Ford Flex years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford Flex years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 31 (578 complaints). From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 1 (from 42 complaints), 2019 at 2 (from 248 complaints), and 2016 at 3 (from 98 complaints). On the 2013 Ford Flex, 127 of 578 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
Ford Flex reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford Flex. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 248 | 4 | Back-over prevention | 18 |
| 2018 → | 4 | 66 | 3 | Structure | 18 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 1 | 42 | 4 | Suspension | 18 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 3 | 98 | 3 | Back-over prevention | 18 |
| 2015 → | 7 | 108 | 4 | Back-over prevention | 19 |
| 2014 → | 10 | 249 | 4 | Steering | 19 |
| 2013 → Most | 31 | 578 | 6 | Steering | 19 |
| 2012 → | 4 | 64 | 2 | Steering | 18.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 (3.5L V6); 5W-30 (3.5L V6 EcoBoost) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/60R17 (SE) to 255/45R20 (Limited EcoBoost)
Known issues for this generation
2011-2013 Flex crossovers built between September 2010 and February 2012 are covered by Ford's 2015 recall of the electric power-assist steering (EPAS) system (NHTSA campaign 15V-340, Ford reference 15S18); for the 2011 and 2012 model years only vehicles with the 3.5L GTDI engine are affected. An intermittent electrical connection inside the steering gear motor, caused by conformal coat contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment, can cause loss of the motor position sensor signal and loss of power steering assist. The mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the road is maintained at all times and the system defaults to manual steering, but steering effort rises, especially at lower speeds; drivers are alerted by an audible chime and a power steering assist fault message in the instrument cluster. Ford's no-charge remedy checked the Power Steering Control Module for diagnostic trouble codes, updating the module software if none were present and replacing the steering gear if they were.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Flex years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 1 (from 42 complaints), 2019 at 2 (from 248 complaints), and 2016 at 3 (from 98 complaints).
Which Ford Flex year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 31 (578 complaints). On the 2013 Ford Flex, 127 of 578 complaints name Steering.
How do Ford Flex owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford Flex years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What generation is the 2016 Ford Flex?
1st generation (2009-2019); the Flex was never redesigned into a 2nd generation.
How much can a Ford Flex tow?
Up to 4,500 lbs with the factory Class III Trailer Tow Package per Ford's official towing guide, on both the base 3.5L V6 and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.