2011 Ford Flex Problems & Complaints

Most common 2011 Ford Flex problems

• Steering~118,000 miles
  5740%
• Engine & cooling~89,000 miles
  3222%
• Transmission & drivetrain~58,000 miles
  1913%
• Other / not specified~64,000 miles
  128%
• Electrical system~85,000 miles
  96%
• Wheels & tires~52,000 miles
  86%
• Brakes~58,000 miles
  86%
• Seats~30,000 miles
  75%
• Fuel & propulsion system~89,000 miles
  64%
• Body & structure~52,000 miles
  43%
• A/C & heater~30,000 miles
  21%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~52,000 miles
  21%
• Stability & traction control~125,000 miles
  21%
• Air bags~105,000 miles
  21%
• Suspension~74,000 miles
  21%
• Lights~85,000 miles
  21%
• Speed control & acceleration~160,000 miles
  21%
• Equipment & accessories~9,000 miles
  11%
• Seat belts~54,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 144 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Flex complaints by model year

Best Flex years: 2017, 2012, 2016. Years to avoid: 2013, 2019, 2014, 2009. Compare all years →

2011 Ford Flex recalls (2)

What 2011 Ford Flex owners say

Steering all 57 →

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact would make several attempts to start the vehicle to regain normal functionality; however, the failure would recur within several hours or several days. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH in a School Zone from a stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the traction control, engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering box had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. …

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4-months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with Power Steering Control Module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Engine & cooling all 32 →

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact would make several attempts to start the vehicle to regain normal functionality; however, the failure would recur within several hours or several days. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH in a School Zone from a stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the traction control, engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering box had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. …

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact's wife was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that water was detected inside the engine and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 146,000.

Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and wrench light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated and then failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the throttle body, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who replaced the throttle body for a second time but after retrieving the vehicle the failure persisted. The dealer later diagnosed that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 164,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon her husband starting the vehicle, the vehicle entered limp mode as he exited the driveway. Her husband then drove the vehicle back into the driveway and turned the vehicle off. The next day, her husband started that vehicle and was temporarily able to resume normal driving; however, the vehicle entered limp mode while in traffic as the power train warning light illuminated. Her husband was able to coast the vehicle back home while in limp mode and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer initially diagnosed the vehicle with a defective throttle body; however, the failure persisted after the part was repaired. The contact made numerous trips back to the dealer; however, the failure persisted after each visit. The contact was then informed to take the vehicle back once the wrench light had illuminated. …

2011 Ford Flex engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.