2012 Ford Flex: common problems and reliability
One of the better Flex years.
64 owner complaints, most about steering. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Flex?The 2012 Ford Flex has 64 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and engine.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Ford Flex vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Flex years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Flex?
Across the 11 Flex model years we track, complaint volume runs from 42 (2017) to 579 (2013). With 64 complaints, the 2012 Flex sits below 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
Recalls affecting the 2012 Flex
air bags:frontal
Campaign 16V247000Ford 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."
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 15V340000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
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 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Flex against its rivals
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