NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 Ford C-Max Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2015 Ford C-Max has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 54 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 Ford C-Max, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 Ford C-Max owner complaints

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Ford C-Max, describing incidents dated October 16, 2015 to October 14, 2026.

Most-cited components

Back Over Prevention 9 complaints
Power Train 9 complaints
Unknown or Other 8 complaints
Electrical System 7 complaints
Air Bags 6 complaints
Steering 6 complaints

Of the 54 complaints on file, 11 report a crash; across all 54 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11773250 · Filed October 23, 2026
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…
ODI #11771917 · Filed October 18, 2026
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.
ODI #11769637 · Filed October 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…

Read all 54 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2015 Ford C-Max in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ19-005: Door Latch Failures
Closed February 7, 2022
- Recall 20V-177
- Recall 20V-331
Preliminary Evaluation PE16-001: Door Latch Failure
Closed October 29, 2016
- Recall 16V-643

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

NHTSA #25V695000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,448,655 vehicles

Repair completion: 1.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25SA9 · Owners notified January 2, 2026 · Vehicles built starting April 22, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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 NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #22V413000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,925,968 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S43 · Owners notified October 27, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Doors May Open While Driving

NHTSA #20V331000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported June 8, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,147,323 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S30 · Owners notified July 27, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Charge Cord May Overheat Causing Fire

NHTSA #18V592000 · Equipment — Electrical · NHTSA notice

Reported September 10, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 49,197 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S24 · Owners notified January 18, 2019 · Vehicles built April 13, 2012 – March 14, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

NHTSA #16V643000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported September 6, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,046,297 vehicles

Repair completion: 61.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16S30 · Owners notified January 27, 2017 · Vehicles built January 19, 2012 – January 31, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Engine may Continue to Run/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #15V436000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported July 8, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 374,781 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15C06 · Owners notified July 27, 2015 · Vehicles built April 22, 2014 – June 12, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

2015 Ford CMAX Hybrid 5 HB FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

14% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

54 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford C-Max.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11773250

Incident: July 15, 2024 · Filed: October 23, 2026

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 NHTSA 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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11771917

Incident: October 14, 2026 · Filed: October 18, 2026

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.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11769637

Incident: October 18, 2025 · Filed: October 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11768556

Crash

Incident: December 15, 2025 · Filed: October 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

Air Bags

ODI #11768465

Crash 1 injury

Incident: September 14, 2026 · Filed: October 2, 2026

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.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11758445

Incident: June 19, 2026 · Filed: August 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11758430

Incident: May 28, 2026 · Filed: August 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11756502

Incident: October 15, 2025 · Filed: August 12, 2026

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 NHTSA 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.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11755222

Incident: October 13, 2025 · Filed: August 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford C-Max. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11674198

Incident: July 17, 2025 · Filed: July 17, 2025

There has been no accident yet but this is a safety hazard. My vehicle is under 100,000 miles and the part should be replaced by the dealership. The rear cross traffic assistance sensor may be damaged. It just stopped working this week.

Other Ford C-Max model years

Check your 2015 Ford C-Max VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford C-Max at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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