CarModelProblems.com

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
121Complaints
3Recalls
5Crashes
0Fires
5Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (37.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System45 · 37.2%RecalledRecall 13V475000
Engine17 · 14%not available
Power Train14 · 11.6%not available
Steering14 · 11.6%not available
Structure:body9 · 7.4%RecalledRecall 13V303000
Latches/locks/linkages9 · 7.4%RecalledRecall 13V085000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE17 · 14%
POWER TRAIN14 · 11.6%
STEERING14 · 11.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY9 · 7.4%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES9 · 7.4%
Unspecified / other8 · 6.6%
SERVICE BRAKES7 · 5.8%
AIR BAGS6 · 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5 · 4.1%

Percentages are the share of the 121 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Structure

NHTSA campaign 13V303000 · 2013 · reported 07/10/2013

In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module

NHTSA campaign 13V475000 · 2013 · reported 10/17/2013

Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages

NHTSA campaign 13V085000 · 2013 · reported 03/07/2013

The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO OPERATIONAL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF CAUSING THE BATTERY TO…”NHTSA complaint 11389773 — filed 01/25/2021 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“MY CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY ELECTRICALLY DEAD APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES. WHEN IT IS FIXED IT EVENTUALLY HAPPENS AGAIN. I HAVE TO USE THE KEY IN…”NHTSA complaint 11234034 — filed 07/23/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“I BOUGHT THIS USED SUV ON MAY 14, 2019 WITH 87,420 MILES. IN THREE OCCASIONS THE DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD HAS SHOWN, WITH NO AUDIBLE…”NHTSA complaint 11210304 — filed 05/28/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

372013341420151921201717112019162021772024322026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 45 of 121 NHTSA complaints (37.2%), followed by engine (17), power train (14), steering (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid have?

121 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 13V303000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.