2013 C-Max Transmission Failure

Bought a 2013 C-Max in Nov 2012. 130K on the odo now. The car (transmission) has been making a horrible whining noise associated with generator charging the pack. Took it to the dealer, they say the transmission needs to be replaced. $7200, which is about twice what Kelley Blue Book says it's woth. Disappointing, at best.

I'll be calling Ford Customer Service on this. Anyone have similar experiences?

Thanks,

Bob

 

Hi Bob. Sorry, but no, I have not had a similar experience. Isn't this the same transmission design in all the Ford and Toyota hybrids of that vintage and including many newer ones? One would think this kind of thing would show up on the Toyotas as well. i.e. check a broader range of cars...

Given the nature of that transmission, the problem may not be mechanical at all. It takes functioning electronics to keep that electro-mechanical design spinning correctly.

 

Thanks Bill. I have a case number with Ford Customer Satisfaction.

My ears say it's the generator, and I've been around generators and rotating machinery for awhile. And now there is a transmission oil leak that they say is related to this problem.

I identified a lesser noise in 2016, and the tech said it was a front wheel bearing. Charged us just about $500 to replace the bearing (hub). The sound was still there after the work, so we took it back. Then they said "Oh, we replaced the wrong wheel bearing", so they replaced the other bearing. It still made noise. It took the same folks 3 times to fix a leak in the fuel evaporation collection system. So I gave up on the issue. My mistake, just had bigger fish to fry. And the rear doors still stick at random intervals after a door latch recall, even after we took it back for adjustments.

I have no confidence with the techs in this shop. I don't know what Ford is going to say, but if we can come to some kind of agreement, I will insist on another shop to do the work.

 

I hear you, Bob. I would probably trust your ears, too. Has there been any impact to your driving or your car's efficiency that you can notice?

 

My wife is the primary driver, but, uh, driving efficiently isn't high on her list of priorities. So I can't say about the mileage. She says she is happy with the car, except for the noise.

But it looks like one of her coworkers is scouring the internet on this subject. And I'll tell ya, that woman is relentless! ;-) She found mention of other experiences where wheel bearings were replaced while trying to troubleshoot this problem. So maybe I'm not alone?

Thanks Bill,

Bob

 

I've never heard of the CVT's failing in any of the Ford Hybrids. That certainly would be rare.

 

Bob have you replaced the oil every 30kl? No such thing as lifetime.

 

Haven't replaced the transmission fluid.

I now have a case number and a contact at Ford Customer Care recieved via email. I've been calling for 3 days, but all I get is elevator music and recording. The rep did respond to my offer to describe the problem, but has not responded after that.

The service type at the dealer did say they have been given instructions to make a list of parts required using warranty repair pricing. So, something is happening.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Ford customer (un)care finally responded: They propose contributing $1180 towards the $7200 repair bill. Which obviously is a major dissapointment. I'm pretty sure we will end up donating the car, as I'm sure it's pretty worthless as a trade in at this point.

So, I'll never buy another Ford. Period.

I hope other C-Max owners have a better experience. But maybe this is one reason Ford seems to be phasing out car manufacturing. They can make more money building trucks and crossovers, selling them to gullible consumers who think low gas prices are here to stay.

 

I'd buy a transmission from a wreck and swap it out. Must change the oil though to last.

 

Was that for those models overall, or for their transmissions alone?