Criticisms against the reported fuel economy on Fords C-Max hybrid vehicles has led the automobile manufacturer to restate the cars mileage ratings and issue special payments to people who bought the vehicle. Earlier this year, controversy over inaccurate fuel economy ratings led some manufacturers to suggest the problem is in how the government ratings are calculated. They say the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels do not require separate fuel rating tests for vehicles that share the same engine, transmission and weight class, but because of things like aerodynamic design, the fuel economy is not always identical. The mileage can also be affected by driving habits and weather conditions.

Ford said that they would change their fuel economy window sticker to 43 mpg instead of 47 mpg. Everyone who purchased a vehicle will get a reimbursement payment of $550 and anyone who leased a C-Max will get $325. Ford said they decided to give everyone the same payment regardless of when they purchased the vehicle or how many miles to avoid customers having to prove their ownership over a period of time or have the dealer record their mileage.

Last year, the EPA tested Hyundai and Kia models because of consumer complaints about fuel-economy ratings, which resulted in changes to the labels. The agency said Hyundai and Kia overstated the fuel economy on more than a third of the vehicles they sold. The EPA said they would work with consumer advocates, environmental organizations and automakers to revise fuel economy labeling regulations to ensure that consumers are given more accurate fuel economy information.