Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal before the transmission shifted. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, when the vehicle was shifted into park(P) and turned off, the vehicle jerked and moved back and forth. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. …
The power transfer unit otherwise referred to as a transfer case exploded from the inside with under 50k miles on the Flex resulting in the transmission cracking and breaking as well. AAA inspected and replaced both transmission and transfer case. They say they see a lot of them for these models and is a common issue. We kept old transfer case as proof. Car is not used for towing as it has no hitch and as stated before had under 50000 miles when it destroyed itself with myself and kids in the car driving 45 mph.
On the 4th of July my vehicle was stopped in my driveway with the transmission in park. I had exited the vehicle leaving the driver's door open while I walked up my driveway to clear an obstruction in the garage door safety eyes. When I got to the garage door I turned back and say my Flex reversing up the driveway quickly. I had previously backed in and was driving out of the driveway when I noticed the garage door would not close. The Flex continued to reverse up the driveway (uphill) with the driver's door open. At the top of the driveway the open driver's door contacted a basketball post with such force that it bent the concrete filled post and folded the driver's door into the left fender before I was able to slow and stop the vehicle. When I originally exited the Flex the transmission was in the park position and the rear back-up camera had no dash display. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal grinding sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The dealer sprayed rust off the exhaust. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from under the hood before losing control of the vehicle. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and veered to the side of the road. The contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their location. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had exploded. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Purchased my 2015 Ford Flex on May 11, 2016 with 54 miles. On Saturday, July 2, 2016 the wrench light came on while driving and the car shut-down. I was able to get it started and drove home, which was less than 5 miles away. The code per the manual, powertrain failure. Engine light was on as well. I noticed it would move a little sluggish when going up a hill and also noticed the sound of the transmission taking a few seconds to switch gears. Roadside assistance towed it to the dealership and they are saying the throttle body was defective and will need to be replaced; however.....it's on backorder for weeks. On July 5, 2016, I sent and email via fords website and received an email response from meagan, a customer relationship center rep. With Ford on 7/5/16 at 2:53 pm. …
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked next to the trash can, the contact exited the vehicle to put trash from the trunk into the trash can, the contact shifted the gear shifter but was unsure of what gear was selected. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling forward. The contact was able to shift the gear shifter while the vehicle was moving forward and then shifted into reverse and was able to stop the vehicle upon striking a tree. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 80,000
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was fishtailing, causing the contact to lose control of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was causing the tires and brakes to wear out prematurely, and had caused the tires to cave in. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V393000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? INTERNAL WATER PUMP/ TIMING CHAINS/ VVT SOLENOIDS/ CAM PHASERS/ CAM SENSORS/ RELATED SEALS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ENGINE FAILURE - SUDDEN STOP OF VEHICLE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, IS AWARE AND HAS ACKNOWLEDGED VIA SERVICE AND TECH BULLETINS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND REPEATED ISSUE. ISSUE IS KNOWN AND COMMON WITH ALL 3.7L AND 3.5L FORD ENGINES. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Flex years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (23), 2011 (19), 2010 (12), 2013 (11) and 2015 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Ford Flex transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-393 (axle shaft, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Flex transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (7 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (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.