NHTSA Safety Database

Ford C-Max
Recall Hub

Live data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering every Ford C-Max model year. Filter by year, search by keyword, or enter your VIN to check your specific compact MPV. All recall repairs at Astro Ford are free of charge — covering both C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid configurations. The C-Max was sold in North America from 2013 to 2017 exclusively in electrified form (no gas-only model was offered in NA), built on the Ford C1 platform shared with the Focus and Escape and assembled at Michigan Assembly Plant. The 2.0L Atkinson-cycle I4 paired with electric motor and lithium-ion battery delivered class-leading hybrid efficiency for its time. Astro Ford continues to perform free safety recall service on all C-Max vehicles regardless of where you originally purchased it — including the Energi-specific 120V convenience charge cord recall.

Check Your Specific Truck

Enter your 17-character VIN to see only the recalls that apply to your exact vehicle. We query NHTSA in real time.

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Notable C-Max Recalls to Know

Significant recalls affecting Ford C-Max owners across the entire production run (2013–2017) on the Ford C1 platform shared with Focus and Escape — covering 22S43 transmission shifter cable bushing rollaway risk, the multi-recall door latch lineage shared with platform-mate vehicles, 15C06 FMVSS 114 engine doesn't turn off rollaway risk, the Energi-specific 120V charge cord fire risk (no thermistor), restraint control module humidity short circuit (Mississippi Gulf Coast climate relevant), seat back recliner FMVSS 207 sub-standard welds, and 2013 rear door latch recall. Verified from NHTSA Part 573 reports, Ford safety bulletins, and reputable industry sources. Always check your specific VIN above; not all vehicles in a model year are affected.

