Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Ford Flex owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that on various occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to unlock using the key fob. The contact had a locksmith go to her residence, and the key fob battery, and two unknown fuses were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that on various occasions, the "No Key Detected" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted and that when the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, it was diagnosed that the key fob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. …
After reporting to work on [redacted], I discovered that the front of my vehicle was on fire. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and employees on site attempted to contain the fire using fire extinguishers. The fire department arrived shortly thereafter and successfully extinguished the fire. Despite these efforts, the vehicle was ultimately deemed a total loss. Later that day, my sister advised me to review footage from our Ring camera from that morning. The video shows visible sparks coming from underneath my vehicle prior to my departure. At that time, I drove approximately nine miles to work, unaware of any issue with the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the master window switch; however, the failure recurred, preventing all four windows from rolling up or down as well as the sunroof from opening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module (BCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part was no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Front Control Interface Module failure resulting in unresponsive climate controls and audio. The issue starts with the audio stopping, followed by the HVAC turning off and then followed by defrosters turning on full blast. No warning prior to these turning off. Safety issue is the full on heaters happened on a 90+ degree day with a full car. With windows down, the heat and humidity inside and outside the vehicle rose to unsafe levels. Initial diagnosis was a software update, then a PCM replacement and finally Front Control Interface Module replacement.
Approximately 2 months ago car would not start. Towed to dealer on Friday. Dealer evaluated it on Monday but car resumed starting. Retrieved car. This morning problem returned. Having already done a lot of research on this apparently common issue it seems most of the time it is the fuel pump control module located behind the plastic trim on the passenger side B pillar. A replacement part was acquired from a Ford Parts Dealer and installed into the car. Car starts and runs fine now.
The Driver Door Ajar light comes on even when the door has been closed. It takes a few times of closing the door hard before the light goes off. The alert means the interior lights stay on and it keeps alerting me that I'm not in Park. If I can't get the alert light to go off, this would be a hazard to driving, especially at night.
I noticed about 6 months ago, the Backup camera has been cutting out randomly, and has been getting worse. I noticed that there is a recall for 2015 - current models of Ford Flex for this issue. Not sure why the 2014 model isn't a part of the recall, as my car seems to be doing the exact thing described in the recall.
Driver side door locks are malfunctioning. the system says the door is open when it is securely closed. The system won't turn off interior lights which drains the battery. It also won't allow locks to lock thinking the door is ajar. There are recalls for this issue on other Ford SUV's but not for the Flex.
No warning lights , electric steering failed while turning on a busy Highway. Was able to barely keep control fighting with Manual steering . Took the vehicle into independent shop and they replaced steering rack. $2500 dollars.
Rear backup camera not working or distorted. This has a recall on the 2019 Ford Flex but none of the other years. If you look into this, this has been a major issue since 2013 with all of the Ford Flex vehicles.
Electrical complaints in other Flex years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2014 Ford Flex?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Ford Flex, 23% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Flex electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2014 Ford Flex, though it has 4 recalls 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 2014 Ford Flex electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system 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.