ProblemsByVin File / 2013-FORD-C-MAX NHTSA data synced 1 day ago

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2013 Ford C-Max problems

The 2013 Ford C-Max has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 1 owner complaint in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2013 Ford C-Max has 1 NHTSA owner complaint and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Ford C-Max owner complaints by model year
Model year	Owner complaints	Recalls
2013 C-Max (this page)	1	1
2015 C-Max	0	1
2016 C-Max	7	0

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 1 complaint on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2013 C-Max?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 1 NHTSA complaint on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2013 C-Max's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V475000 October 17, 2013

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System

Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Ford C-Max reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 1 owner complaint has been filed for the 2013 Ford C-Max, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2013 Ford C-Max?

Only 1 NHTSA complaint on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2013 Ford C-Max without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford C-Max?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2013 Ford C-Max to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2013 Ford C-Max a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 1 owner complaint has been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford C-Max?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Ford C-Max has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Ford C-Max?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 1 complaint on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/C-Max. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.