The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while while driving at various speeds, and while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Ford C-Max transmission failure problems
15 of the 375 owner complaints about the Ford C-Max describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 15
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 70,000
By model year
- 20171
- 20151
- 20144
- 20139
Often reported together
What owners say
When I first drive it with battery-only mode (about 15 miles), it is quiet. When the engine kicks in, there is a loud whining noise when driving it on the streets or on highways and even on idle. I took it to Ford dealership they said it is the transmission and they can not repair just some parts of it, so it needs a brand new transmission to the tune of $8000. At only 110k miles, I could not drive it past 15 miles of battery range.
Transmission failed at 80,000 miles, replaced at ford dealership, failed again at 105,000 miles, just 2 years after replacement.
A low rumbling noise seemingly situated at the right front (passenger) tire started with no warning approximately two months prior; no warning lights came on, the car did not change its driving--only a low rumbling noise which increased in revolutions with acceleration and quietened with braking and when in neutral--emerged. I subsequently took the car to a local mechanic to evaluate if the brakes were failing but in his diagnosis, he thought the likely cause to be internal to the transmission--a finding now confirmed by two other mechanics, including the Ford dealership. However, in researching this issue, a Technical Service Bulletin (20-2219) outlining this known issue with the transmission of the 2013-2016 Ford C-max built before August 2015 (mine was built in April 2015) popped up, issued June 2020. My car is now marginally outside of warranty at 112,000 miles but this known issue is one that makes the car a danger to drive-both to myself and other drivers on the road-as no warning has come on, the sound is deceptively benign and yet if the transmission fails while on a highway or other fast-paced motorway, there could be a significant accident that ensues. Given that Ford is aware of this fault in their transmission builds with no prior warning to owners of these cars, this puts road safety of the C-max driver/passengers and others concurrently on the road at significant risk. I am baffled as to why this issue has not been recalled given its severity and the risk of it occurring just outside of warranty when costs to replace the transmission are exorbitant.
2014 ford c-max. Consumer writes in regard to several defects on vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle has several defects are as follows: 1.-)updating the PCM software and the replace the canister purge valve. 2.-)transmission failures when changing gears. 3.-) information failures from the computer about the engine oil change indicating the oil change wasn't made. 4.- )rear door lock failures.
This Vehicle has given us numerous numerous issues and left us stranded it has been a safety issue for my family we recently had to have law enforcement involved to try to save us from where we got stranded due to the unreliability of this vehicle and after already having a transmission replacement and having the car right now in the shop for approaching one month and they still cannot find the issue There has been one problem after another forward keeps giving me the run around when I contact them directly and the dealership Is just giving me extremely generic responses and telling me that their staff is not available this week and that they have many other customers to have to worry about and that I basically can go rent a car if I have a problem with not having a vehicle, I do not want to continue to have to risk my life or the life of my wife or children because of the lack of ownership from the dealership and the manufacturer in this situation I keep losing out and being told to just wait and wait, please help! There is a current safety recall also, butbi feel like this entire vehicle is a safety concern at this point for my family and myself.
Transmission failed at approximately 126,000 miles putting the car in to fail safe mode on the highway
The vehicle started making a rhythmic noise that accelerated with and increase in speed. There was also a noticeable vibration in the steering above 45 MPH. An independent mechanic replaced a bearing that did not fix the issue. I was then informed the transmission need replaced. The vehicle is not safe to drive. There are dozens of cases of transmission failures on 2013 c-max vehicles. Ford needs to fix these transmissions with known issues.
Transmission failure and no parts available. I heard what I thought was another wheel bearing noise which happened a month ago and was repaired. This time it turned out to be transmission is bad. Still owe 4100.00 to ford on 6 year loan. Car purchases 3/2014 new. They can't fix it due to no parts available as noted on this repair bill. (quoted 8100.00 if they could get the parts)
Transmission failed at 99k. Ford sent a letter a few months before I purchased car from owner. I was never notified of problem fix is $8100.00 car isn't worth that. Car was maintained perfectly by both owners.
Related recalls
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
Questions about the Ford C-Max transmission failure
Which Ford C-Max years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (9 complaints), 2014 (4 complaints) and 2015 (1 complaints).
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