Model year record

2013 Ford Redundant C-Max Hybrid recalls & problems

The 2013 Ford Redundant C-Max Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 120 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (50 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints120filed by owners

Crashes · fires5 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

StructureJul 10, 2013

Structure

Recall 13V30300033,021 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 C-Max hybrid vehicles, without panoramic roofs, that were manufactured January 19, 2012, through June 25, 2013. During vehicle testing, the vehicle exceeded a head injury criteria requirement set by the standard. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbers between the headliner and the roof. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C02.

Latches/locks/linkagesMar 7, 2013

Latches/locks/linkages

Recall 13V0850005,675 vehicles

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
Risk: The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Propulsion system › Traction battery	50	0	0	16,450 mi
Engine	17	0	0	5,749 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	15	0	0	61,500 mi
SteeringRack and pinion	15	0	0	46,274 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate	13	0	2	57,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch	11	0	0	84,000 mi
Unknown or other	8	0	0	8,728 mi
Service brakes	7	3	2	30,000 mi
Air bags	6	4	1	31,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	5	0	0	39,500 mi
Exterior lighting	4	0	0	9,252 mi
Vehicle speed control	4	2	1	22,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Hybrid propulsion system
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Stop Safely Now'" was displayed on the screen. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. However, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The failure persisted. The vehicle failed to accelerate as…
Feb 16, 2026 · 107,000 miles
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started on several occasions but needed to be towed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer suggested that a waiver be signed for the battery replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced electrical failures. The instrument…
Feb 23, 2026 · 36,463 miles
Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image, potentially compromising the back over prevention system. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The rearview camera warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000.
May 15, 2025 · 230,000 miles
Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was wobbly. The contact exited the highway immediately and was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. The contact then pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted, causing the control arms to separate. The dealer determined that the rear subframe and connecting parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that a high voltage wire was chewed on by rodents. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to…
Jul 26, 2025 · 90,000 miles
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving on three occasions at approximately 30-55 MPH, several unknown warning lights were flashing. The message to shift to park(P) was flashing. The vehicle was shifted to park, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact's husband assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact determined that the battery was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for five weeks, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box had corrosion and defective fuses. Additionally, there was a failing control unit. The dealer informed the contact a Ford engineer was advising with the repairs. The…
Oct 31, 2024 · 70,000 miles
Power train
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was an abnormal hissing and crackling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
May 1, 2024 · 180,000 miles
Electrical system › Horn
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the driverâs side doors failed to latch closed. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to get another driverâs attention, he became aware that the horn was not functioning as needed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ19005 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); but the VIN was…
Oct 9, 2024 · 80,000 miles
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the hatchback ajar message was displayed. The contact attempted to raise the liftgate; however, the liftgate failed to raise up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Sep 9, 2024 · 160,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.