Research · Large Cars
2017 Ford Cmax HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (4) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$1,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2017 – Jul 2025
- Vehicle speed control4
- Power train3
- Steering3
- Wheels3
- Electrical system3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Tires1
- Engine1
- Visibility/wiper1
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
Vehicle speed control
4 reports
“Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.”
Power train
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while while driving at various speeds, and while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
Steering
3 reports
“Steering wheel became loose. Within a week I took it into a Ford dealer who confirmed this was a serious safety concern. They worked on the problem a day later. Steering wheel bolt was damaged and would not retain torque. The steering wheel bolt was replaced by dealer.”
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 | 42 | 38 | 40 | $1,550 | 222 |
- 40mpg 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 11204
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.
2017 Cmax Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (4), power train (3), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ford Cmax Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026