2013 Ford C-MAX Technical Service Bulletins

88 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2013 Ford C-MAX. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 11029052Feb 24, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM).
• 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
• 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet…
• 10225458Oct 25, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park.
• 10218617Aug 3, 2022Equipment. Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with 8 inch or larger center display screen may be unable to complete modem authorization after 3G to 4G modem upgrade was performed. No Authorization Pop-up will be displayed on the center display…
• 10214758Jun 21, 2022Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC screens 8 inch or larger may be unable to complete modem authorization after 3G to 4G modem upgrade was performed. No Authorization Popup will be displayed on SYNC infotainment screen during…
• 10212957May 24, 2022Electrical system. Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an…
• 10211728May 4, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with HF35/HF45 hybrid transmissions can now be disassembled to repair and clean any contamination that may have been the result of a differential or transfer shaft bearing failure and the transmission can be overhauled/rebuilt. Service tools and service parts are now available. Refer to the Workshop…
• 10210730Apr 26, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position.
• 10209209Mar 21, 2022Seats, Equipment. This article supersedes TSB 21-2236 to update the models and year affected. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2022 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2022 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, 2018-2022 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2022 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021-2022 Bronco/Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E, 2022 Maverick vehicles may experience seat pan…
• 10203850Nov 4, 2021Other or unknown. Various 2012-2015 vehicles equipped with a 3G modem may experience a lack of 3G modem performance. This may be due to the 3G cellular service functionality being decommissioned starting August 2021 and through March 2022. As the 3G cellular service is decommissioned, vehicles equipped with the 3G telematics control unit (TCU) will lose MyFord Mobile and MyLincoln Mobile app functionality/connectivity. Repair or…
• 10199536Jul 22, 2021Seats. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct…
• 10194434May 18, 2021Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position.
• 10189767Mar 10, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and install the protective…
• 10177123Jun 30, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. Some 2013-2016 Fusion/MKZ/C-MAX vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park. This may be due to the differential side bearings and/or the transfer…
• 10176123May 29, 2020Electrical system. Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile applications. The cellular cloud systems will only allow two remote start requests from the MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way apps without a vehicle drive event occurring. If a third remote start request is received, a…
• 10175895May 18, 2020Seats, Body and structure. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure…
• 10171962Feb 28, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion Hybrid/MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0340 and/or P0344. This may occur due to excessive moisture build up in the engine oil. Excess moisture occurs when the vehicle is driven short distances and/or less than 6,000 combined miles per year. To correct the condition, replace the camshaft position sensor (CMP) and change the engine oil.
• 10170901Jan 10, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ and C-MAX vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park. This may be due to the differential side bearings and/or the…
• 10164508Aug 9, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found…
• 10164497Aug 7, 2019Electrical system. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable…
• 10162068Jun 28, 2019Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Some 2013-2017 C-Max/Fusion/MKZ Hybrid/Energi vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P1450, P0456, P0457, P04EE and/or P04EF. This may be due to the sealing capability of the canister purge valve. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to update the PCM software and replace the canister purge valve.
• 10160931May 10, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter…
• 10159489Apr 26, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S.
• 10156874Feb 6, 2019Engine, Electrical system. Some 2013-2019 Fusion/MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles with 2.0L HEV/PHEV engine may exhibit multiple drivability or electrical concerns with one or more diagnostic trouble codes, being the most common P26C3, P26CA, P26D0, P2800, P2802, U019F and U0284. On Fusion/MKZ inspect connectors C146, C1651, C1812, C168C, C1717 and C134 for signs of water entry or corrosion. On C-Max, inspect connectors C134, C140, C144…
• 10155562Feb 6, 2019Electrical system. Some 2013-2019 Fusion/MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles with 2.0L HEV/PHEV engine may exhibit multiple drivability or electrical concerns with one or more diagnostic trouble codes, being the most common P26C3, P26CA, P26D0, P2800, P2802, U019F and U0284. On Fusion/MKZ inspect connectors C146, C1651, C1812, C168C, C1717 and C134 for signs of water entry or corrosion. On C-Max, inspect connectors C134, C140, C144…
• 10153975Jan 24, 2019Fuel system. Some 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Fusion Energi, and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04B5. This may be due to inadvertent actuation of the fuel door release button by the customer when exiting the vehicle.
• 10153969Jan 17, 2019Equipment. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
• 10153931Dec 4, 2018Equipment, Seats. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10152468Nov 6, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. 2013  2018 C-Max, Fusion, and MKZ Hybrid vehicles using SOBDM-C module connectors do not require electrical/dielectric grease. If used it may induce module communication concerns. Codes present may be U0293 and a P0AA6. The Workshop Shop Manual (WSM) does not state to use it on these module connectors.
