What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford C-MAX?

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).

How many 2018 Ford C-MAX complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 10 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Ford C-MAX recalls and problems

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 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.

2018 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.

Air bags2
Electrical system2
Steering2
Fuel/propulsion system1
Power train1
Seat belts1
Suspension1
Unknown or other1
Visibility/wiper1

What owners report

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

Nov 6, 2023 · Air bags · crash reported
I recently rear ended a car and the front of the vechical was damaged. The air bag censor was destroyed, however the airbags did not come out. This was on a 2018 Ford c-max. Many people pointed out this malfunction and how my life was put at risk.

Sep 19, 2023 · Air bags · crash reported
I totalled my car. The steering wheel airbag failed to inflate

Aug 18, 2023 · Power train
The contact owns a 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a red light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular failure. No…

Mar 6, 2023 · Electrical system
Steering locks to the point that it can't turn. Happened while driving. Unknown cause. Warning light came on for driver to park. Issue unresolved and can no longer drive car.

Sep 14, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system
Recently, there has been a whiff of gasoline around my garage but there is more than one vehicle in there so I didn't figure out what the culprit was for a while. After completely filling up my car 9/3/2022, I parked it in the attached garage and in minutes my whole house smelled like gasoline. So I immediately parked…

C-MAX model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
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 2018 Ford C-MAX have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 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 2018 Ford C-MAX?: Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).
How many 2018 Ford C-MAX complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 10 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 6, 2023.