DecodedCars2018 Ford C-MAX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Energi 4dr Hatchback, Hybrid 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 42 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 174 in
- Curb weight
- 3,607–3,858 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 73% better than the average 2018 large car (23.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Ford C-MAX is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,858 lb (Energi 4dr Hatchback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 38 highway), 73% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2018
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 C-MAX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energi 4dr Hatchback | 174 in | 72 in | 63.8 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,858 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr Hatchback | 174 in | 72 in | 63.8 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,607 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-MAX Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 / 38 / 40 | +73% | $1,700 | 222 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Ford C-MAX.
Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford C-MAX (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2018 Ford C-MAX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Ford C-MAX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford C-MAX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C-MAX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 C-MAX | 40 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2016 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 3 | 56 |
| 2015 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 6 | 71 |
| 2014 C-MAX | 39 | 174 in | Not rated | 8 | 106 |
| 2013 C-MAX | 40 | 174 in | Not rated | 8 | 220 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →