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  • Updated for 2026
Car Paperwork

Ford C-Max Recalls

NHTSA has issued 11 safety recalls for the Ford C-Max, covering model years 2013 through 2018. Latch and lock faults account for 2 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2014 model year has the most, with 8 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 2,925,968 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on October 13, 2025.

Urgent safety advisory on the Ford C-Max

One recall below carries an NHTSA do-not-drive advisory. If your vehicle is affected, stop driving it and call your dealer to arrange the repair.

Check your own VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether these apply to your car.

Total recalls
11
Model years affected
6
Most recalled part
Latch and lock
Latest recall
2025

Ford C-Max recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 11 total.

20181 recall20171 recall20163 recalls20156 recalls20148 recalls20137 recalls

All Ford C-Max recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

25V695000Backup cameraReported October 13, 2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Model years affected: 2015–2016

The problem

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 can happen

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.

The fix

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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 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.

Vehicles affected
1,448,655
Maker's recall no.
25SA9
Owners notified
January 2, 2026
Read campaign 25V695000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V413000Power trainReported June 10, 2022

POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

Model years affected: 2013–2018

The problem

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 can happen

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.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
2,925,968
Maker's recall no.
22S43
Owners notified
October 27, 2022
Read campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
20V331000Latch and lockReported June 8, 2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Model years affected: 2013–2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

What can happen

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Vehicles affected
2,147,323
Maker's recall no.
20S30
Owners notified
July 27, 2020
Read campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V592000Reported September 10, 2018

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Model years affected: 2013–2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.

What can happen

An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

Vehicles affected
49,197
Maker's recall no.
18S24
Owners notified
January 18, 2019
Read campaign 18V592000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
17V052000StructureReported January 24, 2017

STRUCTURE:BODY

Model years affected: 2016

The problem

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 can happen

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.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
17
Maker's recall no.
17S03
Owners notified
March 8, 2017
Read campaign 17V052000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
16V643000Latch and lockReported September 6, 2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Model years affected: 2013–2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

What can happen

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

Vehicles affected
2,046,297
Maker's recall no.
16S30
Owners notified
January 27, 2017
Read campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V436000Electrical systemReported July 8, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Model years affected: 2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

What can happen

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.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.

Vehicles affected
374,781
Maker's recall no.
15C06
Owners notified
July 27, 2015
Safety standard
FMVSS 114
Read campaign 15V436000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V597000Seat beltReported September 26, 2014

SEAT BELTS

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

What can happen

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Vehicles affected
746,842
Maker's recall no.
14S21
Owners notified
May 26, 2015
Read campaign 14V597000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V514000SteeringReported August 22, 2014
NHTSA advises: do not drive this vehicleOwners of affected vehicles are told to stop driving until the repair is done. Contact your dealer to arrange it.

STEERING

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

What can happen

The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

Vehicles affected
508
Maker's recall no.
14S18
Owners notified
November 11, 2014
Read campaign 14V514000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V237000AirbagReported May 7, 2014

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

What can happen

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Vehicles affected
594,785
Maker's recall no.
14S04
Owners notified
May 30, 2014
Read campaign 14V237000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V164000SeatReported April 2, 2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 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 affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

What can happen

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Vehicles affected
43,135
Maker's recall no.
14C03
Owners notified
May 30, 2014
Safety standard
FMVSS 207
Read campaign 14V164000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Ford C-Max is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Ford C-Max recall questions

How many recalls does the Ford C-Max have?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Ford C-Max across model years 2013 to 2018. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Ford C-Max model year has the most recalls?

The 2014 Ford C-Max carries the most, with 8 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Ford C-Max recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Ford C-Max with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Ford recalls

Ford F-150 recalls115Ford Explorer recalls96Ford Escape recalls83Ford F-350 Super Duty recalls75Ford F-450 Super Duty recalls66Ford Transit recalls64

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:
July 18, 2026
Coverage:
Recalls from 2010 onward
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

🔧All Ford recalls→🔑Paperwork for buying a used car→📝Paperwork for selling a car→📄Title transfer rules by state→📑Vehicle registration documents explained→🚗Recalls by make and model→

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.