Ford Flex problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 917 owner complaints and 14 recalls on file for the Ford Flex (2009–2019). The 2019 Flex has the most serious complaints, most often about driver assistance & safety tech.

Complaints
917
Recalls
14
Model years
11
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

172009252010412011262012168201313120147520158220163920176120182522019
NHTSA complaints per Ford Flex model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Ford Flex years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 Ford Flex — 252 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
  2. 2013 Ford Flex — 168 complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Steering
  3. 2014 Ford Flex — 131 complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Steering
  4. 2016 Ford Flex — 82 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
  5. 2018 Ford Flex — 61 complaints, 7 crashes; top problem: Body & Structure

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (17 complaints).

Every Ford Flex model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Flex2524034Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2018 Flex617003Body & Structure
2017 Flex391014Suspension
2016 Flex822023Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2015 Flex750004Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2014 Flex1315144Steering
2013 Flex1686166Steering
2012 Flex261002Steering
2011 Flex412112Steering
2010 Flex252001Steering
2009 Flex170001Engine

Most common Ford Flex problem areas (all years)

  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    250 complaints
  • Steering
    202 complaints
  • Electrical System
    127 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    113 complaints
  • Suspension
    89 complaints
  • Engine
    57 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    35 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    27 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    26 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    16 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Ford Flex received by NHTSA each month.

Ford Flex recalls

  • Recall 25V732000Oct 24, 202592,347 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V695000Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesModel years 2015–2019

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V951000Dec 20, 202430,715 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V072000Feb 10, 2020211,207 vehiclesModel years 2013–2018

    Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V548000Aug 20, 201887 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V925000Dec 22, 20161,163 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V621000Aug 25, 201677,502 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V247000Apr 26, 2016695 vehiclesModel years 2009–2012

    Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 15V812000Dec 2, 2015868 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

  • Recall 15V464000Jul 24, 20157,165 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V340000Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013

    Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V710000Nov 7, 2014113,418 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Improper suppression of the passenger airbag increases the risk of an injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger airbag.

  • Recall 14V393000Jul 2, 201483,250 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

  • Recall 13V227000May 31, 2013390,783 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Other Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology