Ford Flex Problems by Year
NHTSA has 1,932 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file for the Ford Flex, across 11 model years (2009–2019). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (580). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Ford Flex years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Flex year: 2013, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 Flex: 580 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2019 Flex: 254 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2014 Flex: 249 complaints, 4 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2017 Flex: 42 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2012 Flex: 64 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2018 Flex: 68 complaints, 3 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Ford Flex problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 396 | 11 | 8 |
| Steering problems | 381 | 11 | 12 |
| Back Over Prevention problems | 234 | 7 | 4 |
| Structure problems | 192 | 11 | 6 |
| Engine problems | 183 | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System problems | 165 | 9 | 1 |
| Suspension problems | 107 | 11 | 13 |
| Power Train problems | 105 | 11 | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 50 | 7 | 6 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 48 | 9 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 45 | 7 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 43 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 39 | 9 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 35 | 9 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 34 | 9 | 25 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 32 | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 31 | 7 | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 27 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 26 | 5 | 1 |
| Seats | 26 | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 26 | 10 | 2 |
| Tires | 16 | 6 | 1 |
| Visibility | 14 | 6 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Equipment | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Child Seat | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Carry Handle, Shell, Base | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tether, Lower Anchor (on Car Seat or Vehicle) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Ford Flex problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 2019: back over prevention (143) · structure (58)
- 2014: steering (66) · electrical system (57)
- 2013: electrical system (201) · steering (149) · structure (69) · fuel/propulsion system (59)
- 2011: steering (57)
All Ford Flex model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Flex | 254 | 4 | — | Back Over Prevention | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 Flex | 68 | 3 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2017 Flex | 42 | 4 | — | Suspension | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2016 Flex | 98 | 3 | — | Back Over Prevention | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2015 Flex | 113 | 4 | — | Back Over Prevention | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 Flex | 249 | 4 | — | Steering | More complaints than other years |
| 2013 Flex | 580 | 6 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 Flex | 64 | 2 | — | Steering | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2011 Flex | 144 | 2 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 Flex | 139 | 1 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2009 Flex | 181 | 1 | — | Engine | More complaints than other years |
More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Flex years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (580), 2019 (254) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Flex year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Flex?
Electrical System, with 396 complaints across 11 model years.
How many recalls does the Ford Flex have?
14 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.