The Ford Flex is a model made by the popular manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. Overall the worst problem category regarding this specific type of car is the Ford Flex electrical problem. The 2013 Ford Flex has the most overall complaints, and this year is also regarded as the worst model, due to various factors like the average repair cost, the average mileage at which the problems occur, and the severity of the repairs and replacements needed. The most reported problem is also with this model, and deals with the door ajar light staying on for a long period of time.
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2009 Ford Flex Problems
The 2009 Ford Flex has had numerous user complaints, and is the first year where there were various user issues and NHTSA issues. The main user issues deal with the engine and the brakes, while the main NHTSA concerns dealt with the same categories.
Engine Ford Flex Problems
The main user complaints regarding the engine dealt with the vehicle stalling, car stopping for no reason, the oil leaking, the engine revving while at a stop, the car leaking fluid, and the car shaking and stalling while driving. The typical repair cost for the vehicle stalling generally deals with the engine replacement or replacing a mass airflow sensor. This problem generally occurs at around 98,000 miles and users report the car dying while driving, the engine stalling while using, the coolant leaking during use, and the car temperature light coming on while driving.
Regarding the complaints that the NHTSA made about the engine system, it dealt with the engine itself, the engine cooling, and the vehicle speed control. The engine issues have caused one fire and occurred at around 83,000 miles, with users stating that the water pump failed and the coolant entered the engine block, the car began to shudder past a high speed, and the vehicle can over heat during use.
Brakes Ford Flex Problems
The main areas of concern that users had about the braking system within the Ford Flex for the 2009 year include a soft brake pedal, the brakes grinding, the brakes making a loud groaning sound, and the anti skid system coming on when making turns. The braking issues have users stating that the pedal will press directly to the floor if pressed under constant pressure and the car being dangerous to drive due to the braking problems.
The NHTSA issues with the braking system involved the service brakes, the hydraulic brakes, the electronic stability control system, the traction control system, the parking brake, the electric service brakes, and the antilock system. Regarding the service brakes, this issue has resulted in three crashes, two injuries, and happens typically at around 65,000 miles.
Users have reported that the traction control and ABS light can turn on when the accelerator is pressed, the vehicle can fail to accelerate, a grinding noise occurs from under the front driver’s side of the car, the vehicle accelerates unintentionally, and the braking system needs to be replaced, including the anti-rotation pin, the adjuster spring, spring seat, piston seat, slider frame, anti-rattle clips, and slider pins needing to be replaced after very minimal use.
2011 Ford Flex Problems
Two years after the disaster of the 2009 Ford Flex, the 2011 did much better in terms of user concerns and the NHTSA complaints. Both the 2010 and 2011 almost made the general public forget about the issues of the previous year – except for when the 2013 came along.
Regarding this model, the main concerns focused on the engine system and the steering system, with both users and the NHTSA having these two categories as the top priorities. The main issues referred to a loss of power while driving, or a loss of steering while operating the car.
2013 Ford Flex Problems
The 2013 Ford Flex is widely regarded as the worst model year due to the prevalence of user issues, NHTSA complaints, and the severity of the repairs and replacements needed to keep the drivers and passengers safe and secure. The main categories of user complaints deal with electrical problems and the interior accessories, while the NHTSA complaints address the electrical problems, the steering issues, and the fuel system.
Electrical Ford Flex Problems
Users typically complain about the door ajar light staying on during use, even when the door is closed and you are driving the car. The typical repair cost for fixing this Ford Flex problem comes at about $440, occurs at around 65,000 miles, and has garnered nearly 30 complaints from 2013 Ford Flex owners. The main solution is to replace the door latch.
Users report that the sensor gets damaged and the light stays on, along with the interior light remaining on while driving. The light can be damaging and distracting to the driver while operating the vehicle, and the driver is unable to lock their car.
The NHTSA has similar complaints, and has users stating the door lock sensors were inoperable, the driver is not alerted to the door being ajar, the dome lights staying on, the door ajar warning sensor failing on the front passenger side door, and the power steering disappearing while driving, which can create a very dangerous situation while on the road.
User Interior Accessories Ford Flex Problems
The second category that showed cause for concern amongst the car owners of the 2013 Ford Flex deal with the interior accessories, with the main issues being the door ajar alert comes on when the door is closed, the rear camera view is faulty, the Bluetooth cannot connect with the phone, the entire sound system cutting out, the touch screen turns black, and the liftgate won’t stay up. To fix the door ajar alert coming on, the typical repair cost is around $740 and occurs at around 53,000 miles, with users stating that the interior lights stay on and the doors will not lock, the vehicle does not register the passenger door is closed, and the alarm can go off for no reason.
