WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2013 Ford C-max

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

127 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 478502019-05-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. 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. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in the Technician Comments field. Refer to the Rotunda catalog for a video and user manual which provide detailed operating instructions.
SSM 477902019-04-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. 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, C1651, C1717 and C1812 and service as necessary. NOTE: Connector C1717 is only equipped on PHEVs for both Fusion and C-Max.
SSM 477902019-04-01. Service bulletin. 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, C1651, C1717 and C1812 and service as necessary. NOTE: Connector C1717 is only equipped on PHEVs for both Fusion and C-Max.
SSM 477652019-03-04. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 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. If the fuel filler door is not fully closed after a refueling event or the fuel filler door is open from erroneously pressing the fuel door release button, a message displays during the third drive cycle to indicate the fuel filler door is not closed and the DTC sets. Before performing Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis, consult the customer about the potential for accidental fuel door actuation and explain the need to fully latch the fuel door after every refueling event. Malfunction Indicator Lamp will turn off after (3) drive cycles with fuel filler door closed.
SSM 477492019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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.
TSB 18-23732019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2019 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected to the second Generation 120-volt electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) charge cord. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
TSB 18-23612019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; 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.
SSM 476492019-01-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
TSB 18-22822018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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.
TSB 18-23282018-11-19. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 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.
SSM 474282018-09-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. 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 TCU field service actions (FSAs). If U0198 DTC still remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Reprogram the TCU using IDS or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 110.03 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual
tsb18-22162018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT. 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 second Generation 120-volt electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) charge cord. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 473472018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2013-2017 C-Max PHEV may exhibit diagnostic code P2183 and may have the coolant hoses that attach to the lower bulkhead connections incorrectly installed. The two hoses share the same female connectors and mate to matching male tube ends. There are two primary methods for telling which hose is which. The hoses have a marking on the upper surface (when installed) for either inboard (IB) or outboard (OB) orientation. The other method is to observe the braided protective sleeves that are installed on the hoses. The longer, nylon sleeve is on the inboard hose and should be attached to the tube that is closest to the driver's side. The shorter, fabric sleeve in on the outboard hose and should be installed to the tube that is closer to the passenger's side.
SSM 470092018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. 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. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
SSM 470092018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
SSM 472012018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
SSM 471982018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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 TCU field service actions (FSAs). If U0198 DTC still remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Reprogram the TCU using IDS or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 108.05 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual
SSM 471612018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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 (FSAs). If DTC U0198 remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall prior to programming. Perform IDS Network Test and reprogram the TCU using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) release 108.05 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 471302018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. 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. For information on the Delphi EVSE indicator status used for diagnostics, reference High Voltage Battery > Charging the High Voltage Battery in the Owners Guide for a 2018 Fusion Energi. Reference the Convenience Cord Light Emitting Diode (LED) Indicators chart. The Workshop Manual (WSM) is scheduled to be revised at a later date.
SSM 471292018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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. For all vehicles, if WSM pinpoint testing for BECM DTC P0AE5 finds the DC/DC converter control module (14B227), cabin coolant heater (18K463) or A/C compressor (19703) has low high voltage circuit internal resistance, only replace the component found with low internal resistance. It is not necessary to replace the high voltage battery junction (10C666) along with the low resistance high voltage component. The WSM is currently under revision.
SSM 470802018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 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.
17-22182018-01-29. Service bulletin. 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.
SSM 461022017-08-01. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR; SEAT BELTS. Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. The Workshop Manual, Section 501-20A General Procedures has been updated with a locked seatbelt retractor releasing procedure.
SSM 460982017-08-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. 2013-2017 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max Hybrid and Energi vehicles equipped with HF35 eCVT transaxles may have literature published that lists either a 2.56 or 2.57 axle ratio. For service and parts ordering purposes, both are the same. The difference in the displayed ratio originates from rounding differences between systems which results in the discrepancy.
SSM 460852017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.