DecodedCars2015 Ford C-MAX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Energi 4dr Hatchback, Hybrid 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 39 combined · 41 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 174 in
- Curb weight
- 3,607–3,858 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 39 MPG combined — 87% better than the average 2015 large car (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 39 MPG combined (41 city / 36 highway), 87% better than the 2015 large car average of 20.9 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 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the back over prevention.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 C-MAX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 C-MAX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energi 4dr Hatchback | 174 in | 72 in | 63.8 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,858 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr Hatchback | 174 in | 72 in | 63.8 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,607 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-MAX Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 / 36 / 39 | +87% | $1,700 | 230 |
| C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 / 36 / 38 | +48% | $1,750 | 129 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2015 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Ford C-MAX.
Similar 2015 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford C-MAX (this car) | 39 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
Recalls (6)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 10, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V592000 · 49,197 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 8, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V436000 · 374,781 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2015 Ford C-MAX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
72Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Ford C-MAX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Back Over Prevention — 13 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 9 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Ford C-MAX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C-MAX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 C-MAX | 40 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2017 C-MAX | 40 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2016 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 3 | 56 |
| 2014 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 8 | 106 |
| 2013 C-MAX | 40 | 174 in | Not rated | 8 | 220 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →