Model year
2016 Ford C-MAX
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 24 complaints for the 2016 Ford C-MAX (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 32 complaints under C-MAX ENERGI and C-MAX HYBRID. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6), BACK OVER PREVENTION (3), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3). NHTSA rated 2 variants 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 38–39 mpg combined and 37 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $1,700–$1,750, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2013 187 complaints
- 2014 80 complaints
- 2015 56 complaints
- 2016 24 complaints
- 2017 15 complaints
- 2018 10 complaints
Recalls
25V695000 · Oct 13, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. The rearview camera may display a distorted,…
22V413000 · Jun 10, 2022
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
17V052000 · Jan 24, 2017
STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Complaints
24 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 1, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| C-MAX ENERGI | 0 | 32 |
| C-MAX HYBRID | 0 | 0 |
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford CMAX Energi 5 HB FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.147 | NHTSA photo |
| 2016 Ford CMAX Hybrid 5 HB FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.143 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-MAX Hybrid FWD · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Hybrid | 41 | 36 | 39 | — | — | $1,700 |
| C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 40 | 36 | 38 | 37.0 | 550 | $1,750 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2016 Ford C-MAX at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.