Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 256 | 3.2× | 4 | Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
| 2018 | 68 | −38% | 3 | Body | Average |
| 2017 | 42 | −61% | 4 | Suspension | Good |
| 2016 | 100 | −49% | 3 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2015 | 114 | −39% | 4 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2014 | 249 | 2.3× | 4 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2013 | 580 | 5.6× | 6 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2012 | 64 | −57% | 2 | Steering | Good |
| 2011 | 144 | 1.2× | 2 | Steering | Average |
| 2010 | 139 | 1.3× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2009 | 181 | 1.6× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Flex year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Flex problems
Latest Ford Flex recalls
Structure › Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025.
Suspension › Rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020.
Electrical system › Starter assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Flex should you avoid?
2013, 2019, 2014 and 2009 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Flex years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Ford Flex?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other Flex years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Flex problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (396), steering (381) and driver assistance (249). Electrical complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Flex had?
14 recalls across 2009–2019. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Ford Flex recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.