Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford Flex owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Flex. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. After parking inside the garage, there was fuel leaking from the seam of the fuel tank on the passenger's side. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Also, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal would extend to the floor and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The contact determined that the brake booster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Exiting hwy at 50 MPH, hit brake. Hard brake pedal-no brakes followed by engine full throttle acceleration-vehicle was sent to the Ford dealer in oct for a check eng light that couldn't be extinguished. Computer was reflashed with basic prom. No other issues until accident
I purchased a 2009 Ford Flex from mike dorian Ford that had 14000 miles on it. Two days after purchase I took it to a dealer for a bad grinding sound in the brakes. They performed a TSB on the front brakes. I took it back several more times for braking issues. Then the car came to a grinding stop in traffic several time and I almost got hit. I took it to 2 different dealers complaining about the violent shaking and the inability for it to go when I gave it gas. Finally after this happened several time I was hit as the transmission brought the car to a halt. I suffered injuries and the car had $15000 worth of damages. The person who hit me sued my insurance company. The dealership had my car for four months and never looked at the back brakes or transmission. I took it back 6 times for a leaking transmission and several other issues that were not fixed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Flex. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal traveled to the floorboard numerous times. The dealer (ganley Ford west, 16100 lorain ave, cleveland, oh 44111, [phone]) replaced the brake system four times. The dealer stated that there were internal failures with the front and rear brake system (anti-rotation pin, adjuster spring, spring seat, piston seals, slider frame, anti-rattle clips, slider pins, and caliper frame). The failure continued. The brakes had been replaced every 20,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There was no recall for the brakes. The manufacturer made a recommendation to have the dealer replace the parts again. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
2009 Ford Flex-complete brake failure after sitting for a period of time at high-altitude. Brakes had felt spongy other times but we thought it was due to icy parking lot-as after driving a bit brakes felt OK. This time brakes failed completely resulting in property damage. Car towed to local Ford dealership -- they told us the brakes were fine and there have been no issues with brakes on the Ford Flex--which after researching we know to be false. The brakes still do not feel right upon start-up-brake pedal goes further down before stopping; we now wait a period of time before driving--we are afraid to drive car but don't have the money to purchase a different automobile-and don't want to pass a dangerous car to another family.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Flex. While driving 10 MPH and making a left turn, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the traction control and ABS engaged. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted off the road. When the driver resumed driving, a grinding noise occurred from the front driver's side of the vehicle. While driving home, the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was later taken to garber Ford (3380 us-17, green cove springs, fl 32043, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but a failure code could not be located. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Flex. While driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front axle had an indentation and the rear brake caliper had bolts that detached. As a result, the axle and caliper needed to be replaced. In addition, the technician stated that the torque converter and transmission seal were leaking oil and the drive line and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 101,946. The VIN was unavailable.
July 22, 2016. Wife started car in school parking lot and headed to the exit. While making a left hand turn onto the main road, and accelerating, loud noises again heard under the car and it lost power even while giving it gas. Had to pull over to the side of the road. Shut off car and re-started. No issues. Wife refuses to drive the car until fixed. Taken to dealer on July 29, 2016. Unable to duplicate. Returning to dealer aug 5 for computer re-flash. This is a significant safety issue that is being reported all over the Ford Flex forums and it appears Ford motor company will not address the issue.
While driving Ford Flex on highway or in town my antibrake system randomly activities causing my entire vehicle to stop. This has happened more than three times and I have complained to Ford red mccombs dealership and they can't find nothing wrong. I was billed about 225.00 dollars for a antibrake switch and my car was not fixed. Yes, and I have complaint to Ford dealership and made them aware of my continous brake problems with my Ford Flex vehicle.
Wife started car in school parking lot. Turned left and headed short distance the lot exit. While turning right onto the main road and starting to accelerate, heard 'load noises' that seemed to be under the car. Car started to slow down even though she was giving it gas. She pulled over and shut the car off. Didn't notice any dash lights (ABS or TCS). Restarted car and everything was fine. Car has 128,000 miles.
Brake complaints in other Flex years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Ford Flex?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Ford Flex, 18% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford Flex brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Ford Flex, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Flex brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.