Best and worst Ford Flex years — which to avoid

The Ford Flex has gone through some fantastic iterations over the years, but if you are looking to buy one, there are still some model years to avoid. While the Flex has proven its worth in the automotive world through reliable models, there are still some Ford Flex years to avoid.

So, our team will explain why you should steer away from certain Flex model years, as well as what are the best options to go for. We’ll also help you identify the worst problems that may affect specific Ford Flex years based on NHTSA complaints and recall reports, as well as real-life experiences of past owners to help you make up your mind.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we ranked the best and worst Ford Flex years

In the making of this guide, our team made sure to focus on information from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There, we obtained details on common Ford Flex complaints and official recalls, but we also considered real driver experiences through Ford Flex reviews on Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports to form the list of best and worst model years.

Most common Ford Flex problems

Ford Flex mostly showcased some repetitive issues that stuck with most of the model years and their production. One of the main problems was engine stalling, as well as the door ajar light staying on even as owners exited the vehicle. Common issues like problems with engine cooling also remained present for the entirety of production, but these were more expressed in certain years than in others, so let’s take a closer look.

1. Engine failure

Failure has been a fairly common issue with the V6 EcoBoost engine in the 2010 Ford Flex. The design of the particular vehicle has been linked to some problems. Consequently, Ford issued a recall.

The wrong positioning of the battery cables was the cause of this problem. They weren’t properly fastened, which led to an electrical spark that completely disabled the vehicle’s electronics. By only using the brakes, power was occasionally lost across the entire apparatus. Other reasons behind engine failure in Ford Flex include faulty water pumps and problems with oil deposit buildup.

2. Door ajar light does not turn off

The Flex has experienced this issue for several generations, but this situation is more unpleasant than dangerous. When a sensor on a car door malfunctions, the vehicle continuously interprets that a door is open. Cleaning the sensor seems to help for a while. However, since the original sensor was flawed, the real solution was changing the entire sensor and door system.

3. Interior and exterior accessory issues

After some time, the chrome on the door handles may start to peel and flake off, giving them an ugly appearance. Furthermore, the plastic trim on the windows and doors tends to fracture and lose its color over time. These problems may impair the doors’ and windows’ operation. Therefore, the status of these components must be frequently checked, and if necessary, they must be replaced.

4. Cooling fan module

There have been numerous reports of cars overheating while stuck in traffic. The engine would be running at normal temperatures when the vehicle accelerates at typical speeds. The failure of the cooling fan module is an erratic issue; it tends to come and go as the car pleases.

The module replacement is the usual remedy. Car mechanics frequently have to perform multiple trial-and-error procedures to locate the answer. Ford also didn’t make any statements to aid in the procedure. But a major part of it was because the issue was varied and lacked a clear pattern. Owners have also reported problems with faulty water pumps and

5. Disabled power-assist steering

Although it may be categorized under electrical issues, the gravity of the situation called for special notice. Several Flex models, notably those from the 2013 model year, were said to have power steering issues. It is pretty tricky, but not impossible, to steer the car under those circumstances.

According to some reports, this condition could lead to additional severe issues like total engine failure or a loss of control when operating a vehicle. Nearly all of these occurrences took place at lesser speeds. Some owners, however, were unfortunate enough to be stranded in the middle of blocked lanes and interstate traffic, while the majority of owners were able to pull over to the side of the road.

6. Airbag problems

The airbags on Flex vehicles between the model years 2009 and 2011 wouldn’t inflate after being deployed. To address this issue, Ford issued an active recall for the 2009 Flex model and would cooperate with distributors and dealerships to replace the airbags as necessary. Although the cause of this issue was never made public, now that it has been fixed, it is less important to know what it was.

Takata airbags were installed in every vehicle with the issue. The quality of Takata airbags significantly declined over the last ten years, rendering many automobiles inoperable. Bring your car to a Ford-approved repair shop if you think it may have a problem.

Worst Ford Flex years to avoid

Due to all these issues, some Ford Flex years are best avoided. Because of all the issues and driver complaints, the main question with this model is – what are the worst Ford Flex years? The worst Ford Flex years are 2009 and 2013, but here’s a full list:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2013
• 2014

We’ll also focus on each of these to show you why you should avoid them, and which problems might arise if you still choose to go with one of those.

First-generation Flex (2009-2010 and 2013-2014 model years)

The Ford Flex from 2009 is a dependable automobile. However, various issues have been mentioned. The power door locks are one problem. Sometimes pressing the button won’t activate the door locks. The navigation system also has issues. The navigation system may occasionally become unresponsive and freeze.

There are a number of faults with the 2010 Ford Flex, the most significant of which are transmission and engine problems. Many users have complained that their Flexes have suddenly and mysteriously lost power, frequently while traveling at highway speeds. A defective transmission cooler may occasionally be the source of the issue, leading to transmission fluid overheating and degrading. 

Ford consequently announced a recall for the impacted vehicles. Additionally, several owners have complained about the car’s engine stalling and starting issues. These issues frequently result in the engine misfiring because of harmed or polluted sensors.

Ford announced a recall in February 2014 for more than 12,000 Flex models after receiving reports of engine fires. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine-equipped Flex models were subject to the recall. A short while later, in May 2014, Ford issued another recall involving over 10,000 vehicles because of leaky sunroofs.

The 2013 Ford Flex, therefore, has a variety of issues, some of which can be pricey to rectify. Ford has had a lot of trouble with the recalls, but it has taken action to fix the problems and has extended warranties for impacted vehicles. Both the 2014 Ford Flex’s engine and transmission have concerns. 

Numerous owners have specifically voiced their displeasure with the rough idling and hesitation when accelerating. The Flex also has issues with its electrical system, which can result in stalling or difficulty starting the vehicle. Ford has issued some recalls for these problems, but many owners are still having trouble. Therefore, it’s critical to be aware of these potential issues beforehand. 

What are the best Ford Flex years to buy?

Now that you know which Flex years to avoid, let’s look at the best years for this vehicle. Below is the list of best Flex years:

• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019  

For the 2016 model, the troublesome MyFord Touch infotainment system has been replaced with the new Sync 3 system, and all trim levels now come standard with a rearview camera. The best model overall is a 2017 Flex with impressive interior features and a pretty good reliability score.

2017 Ford Flex

All 2017 Ford Flex models come standard with antilock brakes, stability, and traction control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, emergency telematics via a connected cellphone, and Ford’s MyKey system, which tracks the car and lets owners set specific restrictions and alerts for valets and teen drivers.

It also has a pretty decent reliability rating and is one of the best Flex models out there both due to a proven track record of reliability, and the fact that it’s still relatively recent and modern.

Is the Ford Flex worth buying?

Overall, the Flex offers a satisfactory driving experience with many technological and comfort enhancements. The appearance of the Ford Flex is distinctive, and it has enough space for passengers and luggage. Additionally, it offers versatile seating arrangements and a V6 turbocharger as an option. Also, the Flex has sophisticated park assist and other top-notch features.

When looking into family-friendly SUVs check our our articles like the Chevy Traverse years to avoid, GMC Acadia years to avoid, and Dodge Journey years to avoid. These models cater to the needs of families with their generous seating capacity and ample cargo space, making them ideal for everything from daily commutes to long road trips.