Is the 2016 Ford C-MAX 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 2016 Ford C-MAX?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Ford C-MAX

○ Not enough data

2016 Ford C-MAX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:48.492Z

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: 35
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2016: 35 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	186
2014	80
2015	53
2016	35
2017	21
2018	10

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

26% · 9 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Rear view camera recall was last year on October 2025 I am facing serious safety issues with the camera not working properly or sometimes entirely not at all the screen turns blue and does not display anything itâs very…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-09

I have a 2016 Ford C-Max. On Saturday, 9-16-2023 my wife and I were traveling on Highway 69 in Prescott AZ. We turned off the highway and about 50 yards from Hwy 69 a STOP SAFELY NOW flashed on the instrument pannel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-19

The car went into "Limp" Mode while going 70 MPH. Took the car in and we were told it had a recall on the electronic throttle body. We never received a recall notice and it isn't listed on the NHTSA site.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-04

Back over prevention

20% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and camera.

Power train

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford C-MAX. On two separate occasions, after the vehicle was parked, the contact arrived back to where the vehicle was parked; however, the vehicle was no longer in the parking spot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-17

Was driving it to a shop to do a transmission fluid exchange and got a big Stop Safely Now warning on the dash with an AdvanceTrac warning as well.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-02

Wheels

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hub.

Visibility/wiper

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2017-03-08Structure17V052000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-10-27Power train22V413000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-01-02Back over prevention25V695000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Ford C-MAX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
Back over prevention: 7 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V052000 · Structure
Recall 22V413000 · Power train
Recall 25V695000 · Back over prevention

FAQ

Is the 2016 Ford C-MAX 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 2016 Ford C-MAX?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.