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FORD FLEX
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History

10 model years analyzed (2017–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β€” the same data used by federal regulators.

πŸ“‹
297
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
πŸ””
11
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
πŸ’₯
13
Crash-Related
crash complaints
πŸ”₯
0
Fire-Related
fire complaints
πŸ₯
6
Injuries Reported
across all years
πŸ€–
Below Average
AI Rating
reliability score

Checking a specific FORD FLEX? Run a VIN check for its exact history.

⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.

πŸ€–

AI Interpretation

High ConfidenceBelow Average
AI interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

NHTSA complaint data for the Ford Flex (2017–2026) shows a high concentration of issues in the Back Over Prevention system, with 127 complaints, followed by Structure and Electrical System. Complaints are heavily skewed toward the 2019 model year, which accounts for 202 of the 297 total complaints. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 13, and there are 11 recalls across the model years analyzed.

πŸ“Š Key Findings
  • Back Over Prevention accounts for 127 of 297 total complaints.
  • The 2019 model year has 202 complaints, the highest of any year.
  • Structure and Electrical System have 58 and 33 complaints respectively.
  • No complaints were reported for model years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
⚠️ Top Concerns
  • Back Over Prevention system issues are the most reported concern.
  • Structure-related complaints, possibly involving body or frame, are notable.
  • Electrical system problems are the third most common complaint.
⚠️ Worst Years

The 2019 model year has the most complaints (202), driven largely by Back Over Prevention issues. The 2018 and 2017 years also show elevated complaints, primarily in the same component.

βœ… Best Years

Model years 2020, 2021, and 2022 have zero reported complaints, which may suggest better reliability or lower production volumes. Buyers may consider these years if available.

βœ… Before You Buy β€” Checklist
  • Inspect the Back Over Prevention system (rearview camera/sensors) for proper operation.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components: Back Over Prevention, Structure, Electrical System.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's structure and electrical system before purchase.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Complaint volume may be influenced by sales numbers; lower sales years may have fewer complaints regardless of reliability.

πŸ“… NHTSA Complaints by Model Year

2017
38
2018
57
2019
202
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: May 2026

πŸ”” NHTSA Safety Recalls

11 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Campaign #20V072000October 2, 2020

Safety Recall

Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Campaign #20V072000October 2, 2020

Safety Recall

Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Campaign #16V925000

Safety Recall

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Campaign #25V695000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V732000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Campaign #25V695000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V732000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Campaign #18V548000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Campaign #24V951000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V695000

Safety Recall

Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V732000

Safety Recall

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

πŸ”§ Most-Reported Problem Areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 297 NHTSA complaints.

1
BACK OVER PREVENTION
127 complaints
2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
69 complaints
3
STRUCTURE
58 complaints
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 complaints
5
SUSPENSION
26 complaints
6
VISIBILITY/WIPER
15 complaints
7
STEERING
7 complaints
8
POWER TRAIN
6 complaints

πŸ“‹ NHTSA Complaint Reports

297 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ENGINEApr 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect involving the internal water pump design in the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine used in my 2017 Ford Flex. The water pump in this engine is mounted internally behind the timing chain cover. When the pump fails, coolant is not externally visible but instead leaks directly into the engine oil. This design prevents early detection and warning, leading to rapid and catastrophic engine failure without adequate notice to the driver. In my case, the water pump failed suddenly, allowing coolant to contaminate the engine oil. This resulted in total engine failure and immediate loss of vehicle operability.

STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTIONMar 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V732000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPERMar 2026

My 2017 Ford Flex has an open safety recall for the rearview camera system (Ford Recall 25S49 / NHTSA Recall 25V695). The recall states the camera may display a blank image or show the message β€œCamera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My vehicle is actively experiencing this exact failure. The screen frequently displays β€œCamera Unavailable,” preventing the rearview camera safety feature from functioning when the vehicle is put in reverse. I received the recall notice in October 2025. Since then I have contacted my Ford dealership several times and have been told that parts are still not available to repair the recall. Ford initially provided an estimated remedy date of January 2026. This date was later moved to June 20, 2026. I was recently informed that the date has now been removed completely and there is no estimated timeline for when the recall repair will be available. The safety recall remains unresolved while the defect continues to occur on the vehicle. The rearview camera is an important safety feature that assists drivers when reversing. I am submitting this complaint because the recall repair has been delayed for many months while the safety defect is actively occurring.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPERMar 2026

Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its own while the vehicle was parked. There have been occasions where I came outside and found the liftgate open overnight in my driveway. This issue appears to be intermittent and part of the same electrical problems affecting the backup camera system described in my complaint. Please add this information to my existing complaint. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

BACK OVER PREVENTIONMar 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was blank or inverted while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was unreachable. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONFeb 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact stated that months after a routine service appointment with a local dealer, the rear-view camera failed to operate as designed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERDec 2025

While driving down the highway the black door panel next to the window flew off from the front passenger door and the rear drivers side passenger door. These were not loose or of concern previous to this happening. My concern when this happened is that it would hit another driver's vehicle and damage it, or potentially cause an accident because I was on the highway. Had I been on our pedestrian street, what if this happened and hit someone? I see there is a recall for other Ford Flex doors, but I'm not sure if this is the same issue. There were no warnings that this may happen, we noticed when they hit the rear windows when they detached and my children yelled about something hitting their window.

