Research · Large Cars
2016 Ford Cmax HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (2) and back over prevention (2). The EPA rates it 39 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
39mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
14
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$1,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Feb 2025
- Visibility/wiper2
- Back over prevention2
- Electrical system2
- Engine1
- Seats1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Service brakes1
- Wheels1
- Air bags1
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, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility/wiper
2 reports
“The backup camera doesn't regularly function, ranging from 15% to 75% of the time. A tire man with prior experience in a Ford dealership recommended checking for an electronics update to the system. There may be a worsening functionality when the weather is wet, but that's not a clear correlation.”
Back over prevention
2 reports
“Both this 2016 and my 2013 ford c-max hybrid have the backup cameras failing. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they have a black or blue screen than pops up and it says camera unavailable. I know there is a recent recall for other fords with backup camera issues, but the c-max sells much lower volumes so it is harder to get the same exact problem recalled.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the display screen would not display any images and not allow the contact to use any of the functions. The contact also stated that sometimes it would take up to 5 minutes for the display screen to engage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- 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.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| 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 | 41 | 36 | 39 | $1,600 | 230 |
- 39mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Ford CMAX Hybrid 5 HB FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10219
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.
2016 Cmax Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (2), back over prevention (2), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid at 39 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026