Rollaway Risk2013–2018 C-Max (and platform mates)Ford Safety Recall 22S43
Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing May Detach — Vehicle Rollaway Risk
On certain 2013–2018 Ford C-Max vehicles (along with 2013–2019 Escape, 2013–2016 Fusion, 2013–2021 Transit Connect, and 2015–2018 Edge), the bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects "Park" because the transmission is not actually in Park even though the shifter indicates it. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. The C-Max shares this defect with all major Ford C1 and CD4 platform vehicles built during this period — the same supplier and bushing material are common across the affected fleet.
Dealers replace the under hood shift cable bushing and add a protective cap over the bushing, free of charge. Interim notification letters mailed July 1, 2022; main owner notification letters mailed October 27, 2022 (4th quarter 2022 parts availability).
Source: Ford Safety Recall 22S43 / Cars.com / DealerRater / Ford.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Injury Risk — Door Latch Lineage2013–2015 C-Max (and others)Ford Safety Recall 16S30 / 20S30
Side Door Latches May Break — Doors May Open While Driving
On certain 2013–2015 Ford C-Max vehicles (along with 2012–2015 Focus, 2013–2015 Escape, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Mustang, and 2014–2016 Transit Connect), a component within the side door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or passenger to believe a door is securely closed when in fact it is not. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion. The 16S30 recall covered the original repair, while 20S30 is a "fix the fix" correction recall covering vehicles previously repaired under 15V-246, 16V-643, or 17V-210 where the original repair may not have been completed properly. Owners can self-inspect by entering latch date codes into Ford's verification website.
Dealers replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Recall 16S30 began January 27, 2017. For 20S30, dealers inspect latch date codes; owner notification letters mailed July 27, 2020.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 16S30 / Ford Safety Recall 20S30 / Cars.com / Asbury Automotive / Ford.com / NHTSA Part 573 Reports
Fire Risk — Energi Charge Cord2013–2015 C-Max Energi (and others)Ford Safety Recall (Charge Cord)
120V Convenience Charge Cord Manufactured Without Thermistor — Cord May Overheat and Melt (Fire Risk)
On certain 2013–2015 Ford C-Max Energi (along with 2013–2015 Fusion Energi and 2012–2015 Focus Electric) 120V convenience charge cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, AB, AC, AD, AE, and AF, the cords were manufactured without thermistors. During vehicle charging, increased resistance in the household outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt — the thermistor in properly manufactured cords would detect rising temperature and shut down charging before the cord reaches melting temperature. An overheated or melted cord can ignite surrounding materials and increase the risk of a household fire, particularly when the vehicle is plugged into older or aluminum wiring or shared circuits. C-Max Energi owners should inspect their charge cord part number immediately and stop using the cord if it matches the affected part numbers until replacement.
Dealers replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge.
Source: Ford Safety Recall (Charge Cord Thermistor) / Cars.com / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Compliance — FMVSS 114 Rollaway2015 C-Max + Escape + FocusFord Safety Recall 15C06
Engine May Continue to Run After Key/Button Turned Off — FMVSS 114 Non-Compliance
On certain 2015 Ford C-Max vehicles built April 22, 2014 to June 12, 2015 (along with 2015 Escape and Focus from similar production windows), the engine may continue to run after the key is turned to "off" or the START/STOP engine button is pressed. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 114 "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of Park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash. This is particularly serious in a hybrid vehicle where the engine may already be intermittent (start/stop in normal hybrid operation), so the failure to confirm shutdown can be missed by the driver.
Dealers update the body control module software, free of charge. Recall began July 27, 2015.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 15C06 / Cars.com / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Airbag Risk — Humidity2013–2014 C-Max + Fusion + Escape + MKZFord Safety Recall (RCM Humidity)
Restraint Control Module Coating May Crack — Humidity-Induced Short Circuit (Mississippi Climate Relevant)
On certain 2013–2014 Ford C-Max vehicles built January 19, 2012 to November 21, 2013 (along with 2013–2014 Fusion built February 3, 2012 to August 24, 2013, 2013–2014 Escape built October 5, 2011 to November 1, 2013, and 2013–2014 Lincoln MKZ built April 25, 2012 to September 30, 2013), the coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack. When exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short. RCM short circuits can disable the airbag system entirely or cause inadvertent airbag deployment — both potentially serious safety hazards. The Mississippi Gulf Coast humid environment is exactly the climate that accelerates this defect.
Dealers inspect and replace the Restraint Control Module as necessary, free of charge.
Source: Ford Safety Recall (RCM Humidity) / Cars.com / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Compliance — FMVSS 2072013–2014 C-Max + Fusion + Escape + MKZFord Safety Recall (Seatback Recliner Welds)
Driver and Passenger Seatback Sub-Standard Welds — May Not Restrain Occupant in Crash
On certain 2013–2014 Ford C-Max vehicles (along with 2013–2014 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ built August 15, 2012 through September 10, 2013, and 2013–2014 Escape built June 5, 2012 through August 12, 2013), the driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The vehicles may not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 207 "Seating Systems." A seatback that fails during a crash may allow the occupant to move forward or rearward beyond what the seatbelt and airbag systems are designed for, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers replace the affected driver and/or passenger seatback assembly, free of charge.
Source: Ford Safety Recall (Seatback Recliner Welds) / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Visibility Risk2015–2016 C-Max (and many others)Ford Safety Recall 25SA9
Rearview Camera May Display Distorted, Intermittent, or Blank Image
On certain 2015–2016 Ford C-Max vehicles (along with 2015–2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015–2016 Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018–2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang), the rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a backover crash — particularly involving pedestrians, children, and pets in residential and parking lot environments. The recall affects multiple Ford and Lincoln model lines that share the same rearview camera supplier and component family.
Dealers inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters mailed October 29, 2025; final remedy anticipated June 2026.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 25SA9 / Cars.com / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report

C-Max Recall FAQs

Common questions about Ford F-150 recalls, your rights as an owner, and what to do next.

How do I check if my C-Max has an open recall?

The fastest and most accurate method is to enter your 17-character VIN into the checker at the top of this page, which queries the NHTSA database in real time. You can also check directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls or Ford's own recall tool at ford.com/support/recalls-details.

Your VIN is found on the lower left corner of your windshield (visible from outside), on your driver's door jamb sticker, or on your registration and insurance documents.

Are Ford C-Max recall repairs free?

Yes — all safety, compliance, and emissions recalls are repaired at no cost to you. Parts and labor are covered by Ford through any authorized Ford dealership, regardless of whether you are the original owner or purchased the truck used.

If you previously paid out of pocket to fix an issue that was later tied to a recall, you may be eligible for a refund. Ask your Ford dealer or contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for reimbursement details.

Do Ford C-Max recalls ever expire?

Safety, compliance, and emissions recalls do not expire. Ford is required by federal law to repair these defects free of charge regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage, and regardless of how many owners the truck has had.

Customer Satisfaction Programs (which are separate from safety recalls) may have time and mileage limitations. If you are unsure whether something is a safety recall or a CSP, ask your dealer or check NHTSA.gov — only official safety recalls appear in the NHTSA database.

Can I still drive my C-Max if it has an open recall?

It depends on the severity. Most recalls allow you to continue driving while awaiting a repair appointment — the risk is present but not immediate. However, some recalls carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park It Outside" warning from NHTSA, meaning the vehicle poses an immediate safety risk and should not be operated until repaired.

Always read the full recall description for your specific truck. If in doubt, contact Astro Ford or Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for guidance specific to your VIN.

How will I be notified about a recall?

Ford is required by law to mail notification letters to all registered owners of affected vehicles once a recall is announced and VINs are confirmed. These letters identify the defect, the safety risk, and instructions for getting the repair done.

You can also proactively sign up for alerts through the free NHTSA SaferCar app or via Ford's recall notification sign-up. Because mailing lists depend on vehicle registration, used truck buyers may not always receive letters — this is why checking your VIN directly is important.

Which C-Max model years have the most recalls?

Based on NHTSA data, the entire 2013–2017 Ford C-Max production run has multiple significant recalls, most shared with the Ford C1 platform mates Focus and Escape plus the CD4 platform Fusion.

The 2013–2018 C-Max is covered by the 22S43 transmission shifter cable bushing rollaway risk recall (along with 2013–2019 Escape, 2013–2016 Fusion, 2013–2021 Transit Connect, 2015–2018 Edge). The 2013–2015 C-Max is covered by the 16S30 / 20S30 door latch lineage shared with Focus, Escape, MKC, Mustang, and Transit Connect.

The 2013–2015 C-Max Energi specifically is covered by the 120V convenience charge cord recall (cords lacked thermistors and could overheat/melt creating fire risk) along with 2013–2015 Fusion Energi and 2012–2015 Focus Electric. The 2015 C-Max is covered by the 15C06 FMVSS 114 engine doesn't turn off rollaway recall along with 2015 Escape and Focus.

The 2013–2014 C-Max is covered by the Restraint Control Module humidity short circuit recall (Mississippi Gulf Coast climate accelerates this defect) along with 2013–2014 Fusion, Escape, and MKZ. The 2013–2014 C-Max is also covered by the FMVSS 207 seatback recliner sub-standard weld recall along with 2013–2014 Fusion, Escape, and MKZ. The 2015–2016 C-Max is covered by the broader 25SA9 multi-model rearview camera recall.

The Ford C-Max was discontinued in North America after 2017, but Astro Ford continues to perform free safety recall service on all C-Max vehicles. Always run your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov.

What's the difference between a recall and a Customer Satisfaction Program?

A safety recall is a federally mandated action where Ford must fix a confirmed safety defect at no cost, with no expiration date. These are filed with NHTSA and appear in the official recall database.

A Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) is a voluntary Ford initiative to address quality issues that do not rise to the level of a federal safety recall. CSPs often have expiration dates and mileage limits, and they do not appear on NHTSA.gov. Your Ford dealer can check your VIN for any open CSPs when you bring your truck in for service.

How long does a recall repair take at the dealership?

It varies widely by the nature of the recall. A simple software update — whether dealer-applied or delivered over the air — can often be completed in under an hour. More involved repairs like replacing a brake booster, rear axle assemblies, or engine components may require several hours or a parts order if inventory is limited.

When you schedule your recall appointment at Astro Ford, our service team can give you an estimated completion time based on the specific recall and parts availability.

Can a recall affect my C-Max's resale value?

An open, unrepaired recall can negatively affect resale value, and in some states dealers are legally prohibited from selling a vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. Getting recalls repaired promptly — and keeping documentation — actually protects your truck's value.

A completed recall has no negative impact on resale value, and in many cases demonstrates that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Always provide recall repair documentation when selling your F-150.

Does Astro Ford handle recall repairs?

Yes. As an authorized Ford dealership, Astro Ford performs all Ford safety recall repairs at no charge to you, using genuine Ford parts and factory-trained technicians. You do not need to have purchased your truck from us — any Ford dealer can complete your recall repair.

Call us or schedule your recall appointment online and mention your recall campaign number when booking. Our service team will verify your VIN and confirm parts availability before your visit.