general problems of the 2013 Ford C-max - part 1

Summary of safety issue the vehicle repeatedly experiences sudden loss of propulsion while driving, accompanied by a “stop safely now” warning message and various other dashboard warnings . During these events the accelerator pedal becomes completely unresponsive while the vehicle remains powered, indicating a failure of the hybrid propulsion system or high-voltage battery control system. The vehicle and video footage of the failure are available for inspection upon request. Timeline of events January 13, 2026 – the vehicle displayed a “stop safely now” warning message and lost the ability to accelerate. The vehicle had to be towed to lehighton Ford. January 21, 2026 – paid $866. 85 for repairs including battery service, rear control module replacement, and pcm harness repair. Lehighton Ford stated the vehicle was repaired and safe to drive. Within minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle stalled again in active traffic and had to be returned. The issue was escalated to the Ford engineering hotline and a field service engineer. February 17, 2026 – the dealership attempted to return the vehicle after performing a becm reprogramming. Upon pickup, new issues were immediately observed including near-stall conditions and hybrid system malfunction, so the vehicle was left with the dealership again. February 18, 2026 - the owner brought forth concerns about Ford’s technical service bulletin (TSB) 17-0015 which identifies potential damage to the traction battery interlock harness as a root cause for intermittent stalling and "stop safely now" warnings. Although the dealership recorded diagnostic trouble code b11d8—a fault directly related to the stall condition—the dealership later stated that no diagnostic codes relevant to the TSB were present and this component was not inspected. February 20, 2026 - dealership claims that the vehicle has been test-driven for over 100 miles and is “functioning perfectly” and that a ‘battery rebalance’ was causing the issues experie.

I took it to the Ford dealership and they diagnosed it as having a parasitic draw from the 12 v battery when the car is shut down so when you go to get into the car if the battery is dead, they will fix it for $425 however, this problem was a recall in 2013 and my car did have a recall done to it. However, the issue is still going on therefore I feel as though the customer should not be charged. My car broke down going up the canyon and it told me to pull over safely, which I did going up the hill, but it was on an exit and it was a dangerous situation as I could not even turn on my flashers. This has been a known issue with the Ford c max since 2013 and since their software program then did not correct the problem and now they want to update the software why should the cost come from the consumer?.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started on several occasions but needed to be towed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer suggested that a waiver be signed for the battery replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced electrical failures. The instrument panel intermittently malfunctioned, and the turn signals failed to operate properly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,463.

While driving the dashboard instrument panel beeps and flashes the word "put in park" and "stop safely now", and the speedometer stops working, all kinds of warning lights start flashing on and off on the instrument panel, the heater goes on and off on it's own, then the instrument panel goes black, speedometer shows zero and car goes into shutdown mode. I was put in risk while driving without a speedometer and other vehicles near me were put into risk; when I pull over and stop the vehicle it strands me and I need a tow. This has happened randomly many times; I took it to Ford for repair, they didn't know how to fix the problem, my car was at Ford for 6 weeks! and I was without a car all that time, now 3 months later it's doing the same thing! I have videos of it happening along with the pictures I'm posting here, it is very scary when it's happening while driving and it's scary being stranded in unsafe places having to wait for a tow. This issue is unresolved and dangerous, I need Ford to get more involved.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max hybrid. The contact stated while driving on three occasions at approximately 30-55 mph, several unknown warning lights were flashing. The message to shift to park(p) was flashing. The vehicle was shifted to park, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact's husband assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact determined that the battery was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for five weeks, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box had corrosion and defective fuses. Additionally, there was a failing control unit. The dealer informed the contact a Ford engineer was advising with the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

My stereo/navigation console went out, just went black and stopped working. I bought it to my local garage and they said it was a costly repair and that there is a recall/service bulletin on it and that I should take it to a Ford dealer. I did and they acknowledged the issue but said my VIN wasn't covered, but it was a known issue with C-max of this year. So I didnt have the car services. A few months later, (2 weeks ago) my battery died and could not be jumped, so I had it towed to my Ford dealer. He informed me that the potential cause of the battery damage was a short in the console/radio/nav/screen system. I agreed to go forward with the costly repair. . . They have so far not been able to resolve the issues. This morning I called Ford and explained the issue. They said since there is not a recall associated with my VIN, there was nothing they could do. I asked them to look up the "issue" not the VIN and they acknowledged that there are issues with 2013 C-max energi models associated with the console. I asked for a bulletin number and was given 202363. I believe the recall is associated with the Ford parts and so my VIN number may not be registered or something to that effect. I'm not sure how to look up the number they provided. While I dont think that not having a radio or nav system is a safety issue. The fact that it has caused the car to completely shut down and standing us is an issue. Again, Ford is aware that this type of issue exists, for this model, for this manufacturing year. They say they will only cover the repair if your agency tells them to, ugh thank you, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Several times over the past 3 years, the 12 volt battery has been deeply drained while the car has been off/unused for ~3 days. (the problem has been described on your website: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2016/sb-10093862-2532. Pdf. ) this is a safety issue because there is a reasonable expectation of serviceability of a car, for emergencies or for returning to a safe place. Just as one depends on the reasonable reliability of devices like fire extinguishers, elevators, heart monitors, etc. , so does one expect cars to be reasonably reliable. There is no advance warning that the battery will be drained.

