Is the Ford Flex Reliable?
2009–2019 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Ford Flex? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Flex Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 155 | — | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2018 | 2 | 53 | 1 | — | 67 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 21 | 2 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 73 | — | — | 62 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 60 | 1 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2014 | 2 | 133 | 3 | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2013 | 2 | 371 | 16 | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2012 | 1 | 34 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 103 | 6 | 3 | 49 | Fair |
| 2010 | 0 | 109 | 3 | — | 53 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Flex Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Flex scores 7 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Ford Flex Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1112 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Flex reliable?+
The Ford Flex scores 62/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 17 recall campaigns and 1112 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Flex is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2017 Flex achieved the highest reliability score of 72/100 with 3 recalls and 21 complaints.
How many miles does a Flex last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Ford Flex owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Flex will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Ford Flex Research
Check a Specific Ford Flex VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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