The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While reversing, the rear-view camera failed to display an image. An unknown message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available.
The worst 2015 Ford C-Max problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance11
- Electrical9
- Transmission9
- Airbags6
- Steering6
- Fuel system4
- Brakes3
- Engine3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Ford C-Max
Recalls 6
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on October 14, 2025.
Recall number 25V695000 · Recall details
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V331000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 18V592000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 16V643000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V436000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 2015 Ford C-Max
Defect investigations
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V‑177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V‑177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V‑177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under the federal safety agency TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under the federal safety agency Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD
RQ19005
Door Latch Failure
In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.Another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.In response to ODI's information request, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 500 unique reports related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.Ford reported no injury or accident claims.Ford also submitted 1,513 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the affected door could not be latched at all and some of them decided to restrain the door by other means in order to operate the vehicle.Some customers also reported door latch failures occurring on multiple doors and at different times.Additionally, Ford stated that MY 2014-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape, 2013-2015 Ford C-Max, 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2015 Lincoln MKC, all use the same door latch as the 2012-2013 Ford Focus.On September 6, 2016, Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (16V‑643) to remedy the door latches in the MY 2012-2015 Ford Focus and other Ford models mentioned above (total of approximately 2 million vehicles).According to Ford, a component within the door latch may break preventing the door from latching.Ford dealers will replace all four door latches in the recalled vehicles with a new more robust latch design that is currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
PE16001
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Ford C-Max 89
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Special Field Action 26L03 Certain 2013-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles...
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless...
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes...
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal...
- All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code
- Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a...
- Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in...
- Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in...
- Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may...
- Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles...
2015 Ford C-Max fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 41 | 36 | 39 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | FWD | 40 | 36 | 38 |
What 2015 Ford C-Max owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There has been an open rear view camera recall on this vehicle for nearly a year now, but Ford has not made parts to address it. The intermittent failure of the camera is an ongoing safety hazard.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera intermittently operated. The vehicle reversed and the back over prevention screen unexpectedly went blank. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Backup camera does not work 50% of the time. Ford has a recall #25SA9 that is about a year old. Ford not provided any guidelines on when they will address the matter.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was blank or black, and the image became permanently inverted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there would be a cost for the diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was 71,833.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle crashed into an object, causing a dent to the driver’s side rear bumper. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owned a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle ahead suddenly slammed on the brakes and was rear-ended by the contact's vehicle. The contact's forehead struck the steering wheel before the front driver's side air bag partially deployed, with smoke coming out of the air bag. The fire department responded to the scene, inspected the vehicle, and advised the contact to drive the vehicle. Upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the wrench warning light illuminated. The contact sustained a bruised and swollen forehead resulting in black eyes. The contact's daughter later transported the contact and her 10-month-old granddaughter, who was also occupying the rear seat of the vehicle during the crash, to the hospital. The contact was informed that she sustained a three-millimeter head bleed; however, the granddaughter did not sustain any injury. The contact underwent a CT scan and received IV pain medication. A Police report was filed. The insurance company advised the contact that the vehicle was deemed a total loss due to the partial air bag deployment, and the contact was advised to fill out the form for an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
See attached document for complaint
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-MAX. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the rear-view camera displayed a blinking screen with the message “Camera not Available. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Compare the 2015 Ford C-Max
Other model years
Questions about the 2015 Ford C-Max
Is the 2015 Ford C-Max reliable?
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2015 Ford C-Max, close to a typical C-Max model year.
What is the 2015 Ford C-Max year score?
The 2015 Ford C-Max scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford C-Max: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Ford C-Max?
Driver assistance and stability, with 11 complaints. Next is electrical (9).
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford C-Max have?
6 recalls, covering back over prevention, power train and latches/locks/linkages.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Ford C-Max driver assistance?
Yes, 1 recall: 25V695000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Ford C-Max get?
Official estimates for the 2015 Ford C-Max range from 38 to 39 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 41 city and 36 highway.
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