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Electrical systemPart report

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Electrical system Problems

Complaints
49about this part
Share
41%of 120 total for the year
Median mileage
11,900miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, 41% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,900 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My car has been completely electrically dead approximately 4 times. When it is fixed it eventually happens again. I have to use the key in the key fob to open the car and when I push the start button it doesn't start. The batteries in the key fob are not dead. It is very worrisome to not know if my car will start. This happens in a parked and turned off situation.”

NHTSA complaint #11234034, filed 2019-07, 40,000 miles

“I have a new cmax energi with navigation. The back up camera goes on when I go into reverse, but it sometimes does not shut off, so I have this distracting screen showing me what is behind me while I am driving forward. Sometimes it changes to the correct screen immediately, but other times it can take up to 2 minutes. I have reset the system, but it did not help.”

NHTSA complaint #10499972, filed 2013-02, 400 miles

“The second day was the 1st time my car died. I took to the dealer and supposedly they replaced battery. My car died 5 times again after. Last friday 01/10/14 took car for 3 recalls one was for the battery. Today 01/16/14 at 04:10am my car died again. This is very inconvenient when my time is very limited.”

NHTSA complaint #10560185, filed 2014-01, 15 miles

“2013 Ford cmax hybrid. This car has had 2 batteries already. The car went dead again after battery was replaced 10 months ago. Called the parts department to see if I could get a replacement. Clerk said it maybe the alternator. This car does not have an alternator. Ford personnel are not knowledgeable on this car. Does not give me any confidence that Ford will fix this problem. It's frustrating to drive this car and not know if it will start. Ford needs to fix this problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10863905, filed 2016-05, 70,000 miles

“After driving for about 30 miles at night, I get a burning smell in the interior of the car. I have had people stop me to tell me that my rear tail lights are out. This has happened only twice but I rarely drive at night. I was on the freeway the last time and some people followed me to tell me that they could barely see me. I have a black car and license plate. The car is our of warranty and I don't know if my extended warrant will cove it. I am terrified to drive it at night now.”

NHTSA complaint #10919130, filed 2016-10, 30 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201516%
20134941%

Other parts of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid

Engine
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology