7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$340
Average Mileage:
71,550 miles
Total Complaints:
35 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. replace door latch (14 reports)
  3. ground wire to switch.keeps warning off even if door is open (3 reports)
  4. ground the wires and bypass the sensor (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #35

May 082021

Flex 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,111 miles

I have a Ford Flex 2013 and I love it but this door ajar is a little disappointing, 3 of my doors have this issue and have called dealer and super pricey just to diagnose the problem plus whatever it is to fix it. Now my driver door has as much times i tried to close or slam it, it wont and it will beep every time I get my foot of the brake. Now the only option for me is to ground that wire to the car which is not the fix I want but its the only option I have. If anyone out there has a better solution please let me know.

- cynthiacruz89, Whittier, US

problem #34

May 202021

Flex EX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

The 2 rear door sensors went out on my 2013 Ford Flex I had to cut the wires and ground them out to buy pass it so it won't beep at me and let my inside lights go out

- Wade N., Escondido, CA, US

problem #33

Nov 242019

Flex XLT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

Seems like a problem Ford needs to address. I shouldn't have to bypass a system on the car, one that really shouldn't fail.

- Greg R., Cambridge, ON, Canada

problem #32

Jan 152020

Flex

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,800 miles

I have a 2013 Ford Flex, this is the worst vehicle i have ever owned. You couldn't pay me to own another Ford.

I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE VEHICLE JERKING WHEN FIRST DRIVING, THE BACKUP CAMERA IS UPSIDE DOWN AND NOW THE PASSENGER DOOR LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. IT CONTINUES TO SAY PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.

FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. DEALERS TRY TO RIP YOU OFF TO FIX THEM.

- Cindy R., Beloit, WI, US

problem #31

Nov 012020

Flex SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

I have owned 3 Ford Flex. A 2009 that had not issues whatsoever. A 2013 Limited that had door sensor issues. Trade that and went to a Buick. Missed the Flex so we bought a 3rd one. Another 2013 but an SEL this time. SAME DAMN PROBLEM!!! After owning it for 2 years the sensors starting going out. We've had 2 replaced but the drivers door is the absolute worst! It is obviously the most used door and it's gotten to where it is continuous and we've had to replace the battery. This issue should have been recalled long ago. Ridiculous.

- Missy M., Conway, SC, US

problem #30

Nov 012019

Flex SEL 4DR AWD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

SO OUR CAR ALARM WILL GO OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. WAKER THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD UP. IT ALSO KEEPS THE LIGHT ON FOR A WHILE WHEN WE START TO DRIVE WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO SEE. WE HAVE STOPPED PUTTING THE ALARM ON AS IT HELPS TO OT HAVE THE SENSOR START THE ALARM BT THE OUR CAR IS IN DANGER OF BEING ROBBED. VERY FRUSTRATING. NOW WE HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED FOR THE SCOND TIME. A YEAR AGO IT WAS ONE DOOR AND NOT ANOTHER BUT THIS TIME OUR WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT SO WE HAVE TO PAY 376.00. REAL FRUSTRATING.

- Lisa W., Kingston, ON, Canada

problem #29

May 202019

Flex SEL 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I already had to replace the sensor on the drivers door, and now the passenger sensor is messed up and the light stays on, and my interior lights stays on. And now the door ajar light stays on too. It’s very distracting and I can’t lock my car. It’s dangerous because anyone can get in my car and when you’re disabled you can’t defend yourself.

- loscuito, Granbury, Tx, US

problem #28

May 012017

Flex SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Ford needs to have this issue recalled. I see I'm not the only person having this same problem. At night the dome light stays on which is a distraction when pulling out which could cause an accident. The doors won't lock. My alarm continues to go off all hours of the night and day. I have had to replace my battery twice. Come on Ford, fix this crap.

- Leslie A., Dallas, US

problem #27

Nov 182018

Flex SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

click to see larger images

door ajar light stays on door ajar light stays on door ajar light stays on

Already replaced back passenger sensor. Warranty is out so cost is $500 to fix the passenger front door. Have to keep opening and closing to get it to shut off. Already replaced one dead battery. Dome lights stay on continuously dings and kills battery. Now the sensor light came on and door was not even opened. Can't use door or have a passenger in front seat because the door will have to be opened and closed until the door sensor light goes off.. I have read lots of reviews that this is a problem with this year of Flex.. and now I am reading there was a lawsuit filed last year.

- Audrey S., Saint Petersburg, US

problem #26

Sep 012018

Flex SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Even though hundreds of complaints have been brought up with Ford, they don't think this is a safety issue to have the doors remain unlocked at all times.