• 10148717Oct 31, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10149751Sep 18, 2018Electrical system. Some 2013-2017 Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P0C27 and/or P0C28. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10144217Jul 20, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2013-2018 Fusion Energi, 2012-2018 Focus Electric and 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi vehicles equipped with a TCU built on or before 11-Oct-2017 may exhibit a discharged battery, inoperative remote features via MyFord Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open…
• 10137113Mar 30, 2018Equipment. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems.
• 10137110Mar 29, 2018Electrical system. Some 2013-2017 Fusion Energi, 2012-2017 Focus Electric and 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi vehicles equipped with a TCU built on or before 11-Oct-2017 may exhibit a discharged battery, inoperative remote features via MyFord Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open…
• 10137097Mar 15, 2018Electrical system. Some 2012-2017 Focus BEV, 2013-2016 Fusion Energi And 2013-2017 CMAX Energi vehicles equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via My Ford Mobile app, discharged battery, incomplete user authorization and/or diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open TCU field service actions…
• 10137085Mar 5, 2018Electrical system. Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2018 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected to the Delphi 120 volt electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) charge cord. To identify a Delphi EVSE the coupler on the EVSE that connects to the vehicle charge port is solid black.
• 10137084Mar 5, 2018Electrical system. Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Fusion Energi, 2013-2018 C-MAX/Fusion Hybrid/MKZ Hybrid may exhibit a no start with battery energy control module (BECM) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0AE5. For 2015-2017 C-MAX Energi refer to the 2014 MY C-MAX Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-03A for normal diagnostics.
• 10136597Feb 14, 2018Equipment. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.
• 10140323Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access.
• 10138524Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access.
• 10127394Nov 3, 2017Body and structure. Some 2013-2018 Escape, Focus and C-Max vehicles may exhibit a water stained headliner after the vehicle has experienced a water leak from areas such as the roof opening panel, fixed glass, roof rails and roof ditch mouldings. Follow the procedure below to remove the water stains from the headliner after the water leak has been repaired. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10109026Apr 26, 2017Electrical system. Some 2013-2015 C-MAX vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC U1030 after module reprogramming is performed on the powertrain control module (PCM) and built on or before 21-May-2015. ID vehicle and open a new Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) vehicle session. Select Module Programming > As-built > battery energy control module (BECM). When IDS prompts to obtain module part numbers, select Yes.
• 10109025Apr 26, 2017Equipment. Some 2012-13 Focus and 2013 Escape/C-MAX vehicles may have the wrong part in the box for the BCM (base 14A068). The suspect service part number is GV6Z-14A068-G. The wrong part will have an engineering number of GV6T-14A073-GD and it will not work. The correct part will have engineering part number of GV6T-14A073-with a suffix of XA, XB, XC, or XF. Dealers should utilize the normal return process of a miss packaged…
• 10108994Apr 13, 2017Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2016 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving, but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in Park. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the…
• 10099079Mar 20, 2017Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2013 c-max vehicles may exhibit the inability to configure the abs module during the pmi process following an abs module or hydraulic control unit (hcu) replacement. This concern may be due to a powertrain control module (pcm) calibration which is not compatible with the new abs module. Reprogram pcm to the latest calibration using ids release 104.03 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when…
• 10100024Mar 14, 2017Equipment. Some 2013-2017 c-max/fusion energi and 2017 c-max/fusion/mkz hybrid vehicles may exhibit an illuminated mil with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p04b5. This may be due to inadvertent actuation of the fuel door release button by the customer when exiting the vehicle.
• 10095616Feb 17, 2017Electrical system. Some 2013-2016 c-max energi vehicles may exhibit an intermittent stall/no crank with a stop safely now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (ipc), illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (mil) with battery energy control module (becm) diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) u3012, p0b37 and/or secondary on-board diagnostic module-c (sobdm-c) p0a0a. Follow the service procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10095163Jan 11, 2017Electrical system. The ev range after fully charging a 2012-2016 focus electric, 2013-2016 c-max/fusion energi may vary after each charging event. The window sticker indicates 0-19 mile range for 2013-2016 cmax/fusion energi. Variation of ev range may not indicate a battery or charging concern. Ev range is similar to the dte display on gasoline vehicles, ev range will vary with driving/operating conditions.
• 10095154Jan 10, 2017Engine. To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop manual (wsm), section 303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure uv diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored…

← All problems reported for the 2013 Ford C-MAX