NHTSA Steering Ford Flex Problems
The NHTSA lodged 76 complaints regarding the steering system, with the majority referencing the steering directly, and some referring to the electric power assist system. The steering concerns have led to five crashes, one injury, and occur at an average of 76,000 miles for most Ford Flex owners. Users have stated that the power can go out while you are driving, the electric power assist steering cant turn off while steering, the illuminated power steering light can go out with very short notice, and the malfunctioning continues occurring during use.
2013 Ford Flex Recalls
Along with the numerous safety issues that are apparent with many years of the Ford Flex, there are also 6 recalls for the 2013 Ford Flex. The first recall that was issued was in 2013, regarding the fuel delivery module potentially cracking and leaking. Ford has recalled various makes in 2013, including the Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, and Police Interceptor Sedan. In the affected cars, the fuel delivery module might develop a crack over time and cause fuel to leak.
The second recall was one year later in 2014 and affected around 83,000 vehicles. The main concern dealt with a half shaft disengagement and a loss of drive. If the half shaft and the link shaft becomes disengaged while you are driving, the power will no longer be able to transmit to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Also, if the parking brake is not engaged before you leave the vehicle, the car can roll away despite the transmission sitting being placed in the park position.
The third recall is the loss of the electric power steering assist, which was in 2015 and affected nearly 400,000 cars. The loss of the electric power assist deals with cars that contain the 3.5-liter GTDI engine, with these cars potentially shutting down as a result of the steering motor sensor fault.
The next recall of the 2013 Ford Flex contains a fuel delivery module potential to crack and leak during use, with the fuel leak highly increasing the ignition source and the potential to result in a fire.
The fifth recall was in August of 2016 and affected nearly 80,000 vehicles, and related to the fuel pump malfunction causing the engine to stall while driving. The Ford Motor Company had to recall the 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and the Lincoln MKT vehicles, since the 3.5-liter GTDI EcoBoost engine could cause a loss of power due to the fuel pump electric module overheating and causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
The sixth and final recall dealt with the rear suspension toe links causing a fracture. A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. This recall was announced in February of 2020 and affected over 200,000 vehicles.
Ford Flex Consumer Reviews
Despite having many Ford Flex problems, the consumer reviews of the 2018 Ford Flex earned a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The comfort was rated a 5 out of 5, the value for money was a 4.5, the interior design was a 4.5, the reliability was a 4.5, the performance was a 4.5, and the exterior styling was a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The positive comments about the Ford Flex seem to disregard the very common Ford Flex problems, and note many positive features of this car. Users have said that the Flex provides a smooth ride, plenty of interior room and can provide a great fuel economy for a crossover SUV.
Users also state that the Flex has a unique exterior styling, flexible seating, and cargo capacity for plenty of storage and luggage for numerous passengers. The Flex provides easy entry and exit for passengers, looks stylish to the eye, and is comfortable to hold a family of over 5 people.
Users also note the car is very comfortable and reliable, contains a panoramic vista roof, and 12 speakers for apple music and sound qualities.
Common Ford Repairs
Along with the Ford Flex problems that can occur in your car despite the high reliability rating for the 2018 Ford Flex, there are common Ford repairs that you need to be aware of. The first repair is the ignition coil failure. Your ignition coil can fail due to the spark plug gap that has been gapped in the wrong way, and can cost around $600 to pay for.
The second repair is a transmission failure, which is a very costly and expensive replacement, with users and car owners expecting to pay around $1800 to $3400 to the mechanic shop.
The third common Ford Flex repair is improper engine idling, which can be caused by a faulty exhaust gas recirculation sensor. The EGR system is in charge of regulating your engine's combustion by recirculating gas, and if this sensor is not working properly, the EGR valve will not close when it is supposed to and cause the engine to shake.
The last common Ford Flex problem is the rear window shattering, with the window potentially exploding due to cold temperatures.
Overall
By determining what kind of Ford Flex problems that you might be dealing with, you can figure out the best way to solve the repairs and replacements needed and keep your vehicle working at an optimal level. Figuring out the best way to deal with your Ford Flex can help you make the best decisions when it comes to bringing your vehicle to a mechanic to do the repairs or replacements on the Ford Flex problems yourself.
If you find that your Ford Flex problems are worth more than your vehicle is actually worth itself, then you might not want to pay to repair the issues on your Ford Flex. This means that you should look into a local and reputable shop where you can bring your vehicle and sell your car for cash. Luckily for you, Cash Cars Buyer is that perfect place for you! We offer cash in hand within 24 hours and the top dollar for your junk car.