My vehicle fails to properly turn off after it has been put into park. As a result, I believe the regular battery is being drained at an alarming rate. If my vehicle sits overnight 8-10 hours, it is very likely that the battery will be dead and the car doors will not open. At first I thought it was just a manufacturer error with the batteries, but once I had purchased three batteries in less than 6 months. At this point, it seems to be an electrical draw issue that I am uncertain how to resolve as these cars are barely 10 years old.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have a 2013 Ford C-max se that is having terrible white noise and static from the speakers. I see that this is common with the sync system and not limited to C-max models how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have not had a diagnostic run but I have seen so many listservs with the speaker issue. The car will be quiet and then blast static to the point of having to pull over to get the car over to get it to stop. It's so loud sometimes that it is hard to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I am taking the car in on November 10th for an inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I am taking the car in on November 10th for an inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, this has gradually be increasing in severity over the last few months.

This vehicle has given us numerous numerous issues and left us stranded it has been a safety issue for my family we recently had to have law enforcement involved to try to save us from where we got stranded due to the unreliability of this vehicle and after already having a transmission replacement and having the car right now in the shop for approaching one month and they still cannot find the issue there has been one problem after another forward keeps giving me the run around when I contact them directly and the dealership is just giving me extremely generic responses and telling me that their staff is not available this week and that they have many other customers to have to worry about and that I basically can go rent a car if I have a problem with not having a vehicle, I do not want to continue to have to risk my life or the life of my wife or children because of the lack of ownership from the dealership and the manufacturer in this situation I keep losing out and being told to just wait and wait, please help! there is a current safety recall also, butbi feel like this entire vehicle is a safety concern at this point for my family and myself.

Lift gate opens randomly when vehicle is off.

While driving, the cmax displayed a red hazard, stop safely now, and lost all propulsion. The car was unable to be moved and is stranded in the driving lane.

Car will stall and brakes and steering lock up. This has occurred in when pulling into traffic. It always occurs when on a hill. Very dangerous but Ford denies any problems. It has occurred since 2014. Last time was as below.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start up or unlock due to a defective battery. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer several times to have her battery replaced or her software updated; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired as of her last visit. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

The outside drivers side tail light assembly is getting so hot the plastic is melting.

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max energi. The contact stated water spilled on the battery, while turning. The contact was driving about 10mph. The car stopped after the battery was saturated. The failure occurred Jan 30, 2020. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the saturated battery. The approxiamte failure mileage was 57,000. The vehicle was taken to roswell Ford (821 n main st, roswell, nm 88201 (888 881-7087) the manufacturer stated the vehicle was not under warrant, and the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was diagnosed and the manufacturer stated the battery would need to be replaced. Bh.

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 drain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recalibrated the radio fuse however, a year later the failure recurred. The mechanic then removed the radio fuse from the vehicle which disabled all audible sounds from the vehicle. The contact stated that it was a major safety hazard for her as it took away the backup alert sounds that would alert her of imminent objects when reversing the vehicle. The contact then called hansel Ford (3075 corby Ave, santa rosa, CA 95407) and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was then referred to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph in the rain, the windshield wipers became inoperable, and the headlights inadvertently turned off. The contact stated that the horn would beep independently but failed to operate while depressed. Additionally, the heater and a/c unit became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle also failed to start. The contact had to jump start the vehicle on several occasions. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Radio no longer works. . . Cannot turn on or off. . . While the vehicle is in operation speakers suddenly generates loud static. This unexpected noise coming suddenly from the speakers is extremely unsettling/distracting when driving on the interstate or any highway. The internet is replete with similar complaints concerning this year/model vehicle. This is a continuing problem.

Rear folding seat latch disengaged. No longer able to fold 60% of rear seat. Now faced with charges upwards of 600$ because entire seat needs replacement. Car was stationary when opened and on level surface. Was lightly used, maybe 15 times in entire life. Also, apim module draining battery on several occasions. Field service announcement made, but car is now out of applicable time.

Purchased 2013 cmax used from a car dealer with 39,000 miles on it in 2018. Been driving it for 1. 5 years- now has 58,000 miles. . Suddenly warning red triangle appeared with audio alert to stop the car immediately. I was driving on I-95 in the middle lane at 60 mph. Could feel the car had lost power, able to get to breakdown lane and had the car towed-to dealership. They found "nothing wrong. " car returned to me- second incident 3 days later, while turning into shopping center, again, felt the car lose power, red triangle/warning. Stalled in lot- it was a Sunday. Turned the car off- when I turned it back on engine warning light was on . I called the Ford dealership, and spoke to a sales person who told me it was safe to attempt to drive the car- able to drive it home ( slowly)- then to dealers the next day- warning light still on. Dealership unable to find the root cause of the problem and Ford giving limited support to the dealership. Car still in the shop x 1 week- service advisor states it would not be safe for me to take the car until they find the cause because it could do it again at any time.

