2013 Ford Flex: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Flex years.
One of the Ford Flex years to avoid. All Flex years
579 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Flex?The 2013 Ford Flex has 579 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Ford Flex vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Flex years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Flex?
Across the 11 Flex model years we track, complaint volume runs from 42 (2017) to 579 (2013). With 579 complaints, the 2013 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
Recalls affecting the 2013 Flex
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 16V621000Ford 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 vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 15V812000Ford 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 delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
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.
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 14V393000Ford 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 August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Show 2 more recalls
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 13V227000Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
suspension:rear
Campaign 20V072000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
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 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Flex against its rivals
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