2012 FORD FLEX

2 recalls, 89 complaints - 80 TSBs

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe... Read more

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

695 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford... Read more

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software w... Read more

393,623 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Complaint Statistics

89 total complaints 6 crashes 2 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	17
STEERING	13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
SERVICE BRAKES	9
POWER TRAIN	5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	4
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	2

Incident date: Dec 24, 2025

First vehicle start of the day. Fcw off light on paddle shifters inop, all nomenclature on ipc and radio in Italian language ,all temp readings in celcius.Celsius. Happens on every vehicle key cycle.

Incident date: Dec 25, 2025

Car doesn't start, has needed to be jumped almost 20 times in a year. Auto start stop has shut the car off in intersections

Incident date: Dec 24, 2025

First vehicle start of the day. Fcw off light on paddle shifters inop, all nomenclature on ipc and radio in Italian language ,all temp readings in celcius.Celsius. Happens on every vehicle key cycle.

Incident date: Apr 23, 2025

Often the brake pedal becomes very hard to push and braking is extremely hindered. There is a recall for this issue that has been done but the vehicle is experiencing the exact same problem again. Dealership says that the vehicle time has expired for anything to be done again. Recall was performed o... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2021

I was driving south in an 80-mph zone on [XXX] between Brookings and Sioux Falls. I had my cruise control set to 82 and had just completed a lane change after passing a semi truck. With no change in the speed limit, the car shifted the set MPH to 30mph and engaged the braking system sharply. I was a... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel pump power control module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump power ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2024

The car suddenly threw a C1391 code yesterday with no previous warning. The traction, parking brake, brake system, and ABS lights are all lit on the dashboard. As this vehicle is my daily commuting vehicle, I must have the costly repairs performed, which are estimated at roughly $2,400. I will ask t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

I purchased a 2016 KIA Optima from eCars in Wichita Ks in November of 2022. The car had no major issues until the Optima was stolen this last March. I recovered the car quickly but it was damaged. Had ignition pulled out steering column broken, window broken and lots of cosmetic damage. Was towed tw... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2024

I was the owner of a 2018 Sonata until I was t-boned and the car was totaled. I started to make a left turn into a school parking lot when the engine kind of stalled or more like stuttered and did not go forward as usual. The oncoming car then struck me before I was completely in the driveway. My v... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 8, 2024

ENGINE CYLINDER MALFUNCTION. LOSS OF POWER AND CHOKING, HESITATION IN MOVING FORWARD. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT OR TRAFFIC FLOW. NOT CONFIRM BY DEALER. BUT AUTOMOBILE IS REPAIR SHOP TO DETERMINE PROBLEM.NO WARNING SIGNS ARE DISPLAYED.

Incident date: Jul 18, 2023

IT GOT 7 PROBLEM ISSUES AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL DUE TO ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED WHILE DROVE ON FREEWAY AND TOW TEARDROP (1400 LBS) . MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, TRACTION ON (COULD NOT TURN OFF), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVE POPPED UP ( COULD NOT TURN OFF), SERVICE FORWARD COLLISION... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2023

When making left hand turns over 25MPH, the right tire and rear brake lock in causing the front to wobble and the rear to skid and jerk. There is no issue with right hand turns

Incident date: Apr 21, 2023

The digital display system that indicates how many miles you have left until empty is not accurate. The dashboard display indicated that I had about 85 miles of range left before my tank was empty. Approximately 35 miles later, when there should have been 50 miles of range left according to the d... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2022

This problem has been ongoing, happening nonstop up to multiple times daily since Feb of 2022 and has spent now 70 days at the dealership in search of the issue. Luckily, the vehicle has not caused an incident yet, but I am afraid to drive it if I get it back from the dealer again as the issue has j... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to his place of employment. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2022

I went to my local dealership on request of the campaign recall for my associated vin The vehicle has a EPAS STEERING EFFORTS Details Description EPAS STEERING EFFORTS Campaign# 15N01 I was driving and lost control because the power steering went out brought it to my local Ford grieco fort Lauderda... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 27, 2022

