2018 Ford C-Max: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I recently rear ended a car and the front of the vechical was damaged. The air bag censor was destroyed, however the airbags did not come out. This was on a 2018 Ford c-max. Many people pointed out this malfunction and how my life was put at risk.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a red light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2023
“Steering locks to the point that it can't turn. Happened while driving. Unknown cause. Warning light came on for driver to park. Issue unresolved and can no longer drive car.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2023
Show 2 more owner reports
“2018 titanium ford c-max with rattling/clunking noise emanating from vehicle undercarriage. Vehicle purchased new now has failing strut braces (which also failed on our new 2017 c-max). Braces are failing approximately every 10,000 miles amongst our two vehicles.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2019
“Steering at highway speeds is unsafe as vehicle wanders within lane purportedly due to electric-assist power steering. Speeds above 40mph, vehicle requires excessive steering input to stay within lane.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact C-Max by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Ford C-Max reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Ford C-Max. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2018 Ford C-Max have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.