Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 while driving at various speeds; the vehicle lost automotive power and the steering wheel was pulling to the left and was difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. An appointment with the local independent dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the Year, Make, and Model being outside the selected VIN range. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,400.
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 while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was fluid leaking underneath. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump assembly and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while approaching the vehicle, he noticed a fluid leak underneath the engine. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that occasionally, while attempting to reverse, the image on the back over prevention camera was displayed upside down. Additionally, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Driving down road at 45MPH, vehicle lost power, motor quite running. Due to being on 4 lane divided road, and cars all around, I quickly hit my hazard lights, put it in neutral and coasted best I could and was able to turn on a side road to safety. This was very dangerous. Dash lights were on, no warning lights, messages before, during or after event. Tried restarting vehicle and it cranked away. Figured out had to repush the push start button to keep it from cranking away longer. Towed to local Ford dealer. They determined cause to be Fuel Pump Driver Module failed, (explains engine stop since there was no fuel supply, and needed replacement. In addition I had another issue, they found water pump was leaking out weep hole. I then discovered they built the water pump into the engine block, behind the timing chain. …
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.
No, there wasn't a fire (yet). But your system wouldn't allow me to send this w/o picking one of the three incident options. Bad raw fuel smell after every engine shutoff. Car taken to Ford dealer who told us there was a TSB# 14-0091 for this issue. No parts available, and they don't know when they will be available! We are worried that the car is going to start on fire! Please help!
I was traveling 70 MPH on a toll way in busy morning traffic. Without any warning the vehicle lost engine power. Pressing the gas gave no acceleration and no power to move the car. Thankfully I was in the left lane and had enough momentum to get to the left shoulder. At this point a wrench light came on saying check manual. The car was under no power of its own in 70 MPH traffic. Very dangerous! Sat on the left should of the speeding toll road until a tow truck arrived and took it to the nearest dealership. They ran diagnostics and were very surprised and perplexed why a 2014 engine seized up. Issued a rental car for an indefinite time and said the engine will be taken completely a part as they try to figure out what went wrong. They said they will work with Ford on a solution whether to rebuild the engine or put a new one in. This is a 2014 engine! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the engine warning indicator and code: 90627 illuminated. The contact called sunland Ford at [phone] (located at 15330 palmdale rd, victorville, ca 92392) and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that he repaired the vehicle himself, but the details were not provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000. The consumer stated the VIN should have been listed in the existing recall, had all the signs which met the requirements. The fuel pum control module was replaced. Updated 12/13/18
Engine complaints in other Flex years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2014 Ford Flex?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Ford Flex, 11% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Flex engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.