What years of the Ford Flex should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2013, 2014, and 2019 as the Ford Flex years to avoid, with 2013 having the most complaints (579) and the highest complaint index (100).

Which Ford Flex model years are the best?

The 2012, 2017, and 2018 Flex rank best based on NHTSA complaints and recalls. The 2017 Flex has the lowest complaint index at 0, with only 42 complaints and no crashes-per-issue standing out.

What is the most common problem area across Ford Flex years?

Across all model years, Electrical System issues account for 373 complaints (21%) and Steering issues account for 363 complaints (21%), making them the top two problem areas overall.

Does the 2019 Ford Flex have a rearview camera recall?

Yes. Two recalls, 25V695000 and 24V951000, address rearview camera problems on the 2019 Flex, including blank, distorted, or intermittent camera images.

How many recalls have been issued for the Ford Flex overall?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns across all Ford Flex model years from 2010 to 2019.

Ford Flex Best and Worst Years (2010–2019)

Avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2019 Ford Flex. The 2013 tops the list with 579 complaints and a complaint index of 100, driven by electrical and steering failures, while 2019 logs 249 complaints dominated by rearview camera and structure issues. The 2012, 2017, and 2018 model years score best, with 2017 at a complaint index of 0.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Avoid 2019 Best 2012 Best 2017 Best 2018

Model years: 10; 2010–2019
NHTSA complaints: 1,741
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 57
Fires reported: 9
Top problem area: Electrical System

Flex Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Flex problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	56	139	9	2	1	Engine	18	—
2011	Caution	67	144	5	1	2	Steering	18	—
2012	Best	11	64	4	1	2	Steering	18	—
2013	Avoid	100	579	11	1	6	Electrical System	19	—
2014	Avoid	78	249	11	2	4	Steering	19	—
2015	Good	33	110	0	2	4	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	19	—
2016	Good	44	98	4	0	3	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	18	—
2017	Best	0	42	2	0	4	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	18	—
2018	Best	22	67	7	0	3	Structure & Body	18	—
2019	Avoid	89	249	4	0	4	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	18	—

Flex years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Ford Flex Index 100 · 579 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2013 Flex has the highest complaint volume in the lineup at 579 complaints and the worst complaint index (100). Electrical System problems make up 36% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,500 miles. Steering issues follow at 26% of complaints, often failing near 100,000 miles, including reports of sudden loss of steering assist while turning. Six recalls apply to this year, covering fuel delivery modules, fuel pump electronics, and rear suspension toe links. Owners also describe airbags failing to deploy in low-speed crashes.

2013 electrical system problems →2013 steering problems →2013 structure & body problems →

2019 Ford Flex Index 89 · 249 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2019 Flex drew 249 complaints and ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 89. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues dominate at 56% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles, mostly involving rearview camera failures during reversing. Structure & Body complaints follow at 22%, also at 50,000 miles median. Four recalls apply, including two covering rearview camera replacement and one for door trim detachment. Owners also reported airbags failing to deploy in a crash and door panels detaching while driving.

2019 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2019 structure & body problems →2019 electrical system problems →

2014 Ford Flex Index 78 · 249 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2014 Flex logged 249 complaints and ranks third-worst with a complaint index of 78. Steering problems lead at 27% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 77,500 miles, followed by Electrical System issues at 23% (57,000 miles) and Fuel System issues at 20% (64,000 miles). Four recalls cover fuel pump electronics, rear suspension toe links, and a seat frame clearance issue. Owners reported unexpected vehicle rollback while parked, axle fracture with wheel detachment, and fuel-smell complaints after engine shutoff.

2014 steering problems →2014 electrical system problems →2014 fuel system problems →

Most common Ford Flex problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System373 (21%)
Steering363 (21%)
Other243 (14%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras231 (13%)
Structure & Body224 (13%)
Engine191 (11%)
Fuel System174 (10%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires122 (7%)
Brakes86 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain82 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ford Flex should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2013, 2014, and 2019 as the Ford Flex years to avoid, with 2013 having the most complaints (579) and the highest complaint index (100).
Which Ford Flex model years are the best?: The 2012, 2017, and 2018 Flex rank best based on NHTSA complaints and recalls. The 2017 Flex has the lowest complaint index at 0, with only 42 complaints and no crashes-per-issue standing out.
What is the most common problem area across Ford Flex years?: Across all model years, Electrical System issues account for 373 complaints (21%) and Steering issues account for 363 complaints (21%), making them the top two problem areas overall.
Does the 2019 Ford Flex have a rearview camera recall?: Yes. Two recalls, 25V695000 and 24V951000, address rearview camera problems on the 2019 Flex, including blank, distorted, or intermittent camera images.
How many recalls have been issued for the Ford Flex overall?: NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns across all Ford Flex model years from 2010 to 2019.