2017 Ford C-Max Problems: 3 Known Issues
2017 model year · 175+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2017 Ford C-Max has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning ($150-$5,000 repair) and Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure ($300-$700 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning with 175 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
AIR BAGS
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford C-Max problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2017 Ford C-Max has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning, Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure, HF35 transaxle thumping, rubbing or grinding while moving. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford C-Max reliable?
The 2017 Ford C-Max has 3 known issues documented across 175+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning and Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford C-Max problems?
Repair costs for known Ford C-Max issues range from $150 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning, typically costs $150-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and "Stop Safely Now" Warning?
The C-Max hybrid battery pack (lithium-ion in both the Hybrid and the Energi) can exhibit cell imbalance and capacity degradation, triggering the "Stop Safely Now" warning message. This disables the hybrid system and forces the vehicle into a reduced-power limp mode. The Energi p… Repairs typically run $150-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford C-Max Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure?
The electric brake vacuum pump can fail, resulting in a hard brake pedal and reduced braking assist. This is critical in the hybrid system since the engine is frequently off and vacuum assist is electric. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford C-Max HF35 transaxle thumping, rubbing or grinding while moving?
Ford 22-2396 covers 2013–2018 C-Max vehicles with HF35 transaxles and moving thumping/rubbing/grinding noise, potentially including Neutral, but not stationary or Park. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.