibration in the steering wheel. 
39700 mi Engine mounts were replaced under warranty. 
2000 mi Reprogram ECU for better fuel economy. 
86000 mi

US $105
Hybrid cooling engine pump malfunctioned and had to be replaced. 
87000 mi

US $100
Engine cooling system failed again. Determined replacement cooling pump must have came loose and leaked coolant. Dealer claimed their error from previous install of new pump, but later problem revealed it wasn't their mistake. Radiator cracked and was leaking coolant - turned out to be actual cause of previous problems. Dealer replaced entire radiator & covered my extended warranty deductible cost. Said they would "take care of it with Ford" on my behalf. 
Check fuel filler inlet light came on. Replaced parts. 
2500 mi Check Fuel Filler Inlet Light returned 
5000 mi Fuel filler inlets parts replaced again. 
9000 mi Relashed PCMs for improved fuel economy. 
8900 mi Periodically when I try to start the C-max I get the “yellow wrench of death” icon in the left instrument panel, associated with the car not starting. If I cycle through turning the car off and on about 3 or 4 times eventually the car will start. 
91000 mi

US $300
Faulty fuel injector 
6400 mi Update to engine control computer for better fuel economy - allows electric only drive at speeds between 60 and 85 mph. 
28700 mi Recall for battery. 
5000 mi Fuel Consumption Recall 
29000 mi Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reprogrammed in accordance with TSB 15E03. 
4000 mi Check engine light came on...was something to do with fuel filler. Had to replace item (under warranty) 
10000 mi My check engine light has come on five times since I bought the car...most related to an evap code. Presently waiting for part to come in to have it repaired again. Can't remember dates and mileages, but took many trips for diag/repairs. 
28520 mi Engine oil leak at a gasket 
75000 mi Bracket that holds muffler mount broke. Parts clerk provided idea for self repair by drilling out mount and using a replacement bolt. 

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2013 Ford C-MAX 4-door

4-cylinder CVT 2WD

10000 mi recall for computer systems, mainly 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

Ford C-MAX Engine Problems

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