TED

Ford decided my C-Max was not a "lemon," so I am moving forward with arbitration for a repurchase. I was contacted by a Ford customer service manager who told me they (presumably Ford) had additional diagnostic tools not available to the dealer to repair my battery. Everyone says something different. I said "no thanks." Something I did not realize before: when the battery dies, you cannot turn the steering wheel, get out of a locked car, or have running lights. For me, this is a tremendous safety issue. I cannot imagine an arbitrator would find against someone under these circumstances - and 3 batteries in 7 months without success. I would like very much to hear from those who have successfully returned their C-Maxs for repurchase.

By way of an update since January 2013, I've now had two more dead batteries (3 total) and two replacement batteries. I dropped off the car and keys this last week and told the dealer I no longer felt the car was safe nor repairable. Ford Motor is now researching whether my C-Max is a "Lemon" in their estimation. I looked at consumer law Song-Beverly Act and it appears that I may get my money back or a replacement vehicle, at my option. I am planning on getting my money back. In all other respects, I really liked this car and am very disappointed.

Hi Salman, Thanks so much for the information, which I will read. By way of an update, my service rep had the car all day and essentially, found nothing wrong. I did report to Ford Corporate, and the service rep said the dealer contacted them also to verify that my car or battery was not on a recall list. I cannot verify he actually did this, and was told they could find nothing wrong with any of the car's systems. I did not leave anything on or running; car was locked with an alarm (Ford subcontractor installed) in my office's garage all day when the battery died. The only thing I can think of is the Bluetooth symbol stays on after the car is shut down. I noticed when I turned the radio off. I have the Ford service number now and with my own AAA, am out driving around with less than my usual abandon. TED

I've had my C Max for less than three months and am at 2000 miles. Had a dead battery when I tried to drive home from work last night. AAA got me started and was able to make it home. Noticed the regenerative icon was not spinning and the battery icon was empty within 3 miles. A friend told me about this site and what you all have been reporting about the battery issues. I called Ford's service rep and left a message that I was bringing the car in tomorrow for possible battery replacement, to please make sure they had one in stock, and I planned on picking up a rental. I never received a call back. I'll let you know what happens... . We've had chilly weather for us, but in San Diego, that means it is under 50 degrees. Cold weather should not have caused a problem. I did not leave anything on, haven't used the ports for charging a phone or listening to music, and have a key start. This is my first Ford vehicle and I am concerned a defective battery was installed. I do like the way the car handles and really enjoy having an American hybrid car.