Most common 2012 Ford Flex problems
Share of the 64 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 →
2012 Ford Flex recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
What 2012 Ford Flex owners say
Steering all 24 →
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated while his granddaughter was driving 10 MPH and attempting to leave a parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. After the failure occurred, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was parked, and then the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The contact was awaiting a diagnostic test from the independent mechanic but was informed that the rack and pinion might need to be replaced and the power train control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS and the ESC warnings illuminated. The contact stated that she had recently heard an abnormal grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic had heard the abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel but had not run a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and had related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000(Steering), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired however, the failure recurred and persisted. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 126,828.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. While the vehicle was parked in the enclosed garage attached to his home, a burning electrical odor was noticed. The contact went to the garage and noticed flames surrounding the front of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible between the rear of the engine and windshield. The contact extinguished the fire. The fire and police departments were not notified. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to call his auto insurance company. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic whom determined the cause of the fire as being related to the wiring harness leading to the power steering. …
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. While the vehicle was parked in the enclosed garage attached to his home, a burning electrical odor was noticed. The contact went to the garage and noticed flames surrounding the front of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible between the rear of the engine and windshield. The contact extinguished the fire. The fire and police departments were not notified. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to call his auto insurance company. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic whom determined the cause of the fire as being related to the wiring harness leading to the power steering. …
My vehicle has 188,000 miles on it and is an AWD model. It has always, until the last two oil changes every 3000 miles, been serviced by the Ford dealership and the car was bought from (leo caytes Ford). The rpms skyrocket to 3000 - 4000 rpms when the car is controlled by speed control suddenly, but the car doesn't speed up. When the speed control is released, the rpms drop to the normal setting for that speed. This doesn't happen every time the speed control is used, but, much more frequently as of late. The front AWD mechanism (between the front wheels - ptu????) is leaking and the oil has shavings and "different colors" in the fluid. And, on occasion the left interior front light ( by the rear view mirror) will turn on by itself. These are recent events and I love my Flex and would buy another one if I could afford to do so. …
2012 Ford Flex engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford Flex a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Flex rates better than average: 57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Flex at the same age. It is one of the best Flex years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Flex?
The steering — 24 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about electric power assist system. Next are the engine & cooling (11) and electrical system (10).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Flex have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Ford Flex, the most recent from April 26, 2016 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Flex?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2012 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2019, 2014 and 2009. See the full Ford Flex years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Flex problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.