- Barry L., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #25

Feb 012018

Flex SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

click to see larger images

door ajar light stays on door ajar light stays on door ajar light stays on

My right front passenger door sensor has been sticking "door ajar" light remains on for about 6 months. At first I thought it was my kid not shutting the door all the way. Then by February 2018 I started to realize it was the car not the user. Now my spouse can't even sit in the front seat of our "family vehicle" because the last time he got out of the car we didn't think we were going to be able to shut the door enough times to get the "door ajar" light to trigger so our kid has to sit in front by climbing the seats! Also even when we don't use the door, I've noticed more and more that something will trigger it and the light will be on when I go to start the car. The dome lights are supposed to automatically turn off, but they don't, when I go to move my car when my spouse gets home from work that's usually when I find the lights are sometimes on, sometimes not & I'll get just the light on the dash and the dome lights when I start my car. Also I'm now having issues with the battery that was replaced last year so it should not have any issues. However a couple of times I've come out to start my car in the morning and the "door ajar" was somehow triggered and my car battery is low. The lights are on when I'm driving through neighborhoods because I'm driving at a lower speed and I can't shut them off because of this stupid "door ajar" light. I can't lock my car doors when it's triggered, not when the car is in motion or off. This is dangerous as I do have a young child and car theft is serious in my area. This is getting ridiculous as this is something that ford needs to fix, this is not just an annoyance, it is a safety issue. Having to drive with the dome lights on, not being able to lock the car at all, in motion or parked, battery dying, heck one day I'm lucky the car started after getting groceries. From what I have read, once one door does this, another door is sure to follow until all have had this issue and the parts been replaced... this sounds very much like Ford should just recall and fix the darn doors!

- Amanda C., Moline, US

problem #24

Jul 262018

Flex 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,899 miles

So this is now door number two. Aware of lawsuits for this issue and Ford continues to turn their head. I will NOT be buying another ford again.

My battery is basically a POS now - and also have to have that replaced due to the lights staying on.

I REFUSE to sink bull sh*t money into this car (i know its about 500 or more to fix at a dealer) - so We are now looking at hacks on you tube to get around it. Sad that we have to do this

- Lori C., South Lyon, MI, US

problem #23

Aug 222018

Flex 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,605 miles

I bought this car used to replace my Taurus x. I thought that the little issues with the Taurus made this a good investment. Instead I have had nothing but electrical issues starting with the radio control module. The door latch sensor is a real pisser. It takes hours to turn off the warning lights and interior lights etc. We just keep slamming the door until it turns off and exit out of another door.Not fun when you are in your sixties.The light comes on whenever it feels like and causes the car to stall. The interior lights;All of them, come on whenever they feel like it. Driving down dark country roads is hazardous because there are no street lights and we almost collided with a group of people crossing the road at night because of the night blindness and not being able to see out the windows with the inside lights on. If they do not want to recall this, then at the very least have the new sensors installed at an affordable price. Ford knows there is a problem. I work at a factory that supplies the doors and they know it is a problem. It has been investigated more than once and now someone should do the right thing before I get a lawyer involved and file a class action lawsuit. Lets start putting parts that are premium on these cars. This cheapening of the product does not work. This will probably be my last Ford.

- Paula H., Belleville, MI, US

problem #22

Aug 152018

Flex SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Dangerous when pulled off side of highway and tried to remedy by closing door harder. Occurs practically every day. Slamming door sometimes helps. In addition to door open icon, the doors will not lock when driving when lock switches are pressed and auto lock does not function. DANGEROUS situation especially with child locks in back and when driving in "bad" high crime areas!

Update from Aug 27, 2018: Ground colored wire to switch. Will keep door ajar warning from coming on (whether door is opened or closed) therefor it is not a true fix but a work around that works to prevent dead batteries, false alarm triggers, overhead cockpit lamps from staying on. I works for me since Ford says there is no easy fix and the switch (latch) must be replaced but that it can go bad again. There are 5 such switches including tailgate and they will go bad. Only 1 Ford Service Adviser I spoke to said this was a safe work around but of course could not authorize it but it would work as I describe and it does work. With all materials present the fix takes between 1/2 to 1 hour, but is a PITA. How to's are on You Tube, and wire diagrams on FixYa to find wire colors (ones closest to switch are the ones to use --wires are small)

- Jeff G., Wiscasset, ME, US

problem #21

Oct 302015

Flex 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,479 miles

In my opinion pretty significant PITA issue. Lights stay on, battery drains, etc. I used to love my Flex - (had one prior and should have stuck with the one (2011) I had, less of a lemon)

- Lori C., South Lyon, MI, US

problem #20

Jul 132017

Flex 06

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,206 miles

Door ajar light on constantly and alarm goes off randomly. If you also have similar problems with your 2013 Ford Flex, please call FORD Customer Relations: 800 392-3673. If enough people call, we can get a recall. Thank you!

- Sean W., Adairville, KY, US

problem #19

Aug 012017

Flex Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

This is really annoying, and costs a lot of money with no permanent way to fix it!!

- gkoufos, Wellington, US

problem #18

Mar 012014

Flex SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Passenger door ajar light stayed on. This was the first of two for the passenger door.

- rln, Gilbert, US

problem #17

Nov 012015

Flex SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Driver side door this time, previous time before and after this was the passenger door.

- rln, Gilbert, US

problem #16

Jul 062017

Flex SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Second time I had to get the drivers door fixed. First time dealer said it “just needed cleaning”. Huh?

- rln, Gilbert, US

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