Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Ford Cmax Hybrid problems
Owners filed 106 complaints about the 2014 Ford Cmax Hybrid with NHTSA between Sep 2014 and Jul 2025. The most-cited component is electrical system (34).
Complaints
106
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system34
- Power train22
- Steering16
- Latches/locks/linkages11
- Engine7
- Structure7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Air bags4
- Wheels4
- Back over prevention2
- Service brakes2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Seat belts1
- Equipment1
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 Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
6
10
14
10
13
8
11
15
6
7
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
34 reports4 fires
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH with all four windows closed, there was a strong abnormal odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then opened all the windows allowing the odor to release, and the abnormal odor was not as potent. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that the original Volvo battery could be emitting a toxic substance that was entering the vehicle; the battery was original equipment. The contact sustained dizziness and difficulty breathing. Medical attention was not sought. This occurred on several different occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to the place of residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,500.”
Power train
22 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tune-up and to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the axle was loosened, and the bushing was damaged, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHSTA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.”
Steering
16 reports
“System: Electric Power Steering assist module failed on engine start up. Safety: Without power steering it is extremely difficult to steer the car manually which could cause an accident and/or bodily injury. This is a well known problem with the Ford cMax which has created a recall for earlier model years of the cMax (but my 2014 model is not covered under previous recalls). Inspection: Vehicle is at the Ford dealership and has been diagnosed with a failed Power Steering module and is currently under parts replacement. Warnings: On 8 Feb 2014 during engine start, I warning window was displayed that said "Service Power Steering". Same warning window appeared the following morning when car was started. I drove it carefully to the dealership for repair.”
Latches/locks/linkages
11 reports
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The sound occurred while driving over a bump in the roadway and while accelerating. The tire pressure sensor failure warning light had been illuminated. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering) and believed that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The manufacturer also confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V331000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) and 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 307,868.”
Engine
7 reports
“Recall Number18S24 My car had 3 recalls so I contacted the Legacy Ford dealer in McDonough on [XXX] and made an appointment on [XXX]. When we brought the car, dealer didn't fix the recall above saying they didn't have parts even though we made an appointment over 2 months before. They told us they will let us know when they gets the parts, but it's been over 2 weeks and they don't contact us or respond any of our email. And since we brought our car to dealer, the car stop charging from charging cord. They said they didn't do anything about that and if we want diagnostic, they will charge for $150. I just wanted to fix all of the recall so I bought the car but feel like I just brought it to break my car.”
Structure
7 reports
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi. The contact stated the front driver’s seat power seat was stuck in the reclined position. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was returned, and the contact became aware that the rear driver’s side door panel was loose, causing the door to not open properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who diagnosed that the door panel was damaged and need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.