2016 Ford C-max: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Ford C-max: 3 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 39 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #17V052000 · 2017 · 17 vehicles
What's wrong: The floor pan May have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V695000 · 2025 · 1,448,655 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera May display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Backup camera (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 2016 Ford C-max has 22 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 6 C-max model years for complaints (well below the 62 average). Complaints peaked in 2021 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 32,480 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (55 complaints, 6 recalls), 2017 (15 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 36 | 39 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Ford C-max.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Ford C-max have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Ford C-max. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Ford C-max problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (5), backup camera (5), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford C-max get?
EPA ratings run up to 39 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Ford C-max repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.