Avoid: 2019, 2013 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2017
11 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 11 model years, the Ford Flex has 1,922 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 34 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering. 2013 drew the most complaints (579), 2017 the fewest (42).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford Flex vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $8,699–$17,318.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2013 (579 complaints). Lowest: 2017 (42).
Mixed to highly positive among owners, with sentiment heavily dependent on powertrain choice and awareness of a critical, well-known mechanical flaw.
Design flaw where the pump is located inside the engine timing cover; failure can leak coolant into the oil pan, leading to catastrophic engine seizure without obvious external leaks. Described as an inevitable issue.
Real-world combined mileage reported between 16-20 MPG, with a small fuel tank leading to frequent fill-ups. A primary reason owners seek to replace the vehicle.
Significant rust issues reported, particularly on door tops under weather stripping, rear hatch seams, and exhaust components (e.g., "flex pipe").
Concerns about turbocharger lifespan, with replacements cited in the $2,500 range; described as a "when, not if" failure point, often with one turbo failing soon after the other.
Premature wear of wheel hubs and front struts, potentially accelerated by the vehicle's weight or aftermarket modifications.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Flex. Individual model years are broken down above.
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