Bad design of water pump , under parts would fail one day , but the water pump is a bad design. It failed too soon and hurt the engine. Also lots of work to fix it. But even if it get fixed the problem is still there...bad water pump

Incident date: Nov 6, 2021

I am writing you in regards to NHTSA # 20V-072, Ford Recall # 20S04. I own a 2012 Ford Flex. It was not included in this recall. The recall included Ford Flex years 2013 through 2018. Though my SUV wasn’t included in the recall for the defective toe links, my SUV’s toe links were found to be... Read more

Incident date: Sep 26, 2021

The water pump has faliure and is causing expensive repair. It seems to be a know defect. We some pending law suits.

Incident date: Jul 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated while rolling down the driver’s side window, she noticed some resistance and black marks at the bottom of the window. The contact stated that the seal around the window was deteriorating. The contact also stated that the failure was occurring o... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2021

Incident date: Jul 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired however, the failure recurred and persisted. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2020

MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED JUST A FEW MONTHS SHY OF A RECALL FOR BAD TOE LINKS IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I HAVE HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING BAD TOE LINKS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT GETTING MY VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED AROUND THE SAME TIME AS THE VEHICLES INCLUDED ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2020

THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED ON MY 2012 FORD FLEX. LOOKING AT VEHICLE HISTORY, THE SAME THROTTLE BODY HAS RECALLS FOR DIFFERENT MODELS. YESTERDAY, 9/252020, I HAD MY FLEX DIE ON ME THREE TIMES ON THE INTERSTATE DURING TRAFFIC. THE MILAGE IS UNDER 100K MILES. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE DIES IS WHEN... Read more

Incident date: Sep 22, 2020

WIFE RETURNED TO HER CAR AFTER A DAY OF DRIVING TO FIND THE POWER STEERING HAD SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. SHE DECIDED TO DRIVE IT HOME AND IT HAD MOMENTS WHERE THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED AND LUCKILY SHE GOT IT HOME. I CONTACTED FORD BUT THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE IS NO ACTIVE BULLETIN FOR THIS P... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE AND DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILU... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2020

I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING FAULTING. I'VE CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WOULD TURN OFF CAR AND IT WOULD WORK AGAIN BUT NOW IT WON'T. THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED AT HOME WHEN I FIRST TURN ON CAR

Incident date: Nov 29, 2019

2012 FORD FLEX LI HAS 70K THOUSAND MILES. WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STARTED TO HUM. SUDDENLY CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND GRINDING NOISES COMING FROM CENTER OF VEHICLE AND VEHICLE BECOMES DISABLED IN MID-STREAM DRIVING. VEHICLE SMELLS OF BURNT TRANSMISSION OIL. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON POSSIBLE PROBLEMS, ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT BEFORE DURING OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH (A... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2019

10/15/2019 CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH WRENCH SHOWING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AD BACK ON TO SEE IF IT WOULD HELP AS IT DID THIS WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON A CITY STREET. IT PROCEEDED TO RETURN TO LIMP MODE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. CAR WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THE CODES THROWN WERE... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2019

Incident date: Oct 31, 2019

BAD THROTTLE BODY. STALL WHEN DRIVING AND JERKY MOTION, BOTH WHEN GOING SLOW AND WHEN GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RED WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD SHUT OFF AND TURN BACK ON AND DRIVES FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. I HAD IT REPLACED W/ BRAND NEW PART AT A SHOP AND IT IS STILL MALFUNCTIONING.

