Research

2016 Ford C-MaxRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford C-Max. Most complaints involve back over prevention (5) and electrical system (1).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Oct 2025
Owner complaints
10
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Back over prevention: camera

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Oct 14, 2025NHTSA 25V695000

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

Structure: body

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

StructureReported Jan 24, 2017NHTSA 17V052000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Back over prevention5
  2. Electrical system1
  3. Fuel/propulsion system1
  4. Service brakes1
  5. Power train1
  6. Vehicle speed control1
  7. Other / unknown3

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 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Back over prevention

5 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that the rearview camera is malfunctioning, cuts out intermittently, and displays an error message stating that the camera is unavailable. The contact received a safety recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the replacement parts required to complete the repair are not yet available. The contact has reached out to the local dealer and notified the manufacturer of the failure, noting that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the recall remedy. The failure mileage was 63,343.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Back over preventionODI 11771483

Electrical system

1 report
“Rear view camera recall was last year on October 2025 I am facing serious safety issues with the camera not working properly or sometimes entirely not at all the screen turns blue and does not display anything it’s very dangerous”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Back over preventionODI 11770039

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
“INTERMITTENT INABILITY TO CONTROL SPEED. FINALLY GOT AN ERROR CODE OF P2112 (THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM) WHILE IN MOTION AND VIBRATION BECAUSE THE BATTERY DOES NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2018Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11111214
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Ford C-Max as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 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

2016 C-Max questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford C-Max have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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 2016 Ford C-Max problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (5), electrical system (1), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026