2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,252miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, 3% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,252 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Our leased Ford cmax was parked thurs nov 8th with all doors locked windows rolled completely up and remained un touched,un driven,keys not touched at all until several days later we came home in other vehicle sun late morning noonish to find that our leased Ford cmax hybrid had all 4 windows rolled completely down doors unlocked without being touched, driven,keys not touched either for 3 days prior.the 2 keys that came with it were in their normal storage place at our home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555010, filed 2013-12, 10,005 miles“The lift gate repeatedly continues to crash down on my shoulder and back after having to physically lift open the lift gate because the buttons or controls to opera lift gate would not work would not open without me lifting it when I completely opened it and went to lean in my leased Ford cmax the lift gate came down crashing onto on my back shoulder neck as I was leaning well into the rear hatchback area.this continues repeatedly having to physically open lift gate and then it crashes back down on me without touching any buttons or even trying to close it.I reported incident at time I took…”
NHTSA complaint #10555012, filed 2013-12, 8,500 miles“Car electronics will not shut off. Radio remains on continuously, even with keys removed and doors locked. No chimes to indicate if car is on/off. At other times, car navigation and electronic systems will fail. Failures and non-response can happen while in motion. Radio not turning off after engine off and parked.”
NHTSA complaint #11111467, filed 2018-07, 83,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid
49 complaintsEngine
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 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