Incident date: Aug 2, 2019

MY WIFE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HER 2012 FORD FLEX POWER STEERING LAST WEEK. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW PUMP BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THE MECHANIC THEN SEARCHED THE NHTSA DATABASE AND FOUND A RECALL NOTICE FOR 2012 FORD FLEX VEHICLES (STEERING POWER ELECTRIC SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE LOCAL... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2018

I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE TAKATA AIR BAGS, HOWEVER THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER A YEAR. THE STEERING TAKES ADDITIONAL STRENGTH TO TURN AT LOWER SPEEDS. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE THE CAR IS DRIVEN FOR THE STEERING ISSUE, IT HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS, THE HIGHWAY IF TURNING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THE ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2018

Incident date: Mar 30, 2019

WE HAVE A 2012 FORD FLEX NORMALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. STARTING IN AUGUST, WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH OUR ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY WHICH CAUSED OUR CAR TO SHUT DOWN. WE HAD THE PART REPLACED, SHORTLY AFTER A SIMILAR PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS WAS DUE TO THE DEALERSHIP FRYING THE COMPUTER. THIS WAS REPLACED, ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2019

Incident date: Dec 1, 2017

MY VEHICLE HAS 188,000 MILES ON IT AND IS AN AWD MODEL. IT HAS ALWAYS, UNTIL THE LAST TWO OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES, BEEN SERVICED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR WAS BOUGHT FROM (LEO CAYTES FORD). THE RPMS SKYROCKET TO 3000 - 4000 RPMS WHEN THE CAR IS CONTROLLED BY SPEED CONTROL SUDDENLY, BUT... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2017

Incident date: Jul 15, 2018

OIL SEPERATOR

Incident date: Jul 15, 2018

OIL SEPERATOR

Incident date: Dec 26, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS RAPIDLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEES, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DEST... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 26, 2017

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FLEX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE ENCLOSED GARAGE ATTACHED TO HIS HOME, A BURNING ELECTRICAL ODOR WAS NOTICED. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE GARAGE AND NOTICED FLAMES SURROUNDING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE VISIBLE BETWEEN ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

Fire

Incident date: Sep 8, 2017

POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS; DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING, SOMETIMES UNEXPECTEDLY. VERY DANGEROUS! IT IS SPORADIC--SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND OTHER TIMES IT DOES NOT WORK. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY, AND TURNING IT ON--POWER STEERING WILL NOT ENGAGE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. ONCE IT ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 7, 2017

DRIVING CAR TO WORK ON A TOWN ROAD, CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. LOST POWER STEERING. LIGHTS WERE STILL ON ON THE DASHBOARD BUT COULD NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER 5 MINUTES.

Incident date: Oct 14, 2016

DRIVING UP AN ON RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE, SUDDENLY ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. I COULD NOT SEE ANY SPEED OR DRIVING INFORMATION. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I TURNED THE KEY, DASHBOARD... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2016

Showing 50 of 89 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 FORD FLEX

2012 Ford Flex SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 FORD FLEX

80 manufacturer communications from 42 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	5
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	4
030000 BRAKES (PWS)	3
061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER	3
062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN	2

350000 EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during ini

160000 STRUCTURE

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification numbe

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare fo

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid

130000 VISIBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA a

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/tran

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed dr

350000 EQUIPMENT

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Linco

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No re

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts a

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

SOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA. TO IDE

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

REPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCO

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

TO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE. THE NEW WHITE FL

010000 STEERING

SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

151300 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatb

150000 SEAT BELTS

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

063130 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

061320 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SIRI EYES FREE FUNCTIONAL ISSUES USING BLUETOOTH AND APPLE IOS 9.2 AND 9.2.1

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen

350000 EQUIPMENT

Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROO

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

LINCOLN/FORD: AN OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION MOTORCRAFT KIT, AVAILABLE FOR SOME VEHICLES, CONTAINS AN INCORRECT VALVE BODE SEPARATOR PLATE AND WOULD NEED TO DISCARD 7Z490 PART AND USE BT4Z-7Z490 TO PREVENT HARSH DOWNSHIFTS. MODEL 2010-12 EDGE,

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

FORD: WITH AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON, CAN SMELL AN EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE. LIKE SULFUR, AFTER HARD DRIVING CONDITIONS OR ACCELERATION. MODEL 2009-14 FLEX. *PE. UPDATE. 06/11/15. *TA

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

FORD: WITH AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON, CAN SMELL AN EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE. LIKE SULFUR, AFTER HARD DRIVING CONDITIONS OR ACCELERATION. MODEL 2009-14 FLEX. *PE. UPDATE. 06/11/15. *TA

