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    GREEN CHOICE

    Ford C-MAX

    EPA MPG: 39 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2016 C-MAX is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2016 Ford C-MAX has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Ford C-MAX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "Image was blurry and then turned upside down"

    Anonymous A., MD (2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Hardware replacement

    "See previous comments."

    Anonymous A., MN (2016 Ford C-MAX Energi SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""We bought it knowing the phone wouldnt hook up. We took it to an authorized Ford dealer who said they would download the correct program. They called us in 3 hours saying they had crashed bricked the system and we would now have to pay $1800 to repair it ( the APIM failed). The screen now was blank and no screen information (driver assist,radio,etc)could be displayed. We declined but then they said that we had to pay for the download of $290. I said we would not pay them for breaking our car. We finally went up the chain of management and they finally released the car. My wife then did research and found a company that would rebuild the APIM for $400 ( new one from ford was $1500). She installed it and it still didnt work. The rebuilder then looked at the unit(it was guaranteed) and said that Ford misdiagnosed it and it was actually a part called the hub. She removed the hub from our other Cmax and switched it out. Everything now worked. We went to another Ford dealer that the rebuilder recommended and bought it there(list price $150 but they sold it to us for $75 because of all the problems). Works fine now.""

    Anonymous A., MN (2016 Ford C-MAX Energi SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "Driver door no longer responds to the fob being close. The door remains locked. Not a problem on the passenger side."

    Anonymous, BC (2016 Ford C-MAX Energi SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "significant clunking noise and rough ride from front suspension; significant repair needed to all the parts i mentioned."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "Purge valve on the carbon canister took a dump. $500 to replace !!!!"

    Anonymous, WI (2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "The battery a bad cell and entire battery was replaced under warranty"

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Ford C-MAX Energi SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Oct 13, 2025
    A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver¿¿¿s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 29, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V695000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1448655
    POWER TRAIN
    Jun 10, 2022
    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 the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V413000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2925968
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 24, 2017
    Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
    What should you do:
    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. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V052000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 17
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