2013 Ford Cmax HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 298 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (98) and steering (53). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system98
- Steering53
- Power train51
- Engine31
- Structure25
- Service brakes14
- Latches/locks/linkages13
- Vehicle speed control11
- Fuel/propulsion system10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started on several occasions but needed to be towed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer suggested that a waiver be signed for the battery replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced electrical failures. The instrument panel intermittently malfunctioned, and the turn signals failed to operate properly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,463.”
Steering
“While driving car, power steering will fail and deactivate leaving the steering extremely heavy and manual. Can happen at any speed, and has happened on the interstate at highway speeds. Information cluster states, "power steering fault - service power steering immediately" When this happens it is highly unsafe and happens instantly without warning. Makes getting the car off the road and stopped safely very difficult and dangerous. Stopping the car, turning it off fully and restarting seems to clear the fault and makes the car power steering operate as normal again. But this has happened many times since owning the car and I can find no reason when or why it gets triggered. Online searches find many other owners of this car describing the exact same issue and they share the same concerns about it being unsafe.”
Power train
“The contact's wife owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was an abnormal hissing and crackling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-MAX Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 37 | 40 | $1,550 | 229 |
- 40mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.3%
Maintenance basics
| 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
2013 Cmax Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 298 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (98), steering (53), power train (51). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Ford Cmax Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.