Ford Flex years to avoid (and the best years)
1,734 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recalls across 10 model years, 2010 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 1,734complaints
- 14recalls
- 57reported crashes
- 9reported fires
- 50reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which Ford Flex years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Flex years to avoid are 2013, 2014 and 2019. The typical Ford Flex year has 123 complaints on file.
- 2013: 578 complaints, 4.7 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (35% of complaints) and the steering (26% of complaints).
- 2014: 249 complaints, 2.0 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (27% of complaints) and the electrical system (23% of complaints).
- 2019: 247 complaints, 2.0 times the typical year. Most complaints name the backup camera (56% of complaints) and the body and structure (22% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Flex years?
The Ford Flex years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2017 (42), 2012 (64) and 2018 (66). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 247 | 2.0× | 4 | 4 | 3 | Approach with caution | Backup camera |
| 2018 | 66 | 0.5× | 3 | 7 | 1 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2017 | 42 | 0.3× | 4 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Suspension |
| 2016 | 98 | 0.8× | 3 | 4 | 3 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2015 | 107 | 0.9× | 4 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2014 | 249 | 2.0× | 4 | 11 | 10 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2013 | 578 | 4.7× | 6 | 11 | 13 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 64 | 0.5× | 2 | 4 | 4 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2011 | 144 | 1.2× | 2 | 5 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2010 | 139 | 1.1× | 1 | 9 | 4 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 284 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain101 (36%)
- Steering, suspension & tires99 (35%)
- Other systems26 (9%)
- Brakes21 (7%)
- Airbags & seat belts14 (5%)
Recalls (14)
Structure · 25V732000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2017, 2018, 2019
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V951000 · Dec 2024 · model year 2019
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V072000 · Feb 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V548000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2019
An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 16V925000 · Dec 2016 · model years 2016, 2017
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 16V621000 · Aug 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V247000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V812000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Safety · 15V464000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 15V340000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Safety · 14V710000 · Nov 2014 · model year 2014
Improper suppression of the passenger airbag increases the risk of an injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger airbag.
Transmission · 14V393000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fuel system · 13V227000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.