DecodedCarsFord C-MAX
6 model years from 2013 to 2018, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2013–2018
- Class
- Large Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Best MPG
- 39–40 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2013 (220)
- Fewest problems
- 2018
- Interest
- 4,982 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2018 C-MAX in brief
The 2018 Ford C-MAX is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,858 lb (Energi 4dr Hatchback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 38 highway), 73% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
The Ford C-MAX has 6 model years in our data, from 2013 to 2018.
Its most efficient year was 2018 at 40 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 39 to 40 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (126), power train (80), steering (78).
Buying used? 2018 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2015 is the year to avoid.
2014 has the most recalls (8); all years together count 12 campaigns and 488 owner complaints.
How the 2013 C-MAX compares
The 2013 Ford C-MAX is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,858 lb (Energi 4dr Hatchback).
About the Ford C-MAX
The Ford C-Max is a car produced by the Ford Motor Company from 2003 to 2019. It has a five-door compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) design. The Ford Grand C-Max has a longer wheelbase.
From the Wikipedia article "Ford C-Max", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2018 C-MAX pros & cons
Full 2018 details →What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 73% better than the average 2018 large car (23.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2018 C-MAX
10 owner complaints · 1 recall · 2 crash reports
Year to avoid2015 C-MAX
71 owner complaints · 6 recalls · 13 crash reports
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 4 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
C-MAX changes by model year
- 2018
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 6 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 40 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 40 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 39 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 3 | 56 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 39 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 6 | 71 |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 39 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 8 | 106 |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 40 MPG | 174 in | 3,858 lb | Not rated | 8 | 220 |
Alternatives to the 2018 C-MAX
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →