Page 2 of 3 · complaints 51–100 of 102

2016 Ford Flex complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 21, 202540,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated instead of stopping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 29, 2025IN

My back up camera turned blue and said that that camera was unavailable, then it turned black, now the image is upside down. This could def be a hazard and it is a common occurrence in the 2016 Flex.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 6, 2025NM

The rear camera on this 2016 Ford Flex has gone bad 3 times since buying it in 2017. It is upside down or will be green, black or blue leaving no view at all. A Ford dealer has seen it on multiple occasions.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 6, 2024SC

Back up camera image is distorted or flipped. This is a safety risk.

Suspension
Filed Dec 3, 2024VA

See attached document for complaint.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 16, 2024MO

Rear camera is malfunctioning. When the vehicle is in reverse, the display shows either a flashing green screen followed by an error message or an upside down image with no parking aid lines.

SuspensionCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 29, 2024MI

I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1.5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident. The rollover could have seriously injured myself or my passenger. The police report refers to a mechanical failure. No warning signs from the vehicle.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Oct 3, 202425,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The message that the camera was unavailable was displayed on the screen. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 12, 202480,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 25, 2024190,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to add power steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, it was determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 28, 2024FL

The issue is that the pawl spring tab in the side door latch broke. The door does not close. if closed manually by manipulating the latch to close it, the door may open while driving. There was a recall for this exact issue a few years ago but I feel it needs to be opened back up and more models added to it, like the 2016 Flex. Here is the article from a few years ago: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jun 13, 2024130,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated there were two warning chimes alert heard. Additionally, “Stop Vehicle for Safe Steering” and “Power Steering Assist Service Required” messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering monitor sensor fault and rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2024NJ

The car started jerking and slowing down on the highway and would not accelerate. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and had the car towed to a service center. A repair shop did a print out of the error codes from the computer which indicated an error relating to the power steering control module. A search online show that many other Ford flex owners have experienced similar issues.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 2024154,500 milesLA

There is far to much to list

Power Train
Filed Jun 29, 2023OH

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.

Structure › Body
Filed May 15, 2023OH

The passenger door latch cracked and door would not close. This is exactly as described in a recall of other Ford vehicles from the same model year, however, the Flex was not included.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 11, 2023MO

2nd row passenger side bucket seat seatbelt no longer latches. Car has less than 35,000 miles. Seat is no longer able to be occupied legally. My child in booster seat uses that seat belt and could have become unsecured while driving which would have put him at risk if there was an accident or would have had to brake quickly. Seatbelt has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning or symptoms of a problem. Problem started 4/10/2023.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 2023FL

The backup camera safety system operates intermittently. We are unable to see behind us when backing up putting us and others at risk. Sometimes it works when in Reverse, but most of the time the touchscreen panel does not even change over to show the camera view at all. The Flex is a large vehicle so a non-working camera or electrical component for the camera is unsafe. There are other existing recalls related to other Ford makes and models due to faulty cameras and image modules. This could be the same or a related issue. No errors or codes appear. I have not taken to a dealer yet because they charge $300 just to do a diagnosis.

Engine
Filed Jan 3, 2023TX

Ford hid the fact that some of its vehicles may suffer a sudden internal water pump failure that poses significant safety risks to drivers including sudden catastrophic engine failure. From 2007 through at least 2020, Ford has incorporated the Cyclone Engine—containing a faulty internal water pump—into thousands of vehicles. Internal Water Pumps should last for the useful life of the engines without the need for any service, maintenance, or repair. Despite knowing for more than a decade that its' vehicles incorporating the "Duratec Engine", contain a defect in design that can cause the internal water pump to prematurely fail well before the end of the useful life of the engine. The issue has lead to a repair estimate of $2700 USD or could lead to catastrophic engine failure due to the water pumps' placement inside the engine block (Poor Design). In the past, Ford has also represented that the water pump will not need to be serviced or maintenance, but the internal location of the water pump in the engine conceals it from view and inspection when other routine services are being performed. The water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it reportedly allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Making matters worse, mixed coolant and oil can lead to engine failure, too.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 6, 2022CA

Door sensor states door is ajar when it is closed, causing battery drainage and safety concern about doors

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jun 7, 2022133,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door latch had fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the spring in the door fractured and damaged the striker within the door mechanism. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2022AZ

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the door ajar warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel despite all doors being checked and fully closed. The contact also stated that a warning chime would continuously ring and the front interior lights would remain on while driving. The contact stated that the interior lights would shut off after driving above a certain speed; however, the warning chime and the warning light would persist. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Feb 19, 2022AL

Rear backup camera fails. It was repaired once under warranty, (7 Jan 2019) second time under extended warranty protection (17 Jun 2021), now has failing for the third time. Local Ford dealer has the information and I have repair invoices.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 25, 2022GA

