10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 60,056 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The power transfer unit otherwise referred to as a transfer case exploded from the inside with under 50k miles on the Flex resulting in the transmission cracking and breaking as well. AAA inspected and replaced both transmission and transfer case. They say they see a lot of them for these models and is a common issue. We kept old transfer case as proof. Car is not used for towing as it has no hitch and as stated before had under 50000 miles when it destroyed itself with myself and kids in the car driving 45 mph.
- Toledo, OH, USA
I noticed one day when I drove to work and got out of my vehicle it smelled like transmission fluid burning took it to the dealer and they said it is a common problem with the Ford Flex that the trans fluid and coolant were getting mixed together because of the design of the A/C condensor etc.... if it is a common problem why hasnt it been recalled" on top of that it cost me $900+ to fix and I took it back because it still smelled like trans fluid was burning and was told it was probably still just burning off from what had leaked. 5 almost 6 months later it still smells"
- Hobart, IN, USA
On the 4th of July my vehicle was stopped in my driveway with the transmission in park. I had exited the vehicle leaving the driver's door open while I walked up my driveway to clear an obstruction in the garage door safety eyes. When I got to the garage door I turned back and say my Flex reversing up the driveway quickly. I had previously backed in and was driving out of the driveway when I noticed the garage door would not close. The Flex continued to reverse up the driveway (uphill) with the driver's door open. At the top of the driveway the open driver's door contacted a basketball post with such force that it bent the concrete filled post and folded the driver's door into the left fender before I was able to slow and stop the vehicle. When I originally exited the Flex the transmission was in the park position and the rear back-up camera had no dash display. There was no warning on the instrument panel to indicate the transmission was not in park. The vehicle was otherwise unattended at the time. I am concerned that the vehicle was able the shift into reverse and then reverse uphill at a brisk rate of speed while unattended. At this time the Flex is secured in my garage and has not been driven or inspected in anticipation of repair or appraisal. I have the opportunity to have the PCM and acm imaged however have been instructed that data may be erased if the vehicle is run in an attempt to image potential data. Please advise asap your wishes as I require the vehicle for my business.
- Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Ecoboost 3.5L vehicle experienced total loss of power and white smoke from tailpipes while driving 65mph on expressway but still ran. Drove straight to an independent service center where they diagnosed low boost pressure dtc and failure of both turbochargers. Towed vehicle to Ford service center where they dug deeper and are now telling me there was a coolant system leak which washed out the engine oil and caused the engine to overheat and the turbos to fail(lock up). There have been numerous documented issues with coolant system leaks and oil supply to turbos causing failures/fire/overheating in ecoboost engines... dealer is now telling me the entire engine needs to be replaced including the turbochargers in the ballpark of $13,000.
- St Paul, MN, USA
My 2016 Ford Flex I just bought less then 6mths ago! and I have 30,000 miles on it! I was hearing lots of noise from the front end and also I would hear it when my car was in gear and also when I went from drive to reverse and especially when you were turning your steering wheel!! took it in to the dealership and they stated it was my driver and passenger half shaft! I get it back and now I am hearing noises again!!
- Bellevue, NE, USA
Front wheels lock as the vehicle is reversing. Loud rattle noise from under vehicle transmission.
- Downers Grove, IL, USA
Car lost power without warning while driving on highway. Warning light with wrench and "check manual" appeared. Dealer indicated recall 16B32 and replaced throttle body. I was never notified of recall.
- Bonita Springs, FL, USA
- Crowley, LA, USA