2016 FORD C-MAX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

40

Owner Complaints

4 Crashes 1 Fire

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2016 FORD C-MAX

The 2016 FORD C-MAX has received a total of 40 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 13 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (8 complaints), Unknown Or Other (5 complaints), and Power Train (4 complaints).

Recalls for the 2016 FORD C-MAX

NHTSA has recorded 13 recalls for the 2016 FORD C-MAX, potentially affecting up to 20,338,503 vehicles.

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

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Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

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Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

View full details →

Recall 25V695000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

| 1,448,655 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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)...

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Recall 22V413000 — POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

| 2,925,968 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

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...

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Recall 22V413000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

| 2,925,968 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

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...

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Recall 17V052000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 17 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2016 FORD C-MAX

40 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 FORD C-MAX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11718757 | BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA | | N/A miles
See attached document for complaint. RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 25V695 To whom it may concern, In August 2025 we took our 2016 CMAX into the Ford Dealer we purchased it from to have the check out the back-up camera that was not working and have a service done. They charges us $225.00 to check it out and then wanted to service it for several hundred dollars more. There was no mention at that time about a recall, and after re-reading the bulletin you sent out, that did not come until October. The online status was that any repairs were not to begin until June 2026. Both of us are seniors and being concerned of the safety issues with the camera, we looked for the best price to repair/replace the camera and found a company, G&O Body in Placerville that did the repair for $618.25 In November.. So, at this point, we are out of pocket $843.25 to fix an issue that was put under free repair thru the recall. I would like to know how to apply for reimbursement for this camera replacement cost.
#11643456 | ENGINE | | 44,530 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while coming to a stop in a parking lot attempting to obtain mail from a mailbox; the vehicle independently accelerated and it was unknown what gear the vehicle was stationed in. In addition, it was unknown if the brake pedal was depressed or the gear the vehicle was in at the time of the failure. The vehicle had struck and knocked 3 mailboxes down and crashed into the front passenger side corner panel of a Mail Van coming to a stop as it was revving. The vehicle traveled 26 feet from its original stationed position. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. Both front wheels were severely bent outwards after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The mail delivery employee sought medical attention for cuts and bruises. The contact did not seek medical attention or sustained any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by AAA where it was later taken by the insurance provider for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,530.
#11634947 | POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | | 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced 3 years prior. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.
#11556335 | BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | | N/A miles
The backup camera doesn't regularly function, ranging from 15% to 75% of the time. A tire man with prior experience in a Ford dealership recommended checking for an electronics update to the system. There may be a worsening functionality when the weather is wet, but that's not a clear correlation.
#11556335 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | N/A miles
The backup camera doesn't regularly function, ranging from 15% to 75% of the time. A tire man with prior experience in a Ford dealership recommended checking for an electronics update to the system. There may be a worsening functionality when the weather is wet, but that's not a clear correlation.

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Safety Rating for the 2016 FORD C-MAX

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2016 FORD C-MAX in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 FORD C-MAX

Ford Motor Company has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 FORD C-MAX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

SSM 46368 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

SOME 2016 C-MAX ENERGI/FOCUS ELECTRIC AND 2016-2017 FUSION ENERGI VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10-JUL-2016, MAY EXHIBIT A 12-VOLT AND/OR HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY WITH A LOW STATE OF CHARGE AND/OR AN INTERMITTENT BATTERY DRAW. REPROGRAM THE TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) TO THE LATEST LEVEL USING IDS RELEASE 104.01 OR HIGHER....

SSM 46355 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR

MULTIPLE 2014-2016 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6F35 TRANSMISSION AND BUILT ON 1-JAN-2014 AND THROUGH 31-DEC-2015 MAY EXHIBIT HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT AND HARSH/DELAYED 3RD AND 5TH GEAR UP/DOWN SHIFTS WITH NO DTCS PRESENT. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A MECHANICALLY BINDING SHIFT SOLENOID B (SSB). VERIFY HARSH REVERSE AND 3RD AND 5TH...

SSM 46164 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SOME 2016 C-MAX BUILT ON 1-MAY-2016 AND THROUGH 6-SEP-2016, MAY EXHIBIT A FALSE ACTIVATION OF THE ALARM SYSTEM. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A CHANGE IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SOFTWARE. REPROGRAM THE BCM TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING IDS RELEASE 102.05 OR HIGHER. MAKE SURE YOU ARE CONNECTED...

SSM 46108 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

SOME 2013-2016 C-MAX PHEV VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT STALL/NO CRANK WITH A STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) WITH BATTERY ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BECM) DTCS U3012,P0B37, AND/OR SECONDARY ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC MODULE C(SOBDMC) P0A0A. INSPECT LOW VOLTAGE INTERLOCK CIRCUITS, CYB03 AND CYB04 FOR AN INTERMITTENT...

SSM 46098 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

2013-2017 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max Hybrid and Energi vehicles equipped with HF35 eCVT transaxles may have literature published that lists either a 2.56 or 2.57 axle ratio. For service and parts ordering purposes, both are the same. The difference in the displayed ratio originates from rounding differences between systems which...

16B35-S1 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Certain 2016-2017 Model Year C-MAX and Fusion Energi Vehicles - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

16B35 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

CERTAIN 2016-2017 MODEL YEAR C-MAX AND FUSION ENERGI VEHICLES - REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

TSB16-0100 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOME 2017 FUSION PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV) BUILT ON 5/9/2016 AND THROUGH 6/14/2016 AND 2016 C-MAX PHEV VEHICLES BUILT ON 4/27/2016 AND THROUGH 6/14/2016 MAY EXHIBIT A NO-START CONDITION, ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0AA4. REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO THE LATEST...

SSM 45917 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOME 2016-2017 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MAY EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS; THE GPS NOT TRACKING THE VEHICLE POSITION CORRECTLY, THE VEHICLE LOCATION ARROW ICON SPINNING IN CIRCLES ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OR A SPINNING COMPASS ON NON-NAVIGATION VEHICLES. PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE TO RESOLVE. ENTER BEZEL DIAGNOSTICS PER WORK...

SSM 45918 — EQUIPMENT

SOME 2016-2017 FORD/LINCOLN VEHICLES WITH SYNC 3 MAY SEE A NAVIGATION FAULT MESSAGE APPEAR ON THE MAP ON THE HOME SCREEN OR A SYSTEM LOCK UP WHEN THE PHONE IS CONNECTED. APPLINK MAYBE INOPERATIVE, OR THE SYSTEM MAY PERFORM RANDOM REBOOTS DURING AN IGNITION CYCLE WITH THE PHONE CONNECTED. DETERMINE...

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 FORD C-MAX

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD C-MAX

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Other FORD Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report