Ford Flex years to avoid — most common problems

The Ford Flex is a well-liked full-size crossover from the reputable Ford brand. This car’s production started in 2008 and continued until 2019. The Ford Flex has gone through some fantastic iterations over the years, learning from past errors to create a better automobile. If you’re looking to buy one, you might be curious about which Ford Flex years to avoid. 

Keep reading to find out the best Ford Flex years and which to avoid.

Most common Ford Flex problems

Here is a list of some common problems with the Flex model. 

Bulge lug nuts 

The issue with the inflated lug nuts was so severe that many users filed lawsuits. The lug nuts would bulge and lock, according to complaints. That made getting rid of them practically impossible.

It might not be the worst-case situation for mechanics to remove them, but picture the frustration of the individual who tried to do it with some basic equipment at home. 

Despite all the difficulties, the lawsuit was dropped since it turned out that the lug nuts weren’t the issue. Ford provided a beautiful metal cap along with the lug nuts. The caps would bulge, making it difficult to reach the nuts. It was determined that the bulging lug nuts could not be considered a genuine safety concern. Recent generations have made modifications.

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. Fortunately, no one was hurt or killed, just frazzled nerves.

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.

Faulty Myford touch technology 

Numerous reports alleged that the automated system in charge of the vehicles’ entertainment and many other features was slow or unresponsive. This issue led to poor fuel economy, navigational difficulty, and frequent complaints about the Flex’s dependability. Ford now claims that giving the vehicle software updates improves the system.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Cracked fuel delivery module

There have been complaints about the fuel delivery module cracking. The effect would be a fuel leak. The year 2013 was the one with the most severe damage. An electrical circuit would be on the side where the oozing oil would flow, creating a fire risk. 

Which Ford Flex years to avoid?

You need to watch out and avoid these model years when purchasing a Ford Flex:

First-generation Flex (2009-2010 and 2013-2015 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. 

A Flex 2015 owner claimed to have their vehicle towed to a dealership when their vehicle unexpectedly lost power while being driven down the interstate. Mechanics examined the vehicle and found that the transmission had failed. Other owners have reported electrical system problems and engine fires. Ford has recalled the 2015 Flex numerous times as a result of these issues.

Best Ford Flex years

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 Ford Flex
• 2017 Ford Flex
• 2018 Ford Flex
• 2019 Ford Flex 

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. 

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.

The 2018 and 2019 Ford Flex models are substantial crossovers/wagons with seating for six or seven people. They come in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. The front wheels receive power from the 3.5-liter V6 engine’s 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque when it is mated to a six-speed automated transmission. The SEL and Limited versions have all-wheel drive options. The turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with standard all-wheel drive (365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft) is also available with the Limited specifications.

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.