Research

2014 Ford C-MaxRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2014 Ford C-Max. Most complaints involve electrical system (1).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Jun 2022
Owner complaints
1
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

SteeringReported Aug 22, 2014NHTSA 14V514000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Remedy pending

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.

Power trainReported Jun 10, 2022NHTSA 22V413000

Latches

Free remedy

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 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Jun 8, 2020NHTSA 20V331000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2026 – Jul 2026
  1. Electrical system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each C-Max model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20131
20141
201511
201610
20171
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

1 report
“Major electrical issues, including rear view camera not working, vehicle starting when no key fob is in or near the vehicle, tail lights burning out even after replacement, one taillight blinking faster than the other, screen for infotainment not turning on, all of a sudden vehicle not starting with complete battery drainage even after vehicle was just charged. And too many other issues to name, my year vehicle has many of the same issues that have been reported for both a 2015 and a 2016 Ford Cmax energi yet my year does not have the same recall notices despite the same issues. My vehicle has very low miles I believe less than 100,000”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11753199
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Ford C-Max as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2014 C-Max questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Ford C-Max have?

8 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Ford C-Max problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026