2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID Complaints and Recall Information
The 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID has 2 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to steering instability and structural component degradation occurring at approximately 90,000 miles. Both complaints involved the rear subframe rusting and causing control arms to separate, which affected vehicle control at low speeds.
Common Issues- Rear subframe rust. The rear subframe corrodes, causing the control arms to separate, leading to instability in the steering wheel at speeds around 15-20 MPH.
- Control arm separation. Corrosion-related failure causes disconnection of control arms, compromising vehicle handling and safety.
- Rodent damage. High voltage wires were chewed by rodents, posing potential electrical risks; this issue was noted during vehicle inspection but repairs were not completed.
There are 4 recalls affecting various systems including door locks, occupant protection, and vehicle security on the 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. These recalls address defects in child safety locks, interior impact protection, and the audible alert system related to vehicle operation and theft prevention.
Recalls- Left rear door child lock. (NHTSA Recall 13V085000) Affects 5,675 vehicles due to incorrect assembly causing the child lock to not engage properly. This may allow the door to open from the inside, increasing risk of injury to an unrestrained child. Ford will inspect and replace affected latches free of charge.
- Interior impact structure. (NHTSA Recall 13V303000) Affects 33,021 vehicles manufactured without panoramic roofs. During testing, these vehicles exceeded head injury criteria, failing to meet occupant protection standards. Dealers will install energy absorbers between the headliner and roof.
- Audible door chime system. (NHTSA Recall 13V475000) Affects 23,000 vehicles with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start system. No audible chime sounds when the vehicle is operational and the driver’s door opens, which increases theft risk. Dealers will update the software to restore the chime.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs related to the rusted subframe or those affected by multiple safety recalls may have rights available under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with a consumer protection attorney can help determine appropriate next steps.
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID Summary
2013
Model Year
2
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
61696
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID
23000 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID
33021 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE
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.
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID
5675 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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.
Complaints
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID
ID: 2115775ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID
ID: 2115774STRUCTURE
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 the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.