DecodedCars2016 Ford C-MAX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 39 MPG combined — 84% better than the average 2016 large car (21.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 84% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 C-MAX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 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 | +84% | $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 | +45% | $1,750 | 129 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Ford C-MAX.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford C-MAX (this car) | 39 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Structure › Body · Jan 24, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V052000 · 17 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2016 Ford C-MAX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Ford C-MAX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Back Over Prevention — 6 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,500 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 6 | 72 |
| 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 →