Home · 2017 Ford Cmax Energi · Complaints

What 22 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Cmax Energi

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (22)Crash / fire / injury (3)Speed control (4)Electrical system (3)Steering (3)Transmission & drivetrain (3)Wheels (3)Fuel system (2)Body & structure (1)Engine (1)Hybrid Propulsion System (1)Tires (1)

2 of 22 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

Dec 22, 2022Fuel systemSpeed control

The vehicle accelerate on its own accord, despite no foot or pressure to the accelerator, even going uphill and including after braking. For example, ona flat road, I stepped on the brakes and began to decelerate, I released the brake and the vehicle immediately began to accelerate forward at a high speed. I had to slam the brakes to prevent further movement. This is one of many instances, the most common of which is acceleration upwards of 10-15mph after the accelerator is released. It appears as if the accelerator remains pressed forward, I can feel the accelerator move back into place significantly later than when I remove my foot. I fear for my life and safety, and that of others. The vehicle is available upon request. I have not gone to a dealer or service center. The vehicle has not been inspected, but I have read similar reports online. There were no warning lamps or messages, but the issues began October 2022, and have increased in frequency since.

NHTSA ODI 11498618

Jun 10, 2019Fuel system

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD/INTERSTATE. THIS IS A VEHICLE WITH A PLUG-IN BATTERY PROPULSIVE SYSTEM. HAS HAPPENED 4X THIS YEAR. TWICE ON I-96 IN MICHIGAN THIS PAST WEEKEND AND 2X LOCALLY. HAPPENED WHEN SWITCHING FROM DRIVE MODE "AUTO" ON THE DASH TO "EV LATER". GET ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND THE DREADED STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING. MAY BE RELATED TO WIRE TO HYBRID BATTERY PACK AND/OR HEAT OF BATTERY PACK.

NHTSA ODI 11219149

Working with the data? Download all 22 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ford Cmax Energi verdict →