Lacienega

The transmission fluid actually looked like new but I believe it was a little bit low because I've added like 1/2 Liter more than I've drained

2014 SEL has 195 k miles now, all original. Changed trans fluid myself at 150 k miles, oil change every 10 - 15 k miles with full synth oil.

He probably knows what a pain it is to change this filter and got advised from the techs to send customers away by telling them "lifetime"😁 I changed mine a few times already and it gets faster once you know how to.

I don't think it's the shutters in your case, since you get the warning already on a cold start

When you get that warning...what does the thermostat in the dashboard show? If you start it cold, it should be all the way down. If it's already all the way up, I would think it's an electrical issue. We got the warning once on the way to Vegas in summer and I found out that our automatic shutters in the front were shot and stuck in the closed position. But that's a different story.

Funny...My Manual said the opposite at least for the engine : " Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage not covered by your Ford warranty."

I wouldn't stress out about it too much. We have a 2014 SEL made 03/2014 and it has now 175k miles with original transmission. I've changed the fluid at 150k miles. I've heard that it could happen to every year...not just the 2013 and 14 models. Not sure what the real reason for the bearing failure is. Maybe some "Monday" models😁or too low on trans fluid for some reason. Mine was actually a little low on fluid, but still No problems.

Hopefully not the transmission😐

It's a hit and miss case if you get this disease...not only the 2013 - 2014 models anymore

I would think so too...never heard of a C-max having engine failure but plenty of trans issues

I don't think grill covers will do anything. The thermostat will not even open the cycle to the radiator before the temperature gets too hot. Besides, there are automatic grill shutters behind the grill that should be closed anyways in this low temps. Cars get smarter all the time ?

I would like to know why some fail and some not...regardless of year.

you can look through the front radiator grille to see if they're open. Not sure how exactly your situation is (my shutters are broken from hitting something...so they are hanging loose). You could just try to open them by hand. There is a small electric motor in the center that moves the shutters , you can try to disconnect the cable and see if the check engine light goes away. But make sure the shutters are in the open position after.

Well, the shutters cost around $530 from the dealer. So the rest is labor then. Mine are broken too, but No check engine light. I just leave them in the open position and live with it for now.

Maybe the reservoir Cap is defect? Should not let the pressure get so high that the tank pops. Did you replace the Cap as well?