FORD C-MAX · model year

2014 FORD C-MAX

101 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014FORDC-MAX carries 101 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 C-MAX is unknown or other with 18 filings, followed by power train (17) and electrical system (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2014 C-MAX, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

101
Complaints
8
Crashes
4
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

101 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
POWER TRAIN17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
STEERING14
ENGINE5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES5
AIR BAGS4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
WHEELS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1

Recalls (8)

14V59700026/09/2014

AIR BAGS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ

14V51400022/08/2014

STEERING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

18V59200010/09/2018

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-

22V41300010/06/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

20V33100008/06/2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643

14V23700007/05/2014

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

16V64300006/09/2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the

14V16400002/04/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from Ju

Recent Complaints

20251204UNKNOWN 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.

20250711UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20241003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:AIR HANDLING/FILTRATION

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.

Mileage: 131,500

20240715ELECTRICAL 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)

20240715ENGINE

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)

20240715FUEL/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)

20240626POWER 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.

Mileage: 106,000

20240506POWER 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.

20240405POWER TRAIN

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

20240209STEERING

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.

20240111STEERING

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.

Mileage: 307,868

20240111POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 307,868

20240111LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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.

Mileage: 307,868

20231230CrashAIR BAGS

The airbags did not deploy upon collision

20231230CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

The airbags did not deploy upon collision

20231204LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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 mile

Mileage: 90,000

20230806CrashAIR BAGS

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.

20230411ENGINE

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.

20230411POWER 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.

20230411LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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.

Compare 2014FORDC-MAX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 FORD C-MAX have?
The 2014 FORD C-MAX has 101 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 FORD C-MAX?
Yes, the 2014 FORD C-MAX has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 FORD C-MAX?
The most-complained component for the 2014 FORD C-MAX is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 18 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2014 FORD C-MAX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.