Ford Flex Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Ford Flex across 11 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (23). The words owners use most often: “throttle body” (8% of reports).
- 105power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Throttle body: mentioned in 8 of 105 complaints (8%)
- Power transfer unit: mentioned in 6 of 105 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 86 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 105 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Flex power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? INTERNAL WATER PUMP/ TIMING CHAINS/ VVT SOLENOIDS/ CAM PHASERS/ CAM SENSORS/ RELATED SEALS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ENGINE FAILURE - SUDDEN STOP OF VEHICLE Has the…
Went to put car in reverse and it kept driving forward- no weird sound or anything. Proceeded to put the car in park and it was still moving forward. Transmission was stuck on drive.The shifter is disconnected from the transmission with no warning .Just looked and the transmission shifter bushing…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle…
My brakes locked up suddenly on the rear end causing me to get stuck in the middle of the road and unable to move it, even to tow it. I had to take 2 days almost to fix it in the middle of the road, since yesterday morning. They also began locking up suddenly on the front end, the wheel bearing, CV…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Flexs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints about power train for the Ford Flex. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Flex power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Ford Flex?
The most frequent phrase is “throttle body”, in 8 of 105 complaints, followed by “power transfer unit” (6).
Other Ford Flex problems
- Electrical System problems (396)
- Steering problems (381)
- Back Over Prevention problems (234)
- Structure problems (192)
- Engine problems (183)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (165)
- Suspension problems (107)
See all Ford Flex problems.