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

FORD: AN INTRUSION OF WATER, FROM MOVEABLE MOONROOF, DUE TO AN OVERFLOW OF TROUGH RAILS WHEN DRAIN SYSTEM HAS OVER CAPACITIZED. MODEL 2011-14 FLEX. *PE

160000 STRUCTURE

FORD: AN INTRUSION OF WATER, FROM MOVEABLE MOONROOF, DUE TO AN OVERFLOW OF TROUGH RAILS WHEN DRAIN SYSTEM HAS OVER CAPACITIZED. MODEL 2011-14 FLEX. *PE

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

FORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES, WITH ALUMINUM VALVE COVER, WILL EXPERIENCE AN EXCESSIVE CONDITION OF SMOKING ENGINE OIL AND/OR CONSUMPTION OF OIL, FROM TAIL PIPE, DURING NORMAL ENGINE TEMPERATURE OPERATION. MODEL 2010-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXP

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

FORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH IDLE, IN GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE, MAY OCCUR AFTER HOT START. MODEL 2012-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXPLORER, MKT. *PE

221600 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

LINCOLN/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS, THERE IS A POPPING, SQUEALING, BINDING OR GRINDING NOISE COME FROM POWER SEATS WHEN MOVING BACKWARDS OR FORWARD. MODEL 2009-2015 F-150, TAURUS, FLEX, MKT, MKS, F-SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER. *PE

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

FORD/LINCOLN: DUE TO CORROSION BUILDUP BETWEEN BRAKE PAD AND ANCHOR BRACKET, VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A REAR BRAKE DRAG CONDITION AND NEED TO BE CHECKED FOR DEBRIS AND/OR CORROSION. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPLORER, FLEX, TAURUS, EDGE, MKX, MKT, MKS.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

FORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES WILL EXPERIENCE A LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING (AC) PERFORMANCE, WITH DUAL ENGINE COOLING FANS, WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND/OR OVERHEAT. MODEL 2011-2012 TAURUS, MKS, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKT. *P

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

FORD/LINCOLN: WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED, THE DOOR AJAR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2011-2013 EDGE, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKX, MKT. *PE

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

FORD/LINCOLN: WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED, THE DOOR AJAR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2011-2013 EDGE, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKX, MKT. *PE

062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

FORD/LINCOLN: DUE TO A LACK OF PERFORMANCE BY AIR CONDITIONER, WHILE STATIONARY OR OVERHEATING OR SLOWLY MOVING, DUAL ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY NOT BE WORKING AND POSSIBLY NEED TO REPROGRAM THE PCM. MODEL 2011-2012 TAURUS, FLEX, MKS, MKT.

091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

FORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE IS A SITUATION REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2879 OR P1243 AND WORKSHOP MANUAL HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE DTCS. MODEL 2011-2014 FLEX, MKT. *PE

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

FORD/LINCOLN: LONG BLOCK ENGINES SHIPPED WITH CAM SENSORS, CRANK SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR TONE WHEEL, COOLANT INLET TUBE, THE COMPONENTS MUST BE SWAPPED OVER ENGINE BEING REPLACED TO REPLACEMENT ENGINE BEFORE ENGINE IS INSTALLED. *PE

350000 EQUIPMENT

FORD/LINCOLN: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INTELLIGENT ACCESS OR PUSH BUTTON START MAY HAVE AN INTERMITTENT IKT, SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS DISCHARGED IKT BATTERY. MODELS 2012-2013 F-150, F SUPER DUTY, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, FLEX, EDGE, EXPLORER, TA

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

204000 WHEELS:HUB

FORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP OR SHIFTING BETWEEN DRIVE/REVERSE AND/OR REVERSE/DRIVE, A NOISE IS HEARD LIKE POP, TING, CLICK, COMING FROM FRONT WHEEL AREA. MODELS 2011-2013 TAURUS, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKS, MKT.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

FORD: ON VARIOUS VEHICLES WITH MY TOUCH,AFTER ANY APIM PROGRAMMING, REPLACEMENT OR DISCONNECT FROM FRONT DISPLAY INTERFACE MODULE (FDIM), TOUCHSCREEN CALIBRATION MUST BE PERFORMED. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED.