The APIM stopped working, this unit controls all of the SYNC functions as well as front cabin vent selection. We can no longer use the windshield defrost because the air will only blow from the vents facing the driver and passenger seat. All hands free phone features, aux input, and USB port have also stopped working.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Dec 6, 202180,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front and rear door latches malfunctioned making it difficult to securely close the doors. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 13, 2021NC

The passenger side seat belt tightens on passenger while driving. It tightened on one passenger so tight; there became a need to cut the belt off! The second time it tightened on the passenger while driving, but did not tighten to the point of needing to cut the belt. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they didn’t seem to interested in the issue, however the service tech and the mechanical tech reportedly did drive the vehicle (saying the passenger pulled on the seat belt and it was working properly). However the tension tightens without notice on the passenger side front seat and today the alarm for no seatbelt didn’t even come on when the passenger was unbuckled when the vehicle was driven!!

Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 202166,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) AND HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT TUSCALOOSA FORD (5801 MCFARLAND BLVD E, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35405). MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AND VICE VERSE. THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING AT A SLOWER SPEED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND THEN CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A FRACTURED TOE LINK, WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE PRIOR SERVICED RECALL. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 1, 202162,155 milesAZ

REAR PARK ASSIST CAMERA DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN IN REVERSE. READ PASSENGER DOOR LOCK PAWL FRACTURE-NHTSA RECALL. FORD REFUSES TO REPAIR THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT ISSUE THE RECALL. THIS DOOR HAS A FRACTURED PAWL LOCK/LATCH ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. CAR DOES NOT DETECT KEY. WE PAID ADDITIONAL FOR FOB ANNUAL REPLACEMENTS, FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FOBS EVEN WHEN ITS FAULTY. I RECORDED THIS CALL...AND EVERY OTHER CALL.

Suspension
Filed Jan 12, 202135,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. T THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MURRAY FORD STARKE (13447 US-301, STARKE, FL 32091) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Jan 4, 2021TN

NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V072. SAFETY ISSUE NEARLY A YEAR AFTER THIS RECALL FORD STILL HAS " REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE."

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 20203 milesMD

THE BACK UP CAMERA WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO.

Suspension
Filed Oct 26, 2020MA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2020TX

RECALL FROM FORD MARCH 2020 REAR TOE LINK SUSPENSION HAVE CALLED DEALER ABOUT REPAIR THEY ANSWER NO PARTS YET. THIS COULD INCREASE RISK OF CRASH. ITS BEEN 6 MONTHS AND NO PARTS . UNSAFE TO DRIVE . ONLY HAS 36000 MILES ON IT WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 4, 202016,700 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR AJAR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. ADDITIONALLY, THE MASTER DOOR LOCK BUTTON FAILED TO LOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY SHUT-OFF WHEN THE IGNITION WAS PLACED IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT CONTACTED ODANIEL FORD INC (631 LINCOLN HWY W, NEW HAVEN, IN 46774, (855) 973-4169) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,700.

Suspension
Filed May 22, 202069,893 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. RAY HASKEL FORD (801 KENNEDY MEMORIAL DR, OAKLAND, ME 04963, 207-873-7193) WAS CONTRACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN AFTERMARKET WAS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND WOULD BE REPLACED WHEN THE REMEDY PART WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TWO MONTHS OVERDUE FOR INSPECTION AND FAILED TO PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,893. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 202075,000 milesIN

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?

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 201947,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AIRPORT MARINA FORD (310-574-2641, LOCATED AT 6701 CENTER DR W, STE 925, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUT MOUNT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PART. ALSO, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 14, 201949,000 milesCA

VEHICLE MAKES A WEIRD SOUND WHILE STEERING AND HAS PROGRESSED TO ALL THE TIME.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 5, 201968,150 milesMI

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

Unknown or Other
Filed May 13, 201930,500 milesNJ

THE INTERIOR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOOR WELL WAS FILLED WITH WATER WHILE PARKED. WATER LEAKS THROUGH WEEP HOLES AT BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD

Engine
Filed Apr 8, 201931,000 milesAL

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP AT A STOPLIGHT. WE WERE PREPARING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY ON-RAMP. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT (NO WARNING) AND WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MOMENTS LATER (MERGING INTO HEAVY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC), AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKELY. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. IT ONLY HAS 31,000 MILES. IT GAVE NO SIGNS OF IMPENDING PROBLEMS, THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING. (THERE WAS PLENTY OF FUEL IN THE TANK ALSO).

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2019103,000 milesMN

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.

Power Train
Filed Jan 21, 201930,000 milesNE

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!!

