Which Ford Flex years should I avoid?

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

What are the best Ford Flex years?

2012, 2017, and 2018 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 10, 0, and 20 respectively, the lowest among all 11 model years covered.

What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Ford Flex?

Electrical System complaints are the largest category, 36% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,500, followed by Steering issues at 26%.

Does the 2019 Ford Flex have a camera recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall campaigns for the 2019 Flex covering rearview cameras that could show blank, distorted, or inverted images, matching the 56% share of Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for that year.

Is the Ford Flex reliable overall?

Across 2009-2019, the Flex logged 1,922 complaints and 14 recall campaigns, with Electrical System (21%) and Steering (20%) as the most common problem areas; reported issues vary widely by year, from an index of 0 in 2017 to 100 in 2013.

Ford Flex Best and Worst Years (2009–2019)

Ford Flex years to avoid are 2013, 2014, and 2019, with 2013 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 579 complaints tied to electrical and steering problems. Best years are 2012, 2017, and 2018, which carry complaint indexes of 10, 0, and 20 respectively.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

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

Model years: 11; 2009–2019
NHTSA complaints: 1,922
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 64
Fires reported: 11
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
2009	Caution	70	181	7	2	1	Engine	18.5	—
2010	Caution	50	139	9	2	1	Engine	18	—
2011	Caution	60	144	5	1	2	Steering	18	—
2012	Best	10	64	4	1	2	Steering	18	—
2013	Avoid	100	579	11	1	6	Electrical System	19	—
2014	Avoid	80	249	11	2	4	Steering	19	—
2015	Good	30	110	0	2	4	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	19	—
2016	Good	40	98	4	0	3	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	18	—
2017	Best	0	42	2	0	4	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	18	—
2018	Best	20	67	7	0	3	Structure & Body	18	—
2019	Avoid	90	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 index (100) of any year and the most complaints overall, 579. Electrical System problems make up 36% of its complaints with a median failure mileage of 57,500, and Steering issues make up 26% at a median 100,000 miles. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and power steering that groaned or intermittently gave out. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this year, including fuel delivery module and rear suspension toe link campaigns.

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

2019 Ford Flex Index 90 · 249 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2019 Flex has a complaint index of 90, driven mostly by Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints, which make up 56% of its total at a median 50,000 miles. Owners reported rearview cameras that displayed inverted or blank images or failed entirely, in some cases leading to backing collisions. Structure & Body complaints (22%) included door and B-pillar trim detaching while driving. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, including two rearview camera campaigns.

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

2014 Ford Flex Index 80 · 249 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2014 Flex carries a complaint index of 80. Steering complaints account for 27% of reports with a median failure mileage of 77,500, while Electrical System issues (23%) failed around 57,000 miles. Owners described vehicles rolling unexpectedly while parked, axle fractures with tire detachment, and fuel-smell complaints after shutdown. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, covering fuel system, suspension, and a seat frame clearance issue.

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 across all model years.

Electrical System405 (21%)
Steering381 (20%)
Other263 (14%)
Engine249 (13%)
Structure & Body240 (12%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras231 (12%)
Fuel System193 (10%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires139 (7%)
Brakes123 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain105 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Flex years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2013, 2014, and 2019 as the Flex years to avoid, with 2013 having the worst complaint index (100) and the most complaints (579).
What are the best Ford Flex years?: 2012, 2017, and 2018 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 10, 0, and 20 respectively, the lowest among all 11 model years covered.
What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Ford Flex?: Electrical System complaints are the largest category, 36% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,500, followed by Steering issues at 26%.
Does the 2019 Ford Flex have a camera recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists recall campaigns for the 2019 Flex covering rearview cameras that could show blank, distorted, or inverted images, matching the 56% share of Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for that year.
Is the Ford Flex reliable overall?: Across 2009-2019, the Flex logged 1,922 complaints and 14 recall campaigns, with Electrical System (21%) and Steering (20%) as the most common problem areas; reported issues vary widely by year, from an index of 0 in 2017 to 100 in 2013.