SEAT BELTSNov 2025

The rear seat belts come unbuckled. I was driving and about to get on a highway, and my children told me their seat belts unbuckled, another time it happened while I was driving in town. There's been a few others times too. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer to check it out. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No lights came on when the seat belt unbuckled. It has been happening on and off for a few years.

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2025

Back up camera has distorted image & blank screen

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2025

Backup camera frequently goes blank. I noticed an active recall for other ford vehicles and wanted to report I’m having the same issue with my 2017 ford flex, so I’m hoping the flexes will be added to the recall.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

The backup camera failed in my 2017 Ford Flex. It has gotten worse over time and now doesn’t come on at all or just for a second or two. I get a blue screen of death most of the time. It makes it much unsafer to parallel park and backup into a parking spot. Every time I try to use it I get an error message saying the camera is not working. This message stay on the car screen until I press the ok button. Most times the error message doesn’t come on until I’m driving so I have to take my eyes off the road to acknowledge it. I took it to my local repair shop. They told me Ford dealership had to fix. Please add the Ford Flex to the recall announced yesterday.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

The rear-facing camera in the tailgate of my 2017 Ford Flex is defective and is experiencing the same issue included within the recent NHTSA Campaign # 25V572000. The fact that the 2017 Ford Flex is not included within the recall is highly suspect and should be investigated further. Our safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the driver could accidentally back up into an object or individual, causing damage, injury or loss of life. The issue is reproduceable and has happened a number of times, and has been confirmed by our local dealer, Shawnee Mission Ford. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer directly (other than through the dealership), police, insurance, or others. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms other than those expressly noted in the aforementioned campaign.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

My back up camera not working blanking out dorstort screen

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTIONSep 2025

Component or System Failed: The rearview/backup camera system has failed. The image consistently displays upside down when the camera activates, and at times the camera does not turn on at all. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction severely impairs rear visibility when reversing, creating a significant safety hazard. The distorted image increases the risk of backing into pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles, especially in crowded areas or where children may be present. Problem Confirmation: The problem has been reproduced multiple times by me. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Inspection History: The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this specific issue by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Warning Lamps / Messages: No warning lamps or dashboard error messages appear when the failure occurs. The first occurrence was around [insert approximate date/mileage], and the problem has been ongoing since then. Additional Information: I am aware that Ford has an active recall for backup camera failures on certain models. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms, but my make/model is not currently included in that recall. This is an ongoing problem. Not one specific incident.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2025

This be chile was purchased by me when living in the United States and imported when I moved back to Canada. The Rear Camera frequently shows as not working, goes blank or picture breaks up. It’s an on going problem, which makes parking and backing up problematic

SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2025

Subject: Request for Review: 2017 Ford Flex Rear Suspension Toe Link Failure Outside Recall VIN Range To: NHTSA I am writing to formally request a review and consideration of my vehicle's eligibility for RECALL 20V072000 (Ford Recall 20S04), which addresses rear suspension toe link fractures on 2013-2018 Ford Flex models. My vehicle is a 2017 Ford Flex, and it recently experienced a failure of the right rear toe link, consistent with the failure mode described in the recall. However, after contacting my local Ford Dealership (Rowe Ford, Westbrook, ME) and the Ford Motor Company, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the recall coverage. I had the right rear toe link repaired and paid for it. I am concerned that the same issue could occur in my left rear toe link, so I am working to have that part preemptively replaced at my own expense. I believe that the exclusion of my vehicle by VIN may be inappropriate for the following reasons: 1. Model year and component match: My Flex falls well within the model years (2013-2018) covered by the recall, and the failed part is the exact component under scrutiny. 2. Failure occurred during normal driving conditions and almost caused an accident. 3. Ford's recall criteria appear overly narrow, possibly omitting vehicles that still contain defective parts, like my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether the VIN range for this recall should be expanded to include additional vehicles like mine that have experienced identical part failures with potential life threatening safety concerns. I have uploaded invoices from my local dealership repair facility. One invoice is for the work to replace the failed right rear toe link and the other is for preemptive replacement of the left rear toe link that I chose to commission on my own.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2025

When I go in reverse my camera suddenly turns off or goes upside down risking property damage and personal injury. It doesn't happen every time just out of know where.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJan 2025

My car is making a weird popping noise accompanied by a slight jolt when it’s changing gears while driving. I was told the 2017 ford flexes where part of the campaign number 22S43 a recall affecting the 2017 Ford Flex primarily concerns a potential issue with the transmission shifter cable bushing, which could become damaged or missing, potentially preventing the transmission from properly shifting into the intended gear position and increasing the risk of the vehicle rolling away when parked. My vehicle is showing the same indicators.

STEERINGFeb 2024

My cv joints are popping I wanted to make sure this didn't have any recalls on it before I fixed it

POWER TRAINSep 2023

Engine stopped turning while car was in motion, which shut the car down. An oil pump failure is suspected.

Showing 20 of 297 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check a Specific FORD FLEX

This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.

πŸ“– Understanding This Data

πŸ“‹

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD FLEX has 297 complaints on record across 10 model years.

πŸ””

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD FLEX has 11 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

πŸ’₯

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 13 of the FORD FLEX's 297 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

πŸ€–

How Is the AI Rating Calculated?

The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β€” always verify with a VIN-specific report.

πŸ“Š

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

πŸ”

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD FLEX vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two FORD FLEX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

πŸ”Ž

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD FLEX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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