Ford Flex Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Ford Flex? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Flex — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Good | 1 | 129 | 3 | — | — | Back Over Prevention | Full report → |
| 2018 | Good | — | 51 | 11 | 1 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2017Best | Excellent | 1 | 19 | 2 | 2 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 1 | 63 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 2 | 55 | — | 1 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2014 | Caution | 3 | 131 | 3 | 3 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2013Worst | Avoid | 4 | 371 | 14 | 16 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | — | 34 | 2 | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2011 | Good | — | 103 | 5 | 6 | 3 | Steering | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | — | 109 | 7 | 3 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2009 | Caution | — | 134 | 11 | 10 | — | Engine | Full report → |
11 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Ford Flex Problems
Based on 1,199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Flex Years to Avoid
Best Flex Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Ford Flex Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Flex Reliability
What year Flex has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Ford Flex had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 371 complaints and 4 safety recalls. See the full 2013 report for specific defects.
Is the Ford Flex reliable?
The Ford Flex has accumulated 1,199 owner-filed complaints and 12 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 3 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2017 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Flex.
What are the most common Flex problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Steering (190 reports), Electrical System (185 reports), Unknown Or Other (107 reports), Back Over Prevention (101 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Flex has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Ford Flex VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Ford Flex VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily