Research
2015 Ford Cmax EnergiRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 60 owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Cmax Energi. Most complaints involve electrical system (11) and power train (10). NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
60
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2015 Ford Cmax Energi as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
60 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2015 – Jul 2026
- Electrical system11
- Power train10
- Steering9
- Back over prevention7
- Air bags6
- Service brakes4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Structure3
- Engine3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
11 reports2 crashes
“Ford 2015 CMax Energi with 41,000 miles. I was driving on a 2 Lane Highway coming to a stoplight and had to press the brakes firmly to avoid an accident at which time my 2015 CMax Energi abruptly stopped w a growling noise,. The dashboard lit up like Christmas. I observed The ABS system/ABS module failure/malfunctioned lights. 2015 C Max Energi was available for inspection when I brought it to the dealership and verified it was ABS Module that had malfunctioned. I was told by the dealership for my safety and others not to drive the car. Sawgrass Ford retained my car for repairs. Sawgrass Ford as well as family and friends stated that my safety and the safety of others were at risk because of the obvious reliability of brake failure. Brake failure could lead to death to me and anyone else on the roads/highway. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer@ Sawgrass Ford Sunrise Florida. The vehicle and the component has been inspected by the dealership because it was repaired once the part , which took about 2 1/2 months due to parts being backorder from Ford Corporation. Ford has MANY previous ABS MODULE recalls on several of their MODELS, but the…”
Power train
10 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle would downshift with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Steering
9 reports1 crash
“The issues that I am having is with the power staring at this. On my way back from dropping off my child I entered the apartment complex and drove over a speed bump and that’s when the fault light came on about the power steering. I noticed that when the light came on my steering wheel started to stiffen however, it’s when I got home and took my car off that the steering wheel became stuck and needed more power to turn the wheel. This is the first time I’m ever seeing this issue, but my ABS tire light is the only light that has remained on since purchasing the vehicle a few months ago. I have already contacted Ford to see about what they could do, and I was instructed that this particular vehicle did not have a recall while others do which highly concerns me. Upon further research, I found out that this is a common occurrence since 2014 with these models.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Ford CMAX Energi 5 HB FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 9260
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2015 Cmax Energi questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Cmax Energi have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 Ford Cmax Energi problems?
Owners filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (11), power train (10), steering (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
How safe is the 2015 Ford Cmax Energi?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Ford Cmax Energi 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026