2009 Ford Flex: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Flex years.

181 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2009 Flex?

The 2009 Ford Flex has 181 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

181
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
7
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Ford Flex vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Flex years only. How we score it

Is 2009 a good year for the Flex?

Across the 11 Flex model years we track, complaint volume runs from 42 (2017) to 579 (2013). With 181 complaints, the 2009 Flex sits above the model's median of 139.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
36
electrical system
32
service brakes
32
power train
23
steering
18

Recalls affecting the 2009 Flex

air bags:frontal

Campaign 16V247000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

What owners say across generations

Mixed to highly positive among owners, with sentiment heavily dependent on powertrain choice and awareness of a critical, well-known mechanical flaw.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Flex. See the full Flex owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Flex listings typically run $8,699–$17,318 across 2009 to 2019 model years.

Other Flex model years

Compare every Flex year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Flex against its rivals

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