350000 EQUIPMENT

063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY HAVE ENGINE OIL ACCUMULATION, IN LEFT HAND VALVE COVER BAFFLE MIGRATING THROUGH FRESH AIR INTAKE OF POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. MODELS 2011-2013 EDGE, EXPLORE

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD FLEX

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Open , Model Year: 2019

B-Pillar Trim Detachment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received five complaints alleging the detachment of the B-pillar trim piece in model year 2019 Ford Flex vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that the trim piece can detach without warning while driving at highway speeds, ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2019

Rear-view Camera Failure

On October 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24030) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera in Model Year (MY) 2019 Ford Flex vehicles. Complaints submitted to NHTSA through Vehicle Online Questionnaires (VOQs), reviewed by ODI, report ... blank, distorted, or inverted rear-view camera images when in reverse. An inverted or upside-down image can provide false information to the driver increasing the risk of a crash. To date, ODI has received 85 VOQ complaints and additional EWR Field Reports with these allegations for MY 2019 Ford Flex vehicles. During the investigation, ODI found that the MY 2019 Ford Flex vehicle and certain peer vehicles including MY 2015-2018 Flex, MY 2019 Fiesta, Taurus, and Lincoln MKT vehicles are equipped with Magna analog rear-view-only cameras. On December 20, 2024, Ford filed Recall 24V-951 covering 30,715 MY 2019 Ford Flex, Ford Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles in which the rear-view camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. The dealers will replace the rear-view camera for vehicles in the recall population. Per the recall chronology, teardown of three cameras identified fractured solder joints between the microcontroller and the printed circuit board. Ford indicated that other causal factors are being investigated and asserted that the defect is contained within the camera. ODI found that certain peer vehicles excluded from Recall 24V-951 showed a high rate of VOQ complaints. Also, ODI identified reports produced by Ford that indicate the peer vehicles have the same issue as the subject vehicles. To address ODI’s concern, Ford analyzed some field-returned cameras, as well as Ford’s field data and ODI’s VOQ data. Ford stated it did not identify a specific root cause in the Magna supplied cameras. However, on October 13, 2025, Ford filed Recall 25V-695 covering 1,448,655 vehicles of various Ford/Lincoln models equipped with Magna supplied cameras. The cameras demonstrate the same blank or distorted images that prompted Recall 24V-951. It should be noted that Ford is conducting a recall of those vehicles by model/model year that exhibit VOQ complaint rates greater than 10 per 100,000 vehicles. For the remaining vehicles (rates less than 10/100K), Ford is providing a warranty extension (15 years/unlimited miles). Ford has stated that the differences in the rates (field performance) are likely due to the differences in the camera related hardware, such as the wiring harness type that are specific by vehicle model/model year. In view of Ford filing Recall 24V-951 and Recall 25V-695 addressing the subject of this investigation, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

FORD FLEX - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FORD FLEX across all model years (2009, 2019).

34 Total Recalls

2,473 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

97 Reported Crashes

19 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

FORD FLEX - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2019	4	280	View
2018	3	81	View
2017	4	53	View
2016	3	121	View
2015	4	119	View
2014	4	323	View
2013	6	777	View
2012 (current)	2	89
2011	2	178	View
2010	1	181	View
2009	1	271	View

Other FORD Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
MUSTANG	1,104	11,600	View
RANGER	928	10,371	View
F-350 SD	776	2,363	View
F-450 SD	692	624	View
F-150	692	46,142	View
F-250 SD	638	3,635	View
EXPLORER	624	42,549	View
F-550 SD	578	603	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 FORD FLEX

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 FORD FLEX

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 FORD FLEX

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD FLEX

FORD FLEX - All Years Overview

FORD FLEX - Year by Year

Other FORD Models