2017 Ford Flex: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Ford Flex? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 38 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2017 Ford Flex Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2017 Ford Flex trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2017 Ford Flex Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Ford Flex SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Ford Flex has 38 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Flex
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 38
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Ford Flex Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Suspension Failures
Back Over Prevention
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Suspension Failures, Back Over Prevention. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Ford Flex?
The 2017 Ford Flex shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Ford Flex
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components for signs of failure or wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported suspension or electrical issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for signs of failure or wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported suspension or electrical issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Ford Flex, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 38 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Ford Flex, issues appear concentrated in suspension and uncategorized areas, with a smaller number of complaints related to back-over prevention and visibility. The low confidence level suggests these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Suspension failures and uncategorized issues each account for 13 complaints, the highest counts.
- Back-over prevention and visibility/wiper issues each have 4 complaints.
- There are 4 recalls for this model year, though recall details are not provided.
- Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints)
- Suspension Failures (13 complaints)
- Back Over Prevention (4 complaints)
All 2017 Ford Flex Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Flex. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Flex. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 th…
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…
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 “Camera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My vehicle is actively exp…
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 vehi…
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 veh…
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 …
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 drive…
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.…
Back up camera has distorted image & blank screen
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.
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…
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 furt…
My back up camera not working blanking out dorstort screen
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 reque…
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
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 t…
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.
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 shi…
My cv joints are popping I wanted to make sure this didn't have any recalls on it before I fixed it
Engine stopped turning while car was in motion, which shut the car down. An oil pump failure is suspected.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ford Flex.
2017 Ford Flex Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Flex. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Ford Flex Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Ford Flex reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 38 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Ford Flex shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Flex?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (13 complaints). #3: Back Over Prevention (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Flex?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Ford Flex?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Ford Flex, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 38 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Ford Flex have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Ford Flex. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Ford Flex?▾
The 2017 Ford Flex shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Flex reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Ford Flex based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.