What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford C-MAX?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (4 complaints), followed by power train (3).

How many 2017 Ford C-MAX complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 15 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2017 Ford C-MAX recalls and problems

1 recall and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford C-MAX.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2017 Ford C-MAX recalls

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod · Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · reported June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company · 2,925,968 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
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 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other4
Power train3
Steering3
Vehicle speed control3
Wheels2
Electrical system1
Engine1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Visibility/wiper1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 22, 2026 · Unknown or other · fire reported
On 1/16/2026, while operating my 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid in the Bay Area, the vehicle displayed a low tire pressure warning. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid mechanical or electrical failure that required me to safely pull over and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, I observed smoke followed by open…

Aug 13, 2025 · Steering · 43,896 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The contact stated that the steering wheel had loosened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached steering wheel bolt. The…

Jul 26, 2024 · Power train · 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift as intended and made an abnormal humming sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact…

Jun 5, 2024 · Unknown or other
Swollen lugnuts

Apr 25, 2024 · Engine
Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.

C-MAX model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2014	8	80	6	4
2015	6	56	11	0
2016	3	24	2	1
2017	1	15	1	2
2018	1	10	2	0

Across all years, the 2013 C-MAX has the most complaints (187). All Ford C-MAX years →

Questions

Does the 2017 Ford C-MAX have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Ford C-MAX, the most recent reported on June 10, 2022 (Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod, Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford C-MAX?: Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (4 complaints), followed by power train (3).
How many 2017 Ford C-MAX complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 15 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 22, 2026.