Ford offers C-Max Hybrid owners rebates for overstated mpg

In the wake of Ford's decision yesterday to lower its fuel mileage estimates on the C-Max hybrid, the company says it will also offer a payment to C-Max hybrid owners and lease holders for the estimated average fuel cost between the new and former mpg figures. Owners will get a check for $550 while lessees will get $325.

The window sticker on the C-Max hybrid will now read 43 mpg, instead of the originally promised 47 mpg.

Ford says that it will also change the way it calculates miles per gallon on the C-Max going forward. In the past, the Fusion hybrid, which uses the same powertrain as the C-Max hybrid, was used to generate fuel economy labels for a family of vehicles including the C-Max. Ford will now test the C-Max separately.

Ford will also update the C-Max hybrid with gearing changes, a new hood seal, front and rear tire deflectors, A-pillar moldings and liftgate deflectors to improve mileage. For 2014 it will also change engine oil to a lower-friction version.

Current C-Max hybrid owners will be notified by mail, while cars in dealership lots will be relabeled with the new figures. Customers with questions can contact Ford customer relations at (800) 392-3673.

By Jake Lingeman