2017 Ford C-MAX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
38,448 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 15 complaints (26.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 20.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 20.0% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 13.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 4; Power Train: 3; Steering: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 3; 2024: 5; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11318715 · 2020-03-19 (March 19, 2020)
THE CAR WAS IN ACCELERATION MODE AT EVERY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AT STOP SIGNS, ALWAYS EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS. I CONTINUALLY BRAKED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. TIRES SQUEALED WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AT STOP SIGNS. THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I DIDN'T DARE DRIVE INTO THE GARAGE; THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE KITCHEN. WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK, ENGINE STILL REVVED.
Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11318715 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11479223 · 2022-08-14 (August 14, 2022)
Ford Dealer Service recommends I replace lug nuts. I have 35th miles. That they are expanding and Ford cannot assure they or other repair shops will be able to remove lug nuts for repairs or replacements such as brakes, tires, etc. I read many complaints online about this problem, that the lug nut can break causing other lug nuts to break under pressure, that cause tire to fall off. They do not replace under warranty and do not discount parts. I call upon NHTSA to have Ford recall these affected cars for replacement lug nuts. Thank you
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11479223 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11131163 · 2018-09-25 (September 25, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD C-MAX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN FELT LOOSE AS IF IT WERE NOT ATTACHED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOKAN FORD (2 FRANKLIN PARK W #1, ST ALBANS CITY, VT), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,100.
Owner-reported narrative. 13,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11131163 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11567542 · 2024-01-24 (January 24, 2024)
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle in cold temperatures, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that the steering wheel operated as needed after the vehicle had warmed up. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that he used his physical strength to steer the steering wheel, and he drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated that the fail…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11567542 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11051973 · 2017-11-10 (November 10, 2017)
THE PARK ASSIST FAILED WHEN THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE IN A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE. THE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM APPEARED TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY UNTIL DURING THE VEHICLE'S IT'S INITIAL BACKUP MANEUVER WHEN IT BACKED MY VEHICLE INTO A PARKED PICKUP TRUCK IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO PAINT DAMAGE ON MY VEHICLE'S BUMPER WITH DO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN THE ADJACENT PARKING STALL. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN BRANDON FLORIDA HAS TESTED THE SYSTEM AND REPORTED THAT THE SYSTEM I…
Owner-reported narrative. 10,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11051973 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11490331 · 2022-10-21 (October 21, 2022)
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH, the vehicle started to stall and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that gasoline was leaking onto the wires and spark plugs. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11490331 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11604691 · 2024-07-26 (July 26, 2024)
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;…
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11604691 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11712723 · 2026-01-22 (January 22, 2026)
On 1/16/2026, while operating my 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid in the Bay Area, the vehicle displayed a low tire pressure warning. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid mechanical or electrical failure that required me to safely pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, I observed smoke followed by open flames originating from the vehicle. Emergency services were contacted immediately, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle sustained catastrophic damage and was declared a total loss. The vehicle was …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11712723 at NHTSA ↗