1FADP5BUXDL5382872013 FORD C-MaxSEL
2013 FORD C-Max was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 8 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 1 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2013 FORD C-Max
2013 FORD C-Max was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 8 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 1 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 8 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fire/ignition recall)
- High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
1 owner complaints filed — top areas: Suspension/Wheels (100%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- C-Max
- Year
- 2013
- Trim / Series
- SEL
- Body Style
- Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.0L 141 hp
- Doors
- 5
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- WAYNE, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
- Electrification
- Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: WAYNE, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ▸Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Body/Structure
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EV battery thermal management coolant degrades over time. A failing cooling system accelerates battery degradation and can cause thermal events. Service per manufacturer schedule.
Electric drive units use gear oil that degrades with age. Neglected fluid causes bearing wear in the reduction gear. Replacement is typically $50–$150.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
8 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 8 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 8 recalls is ~72%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.Read full details...
~11% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.Read full details...
~11% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
1 complaints analyzed across 1 system categories
Owner Complaints
1 safety complaint filed with NHTSA
THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS TAKING A TRIP OF ABOUT 65 MILES TO MY MOTHERS HOME. I STOPPED AND CHECKED THE TIRES AND HAD TO PUT AIR IN THE TWO TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE LIGHT DID NOT GO OUT; BUT I THOUGHT THAT MIGHT BE BECAUSE I DID NOT TURN THE CAR OFF SO I CONTINUED THE LAST 3 MILES OF MY TRIP. I PARKED THE CAR AT MY MOTHERS AND VISITED FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE, I WALKED AROUND THE CAR AND CHECKED THE TIRES AGAIN. I DID NOT NOTE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES OR THEM BEING LOW; BUT THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I CONTINUED ON HOME WITH THE INTENTION OF TAKING THE CAR BACK TO MY DEALERSHIP. ABOUT A THIRD OF WAY HOME I HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLOW OUT. THERE IS A WHOLE IN THE OUTSIDE TIRE WALL, AND THE INSIDE TIRE WALL SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $43,114 (~$719/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. Hybrid powertrain reduces fuel costs via regenerative braking.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2013 FORD C-Max — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FADP5BUXDL538287. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FADP5BUXDL538287 |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | C-Max |
| Trim | SEL |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower | 141 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | WAYNE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FA |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | X |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | D |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | L |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 538287 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 8 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 1 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 1:38:14 AM.