Ford Flex Suspension Problems

Owners have filed 107 complaints about suspension problems with the Ford Flex — 6% of all Flex complaints. The worst model years are 2014 (26), 2013 (17) and 2017 (13). Problems typically start around 83,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

107complaints
2014worst year
83ktypical miles
1related recalls
13crashes
0fires

Suspension complaints by model year

20092010201120122013201420152016201720182019952317267101396
Suspension complaints per model year, Ford Flex.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201962%123,000 miles
2018913%70,000 miles
20171331%77,000 miles
20161010%66,000 miles
201576%88,000 miles
20142610%80,000 miles
2013173%70,000 miles
201235%102,000 miles
201121%74,000 miles
201054%351,000 miles
200995%69,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Front › Wheel bearing
    1
  • Front › Control arm
    1

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    59%
  • 25k–50k
    815%
  • 50k–75k
    1528%
  • 75k–100k
    713%
  • 100k–150k
    1731%
  • 150k+
    24%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was eventually able to slow down to 5 MPH and regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven approximately four blocks to a safe location in a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was turned outward, and the top of the wheel was turned inward. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like it was being driven on black ice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached rear toe link. The contact was informed that the rear toe link needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that all four wheels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …

2019 Flex · 123,000 miles · Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the rear driver's side wheel turned independently at a 45-degree angle, and the rear end of the vehicle was pulled into the left lane, causing the vehicle to spin out twice. The contact stated that his wife was able to pull over to the right side of the road. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.

2019 Flex · 188,000 miles · Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle with an unknown yellow warning light on the instrument panel. The contact's partner was called to the scene and upon inspection of the vehicle, both rear wheels were misaligned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured toe link. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension) which was linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the recall. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and a case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

2018 Flex · 83,000 miles · Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the suspension suddenly failed causing the rear end of the vehicle to become unstable and the vehicle fishtailed. The driver was able to drive to the side of the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence and upon inspection it was discovered that the rear passenger's side toe link had fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 57,000.

2018 Flex · 57,000 miles · Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started wobbling. The contact then stated that the vehicle suddenly changed and drove as if the vehicle was merging, while intending to drive straight. The stability track warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension toe links fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that a year prior, the vehicle was repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of the complimentary warranty and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was then advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

2017 Flex · 100,000 miles · Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle would fishtail while making turns or switching lanes. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was wobbly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tie rods were malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

2017 Flex · 77,000 miles · Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notice of an unknown recall associated with the right rear toe link, that was previously repaired. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 5 MPH, she observed a loud snapping noise emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that as his wife attempted to steer the vehicle into the drive way the vehicle the vehicle began steering to the right. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

2016 Flex · 115,000 miles · May 2026

I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1.5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident. The rollover could have seriously injured myself or my passenger. The police report refers to a mechanical failure. No warning signs from the vehicle.

2016 Flex · Oct 2024 · crash · 2 injuries

Related recalls (1)

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 20V-072 · Feb 10, 2020 · 211,207 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Flex years have suspension problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (26), 2013 (17), 2017 (13), 2016 (10) and 2009 (9) model years. Suspension complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2014.

Is there a recall for Ford Flex suspension problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 20V-072 (rear, Feb 10, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Ford Flex suspension problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the front › wheel bearing (1 mentions), followed by the front › control arm (1).

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.