This vehicle's ev charge cord had an incident that seemed to heat up / bend the cord near the plug back in 2016. I reported to Ford at the time, they said do not use the cord and said they had a resolution upcoming. To keep anyone from using the cord, I cut it up and sent off the parts for recycling (copper). No recall notices sent by Ford, no articles online, or even common sense suggested I should keep this dangerous cord in my household to possibly be used again (and the liability would be on me for being so stupid). What the recall and articles did suggest was the cord replacement would be done by vehicle VIN number (that vehicle would be checked to see if it has received a new cord). When I went in for service this year to finally get this recall processed, it was denied because I no longer had the cord even though my car had previously been serviced with this cord in the car (before it had an issue, Ford said do not use, and I disposed of once I read the recall notifications). I would like to request the NHTSA get involved and make Ford replace my ev cord. Their records clearly show my vehicle never got a new cord, but they are making some claim that without the old cord, they have no way of knowing if it was an ev cord that had the problem. However, my cord was produced pre-2013, they all were covered under this recall. Just seems like Ford is trying to save themselves money and deny me this recall. I do not know why they are doing this because they previously indicated by phone call this would not be a problem. However, the service rep apparently called Ford multiple times trying to get this processed, but Ford simply declined saying I should not have destroyed the cord even though not language was provided I needed to keep and even insinuated I should destroy to keep from being used. Sounds like Ford covered their legal liability and saved money.

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 sound, the message to stop the vehicle. The vehicle will then shut down. All times happened while I was driving on the highway. I noticed that the air condition shut itself off, then I saw the display message. If I would not have seen the display message, the car would have stopped within 400 feet. This is extremely dangerous situation as I would not have time to change to the emergency lane, leaving a stopped car on the fast lane. I now keep looking glancing at the dashboard worried that the display will appear again. I have taken the car to the dealer two times. The first time they told me that a scanner showed no problems. Now the car is at the dealer for a second time where they are doing more testing. I just do not have any more confidence on this car. The dashboard has also shown a display "see manual".

The car shuts off while I'm driving with out any warning.

Have a warning check engine light, it's a stop safety message. Came on and orange engine light came on with it. Seems Ford has a wire problem at the battery, I understand it might be caused by a wire becoming bare from rubbing. Is this a recall??????????.

Ford charger for C-max phev overheated and caused wall outlet to burn.

The car is completely dead. No lights and will not start. This is the forth time and the dealer does not know how to fix the problem.

Stereo system fails into an unresponsive state. The radio will remain on and emit sound even when car is shut off. This puts a drains the battery and will make it impossible to start after sitting for a day or two.

When you turn off the engine, the radio stays on. When the engine is running, you cannot turn down volume, use navigation, adjust temperature, use cruise control. It began when I was turning the car off after a short drive. This is the second time.

I am experiencing chronic issues with the 12v low voltage battery draining and leaving the car dead. The car pulls load from the battery when the vehicle is off and all electronics are supposedly off. This appears to be an extremely common issue among owners of 2013-2014 Ford C-max owners. Ford has been unable to assist as they say my vehicle (based on VIN) was not an effected model on their csp-15b04 program.

The battery unloads. Unless battery replacement. I fear about shortage which may lead to fire.

Hello my 12v battery is discharging suddenly and without reason. The battery has been replaced and the fault returns. According to TSB 15-0089, when replacing the battery in the 2013 car, the electronic module should be replaced. The dealer never performed this step, the Ford motor company does not take responsibility for the dealer. I'm afraid that eventually my car will burn. This faulty electronic module (modem or telemetrics) is located near the high voltage lion battery. Please help . I mention that Ford recommends not to connect the charging cable due to the possibility of fire. Greetings (xxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max hybrid. While the vehicle was stationary, the battery saver warning indicator turned off and the following message displayed across the instrument panel: "911 assist is disabled, contact dealer". Immediately afterwards, the shifter indicator displayed on the instrument panel. The contact turned the key in the ignition, but the motor did not indicate that it was ready to drive until approximately one minute later. The contact placed the shifter into reverse and attempted to reverse, but a sudden loss of power steering occurred. The contact placed the vehicle in the drive gear and depressed the accelerator pedal in an attempt to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle accelerated beyond 35 mph. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to bob moore Ford (8948 s I-35 service rd, oklahoma city, oklahoma 73159) where it was diagnosed that the inner cell of the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

I charger was recalled in August 2018. The replacement part is noy available. I cannot charge my car without risking a fire.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-max energi. The contact stated that the convenience charge cord overheated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v592000 (equipment); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Hansel Ford (3075 corby Ave, santa rosa, CA 95407, (707) 623-1426) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.