2013 Ford Flex: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Ford Flex has 578 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering. Owners most often flag internal water pump failure — 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

578
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
11
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Ford Flex vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
200
steering
149
structure
69
fuel/propulsion system
59
exterior lighting
36

Recalls affecting the 2013 Flex

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 16V621000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehic…

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 15V812000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel deliver…

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 15V340000

Ford 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, Linc…

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

Campaign 14V393000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured Aug…

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. Owners express deep affection for the vehicle's unique boxy styling, exceptional passenger comfort across thre

  • Internal water pump failure — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Poor fuel economy — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Rust and corrosion — Significant rust issues reported, particularly on door tops under weather stripping, rear hatch seams, and exhaust components (e.g., "flex pipe"). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Turbocharger reliability concerns (EcoBoost only) — 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Suspension and hub wear — Premature wear of wheel hubs and front struts, potentially accelerated by the vehicle's weight or aftermarket modifications. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Flex.

Typical used price

Used Flex listings typically run $11,070–$17,000 across 2013 to 2019 model years.

Other Flex model years

2009 Flex
Full Ford Flex owner reportCompare against another car