Electrical System
Filed Nov 26, 201829,000 milesMI

GAS SMELL AND ELECTRONIC ISSUES. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I FIRST NOTICED SMELLING GASOLINE AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE, SO I HAD DRIVEN SEVERAL MONTHS.THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON MY UNDERCOATING STATING THAT'S WHAT I'M SMELLING.IT'S GAS DEFINITELY.I ASKED THEM TO DRIVE IT A WEEK SINCE THE SMELL COMES AND GOES.THEY REFUSED.IT STILL DOES IT AND I HAVE GIVEN UP TRYING TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND THE ISSUE.THEY DID STATE THE FLEX IS THE SAME BASE AS THE POLICE VEHICLE THAT HAS THE GAS EMISSION LEAK.2ND PROBLEM IS "NO KEY DETECTED" LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING.JUST YESTERDAY MY BACK UP CAM STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING.IT WAS DISTRACTING AND I FELT A HAZZARD.I TRIED TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AND THAT DIDN'T WORK.AFTER PARKING FOR AN HOUR AND TRYING AGAIN THINGS WENT BACK TO NORMAL.WHEN THE BACK UP CAM WAS LOCKED ON THE RADIO CONTROLS DIDN'T WORK AND THE VOICE COMMAND DID NOT WORK.I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY STATED THEY "CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS IT IS CURRENLTY MALFUNCTONING". NOT VERY REASSURING TO KNOW.THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS UNWILLING TO HELP RESOLVE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUES.I COULD CRASH IF THE BACK UP CAM IS ON WHILE DRIVING FORWARD (DUE TO DISTRACTION).IF NO KEY IS DETECTED WHEN DRIVING WILL THE ENGINE SHUT OFF?THE GAS SMELL IS A CONCERN BECAUSE I SHOULD NOT BE BREATHING GAS!GAS SMELL IS WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING- PARKED OR MOVING BUT THE SMELL COMES AND GOES.THE ELECTRONIC ISSUE WAS A CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT IT ALSO DID IT WHILE NOT IN M

Engine
Filed Nov 26, 201832,000 milesWY

"TAKATA RECALL" MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON 2000 MILES BEFORE MY MANUFACTURES WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HAVE A FORD SHOP HERE, BUT THEY ARE RATED SO LOW AND I HEAR NOTHING BUT BAD STUFF ABOUT THEM, SO I CALLED THE NEXT CLOSEST 95 MILES AWAY IN SPEARFISH, SD. I EXPLAINED TO THE GUY WHAT CODE THE ENGINE THREW, BUT MY LIGHT IS NOW OFF. HE SAID NOT TO COME IN, UNTIL MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. MEANWHILE MY ENGINE STILL HISSES AND THE EXHAUST ODOR IS SO STRONG INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE 36,879 MILES ON MY 2016 AND EITHER HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK FROM THE HEADERS OR THE MANIFOLD. THE ENGINE LIGHT WON'T COME BACK ON AND NOONE WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE WITHOUT IT ON. THERE IS NO REASON FOR MY "NEWER" VEHICLE TO HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK TO THIS EXTENT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 16, 201825,000 milesNM

POWER STEERING WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN CAR WAS STARTED IN MORNING AFTER TWO DAYS OF LONG DRIVING. WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITH REPEATED EFFORTS AT STARTING. HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED BRIEFLY WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR, SIX MONTHS BEFORE, BUT REINSTITUTED WHEN SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED.

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 201839,000 milesIL

FRONT WHEELS LOCK AS THE VEHICLE IS REVERSING. LOUD RATTLE NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE TRANSMISSION.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 5, 201810,960 milesFL

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR SEDDENLY ACCELERATES. I COULD FEEL THE PETAL DROP OUT FROM UNDER MY FOOT. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SPEAD UP WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK. I TRIED HITTING CANCEL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL (EVEN THOUGH I NEVER SET IT OR MESS WITH IT EVER) AND IT WOULD STILL ACCELERATE WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK. IT FINALLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL AFTER PUMPING THE BREAKS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash
Filed Feb 10, 201711,000 milesIL

DROVE MY 2016 FORD FLEX I TRIED TO AVOID ANIMAL ON ROAD AND STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON COULDNT STEER AND HIT A POLE. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDNT LOOK AT CAUSE I HAD IT TOWED THERE TOLD ME I HAD TO GO WHERE MY INUSRANCE WOULD FIX IT I HAD NO CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS THERES NO RECALL ON IT CAUSE ITS A NEW TRUCK THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS FLEX IN 2010-2016 GETTING THE BRUSHOFF FROM MY DEALER

Power Train
Filed Dec 27, 201610,800 milesFL

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. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2016 Ford Flex → · Every Flex year → · How the figures are calculated →