Is the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

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

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

○ Not enough data

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:29:33.160Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 50
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2013: 50 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	50
2014	30
2015	15
2016	12
2017	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

38% · 19 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Push to start / stop button fails to shut off vehicle. Vehicle is stationary and in park. Unable to secure vehicle, unable to lock doors unable to turn off lights, unable to shut vehicle down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-20

Car will not start after being parked. Automatic door opener does not work to open car. Only valet key will open car. All electrical systems are dead, this has happened more than 10 times since I purchased the car in 2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-20

Steering

18% · 9 reports

Power train

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Structure

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Purchased car brought home open rear hatch via elc opener while open to full height and I was in opening it came back down over 12INCHES causing me to hit my head on it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-25

Wheels

6% · 3 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Hi on the 11/19/2014 around 2:30 my wife and her manager at work we was going to meet up with client .

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-08

Also filed under Suspension

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-10-30Electrical system, equipment13V475000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2016-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2016-10-29 Door Latch Failure
I
2019-12-19Recall queryClosed 2022-02-07 Door Latch Failures
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 9 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V475000 · Electrical system, equipment

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.