Service bulletins for the 2018 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.
61 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| SSM 47502 | 2018-09-24. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017-2018 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max vehicles with 2.0L Gas/Electric engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P013A in the Powertrain Control Module(PCM). This may be due to an exhaust system leak. Exhaust leak inspection should be conducted before performing Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics PC/ED Manual diagnostic routines. Inspect for carbon soot/moisture witness marks at exhaust connections. Inspect welds including CMS Boss, flex pipe and flanges. Inspect Catalyst Monitor Sensor(CMS) threads and crush washer to confirm sensor is fully seated in pipe boss. Do not use Vacutec smoke machine to diagnose sensor leaks. Applying soapy water solution to exhaust connections including CMS threads, while exhaust flow is restricted at the tailpipe and exhaust system is pressurized at 5 PSI(do not exceed 5 PSI), will increase ability to identify and confirm leaks |
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| SSM 47444 | 2018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. After Installation, complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 47380 | 2018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 47379 | 2018-07-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual. |
| SSM 47009 | 2018-06-11. 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 47009 | 2018-05-29. 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 47201 | 2018-05-21. 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 47170 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 47129 | 2018-05-21. 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 47090 | 2018-05-14. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE. Some 2017-2018 Energi and Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a fuel door opening delay longer than 15 sec or unable to open condition without refueling system or fuel door related DTCs. This condition may be due to the high pressure fuel tank pressure transducer (HPFTPT) functionality. Check the HPFTPT after opening the fuel door by releasing the mechanical lever located in the trunk. Install supplemental refueling adaptor in the vehicle to open the capless fuel tank filler pipe. During key on engine off (KOEO) condition check if the fuel tank pressure transducer (FTPT) voltage is between 1.4 1.54 V at atmospheric pressure in the tank. If the voltage is within the range, FTPT is functioning as intended. Check the fuel vapor vent valve (FVVV), also called refueling valve, integrity by following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-00. |
| 17-2218 | 2018-01-29. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.