NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
30 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 19, 2023
Engine
While driving at 65mph, vehicle started to accelerate funny and cel came on. was getting on the freeway and the vehicle overheated and CEL light came on. I was able to safely pull over before the vehicle died. Got vehicle towed to my home and when engine oil was checked, it was discovered that there was coolant in the oil. Took …
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While driving at 65mph, vehicle started to accelerate funny and cel came on. was getting on the freeway and the vehicle overheated and CEL light came on. I was able to safely pull over before the vehicle died. Got vehicle towed to my home and when engine oil was checked, it was discovered that there was coolant in the oil. Took to a local shop where it was determined that the water pump had failed and dumped all of the coolant into the oil pan. Estimated cost of repair with labor is $5,000. Failure mileage was ~192,000. The oil was in good standing and gold in color 12 hours prior and was only driven ~45 miles at highway speeds before the failure happened. From what I can tell, this was a catastrophic failure of the water pump bearing seal that happened almost instantaneously. This needs to be looked into, as the repair bill does not match the issue. A water pump repair should not cost more than the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11512619
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
My 2010 Ford Flex began inadvertently surging forward in acceleration without me making it do this exactly 3 months after I purchased the vehicle. The Ford Dealer was unable to re-produce the problem on several occasions and said my vehicle was fine. No error messages reported in the computer. This has continued to happen sporad…
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My 2010 Ford Flex began inadvertently surging forward in acceleration without me making it do this exactly 3 months after I purchased the vehicle. The Ford Dealer was unable to re-produce the problem on several occasions and said my vehicle was fine. No error messages reported in the computer. This has continued to happen sporadically since ownership. I have had another Ford Dealership (as well as an independent mechanic) try and reproduce and diagnose the problem with no luck. Several weeks ago I was driving my vehicle in my residential neighborhood when all of a sudden my car surged forward with great acceleration with no warning. I had to swerve into a driveway and cut the vehicle off to get the vehicle under control. I am 82 and have a heart condition. This safety issue is critical as someone could get hurt or killed. Ford has several complaints of this happening with several models. I believe it is a Ford design flaw in the vehicles electronic throttle system. Ford Corporate was put on notice of these events after the latest safety event. Please, I urge the NHTSA to issue a recall before lives are lost. I can no longer drive this vehicle as I am concerned someone is going to get hurt. It is being towed to the Ravenel Ford Dealership for inspection and diagnosis again.....
NHTSA ODI #11484426
192,000 miles · Feb 14, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED WHICH FLOODED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PLANET FORD LOCATED AT (20403 I-45, SPRING, TX 77388 281-719-3700) AND THE CONTA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED WHICH FLOODED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PLANET FORD LOCATED AT (20403 I-45, SPRING, TX 77388 281-719-3700) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST COULD NOT BE SCHEDULED FOR 6-8 WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
NHTSA ODI #11309139
130,000 miles · Nov 7, 2019
Engine
2010 FORD FLEX WITH DURATEC 3.5L ENGINE - SUDDEN WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSES COOLANT TO FLOOD THE ENGINE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THIS ENGINE WHO HAVE…
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2010 FORD FLEX WITH DURATEC 3.5L ENGINE - SUDDEN WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSES COOLANT TO FLOOD THE ENGINE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THIS ENGINE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE THE WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE-- SEE E.G. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/FLEX/WATER-PUMP-PROBLEMS.PHP AND HTTPS://WWW.KTMC.COM/FORD-LINCOLN-WATER-PUMP-ENGINE-FAILURE .
NHTSA ODI #11278748
112,000 miles · Oct 25, 2019
Engine
WE HAVE REPLACED THE TURBOS IN OR FORD FLEX ECOBOOST 5 TIMES WITHIN 2.5 YEARS!! THE FRONT AND REAR TURBOS BOTH JUST WENT AGAIN WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER!! WE WERE FINALLY TOLD BY A LINCOLN MECHANIC THE ISSUE IS A BAD/FAULTY OIL SEPERATOR MADE BY FORD. IT IS PUSHING TOO MUCH OIL INTO THE TURBOS CAUSING THEM TO LITERALLY BLOW…
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WE HAVE REPLACED THE TURBOS IN OR FORD FLEX ECOBOOST 5 TIMES WITHIN 2.5 YEARS!! THE FRONT AND REAR TURBOS BOTH JUST WENT AGAIN WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER!! WE WERE FINALLY TOLD BY A LINCOLN MECHANIC THE ISSUE IS A BAD/FAULTY OIL SEPERATOR MADE BY FORD. IT IS PUSHING TOO MUCH OIL INTO THE TURBOS CAUSING THEM TO LITERALLY BLOW UP!! SMOKE EVERYWHERE AND CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS!!
NHTSA ODI #11271087
180,056 miles · Sep 7, 2019
Engine
WATER PUMP LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL, WHAT SHOULD BE A $500 AT MOST REPAIR IS GOOD TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF POOR WATER PUMP DESIGN.
NHTSA ODI #11253809
178,000 miles · Sep 6, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING BEGAN TO BLOW OUT HOT AIR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, OVERHEAT, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO KEN GARFF WES…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING BEGAN TO BLOW OUT HOT AIR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, OVERHEAT, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO KEN GARFF WEST VALLEY FORD (4091 W 3500 S, WEST VALLEY CITY, UT 84120, 801- 559-0314) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS RUINED DUE TO THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $8,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11253744
135,000 miles · Jun 28, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
ACCELERATING ON INTERSTATE RAMP, VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING. IT SPUTTERS AND DIES AFTER CRANKING. WE HAD AAA TOW IT OFF THE ROADSIDE AFTER 90 MINUTES WAITING.
NHTSA ODI #11223103
110,000 miles · Mar 9, 2018
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TURBOS FAILED AND CAUSED OIL TO BURN THROUGH THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE CREATED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO COME THROUGH THE EXHAUST PIPES. HUBLER FORD IN SHELBYVILLE, INDIANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TURBOS FAILED AND CAUSED OIL TO BURN THROUGH THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE CREATED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO COME THROUGH THE EXHAUST PIPES. HUBLER FORD IN SHELBYVILLE, INDIANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #11078303
150,000 miles · Jan 12, 2018
Engine
THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN DURING A LONG-DISTANCE DRIVE RETURNING FROM A VACATION. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE TECHS AT THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY (LEAKING) WATER PUMP. THIS WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK. THUS, THE LEAK CAUSED CORRUPTION OF OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND…
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THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN DURING A LONG-DISTANCE DRIVE RETURNING FROM A VACATION. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE TECHS AT THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY (LEAKING) WATER PUMP. THIS WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK. THUS, THE LEAK CAUSED CORRUPTION OF OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE INTERNAL WATER PUMP HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL FOR OTHER FORD MODELS, BUT NOT THE FORD FLEX. THE NATIONAL DATABASE OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS, IDENTIFIX, REPORTS LEAKING INTERNAL WATER PUMPS TO BE THE NUMBER 1 PROBLEM WITH THE FLEX. HERE ARE THE SPECIFICS OF WHAT HAPPENED: WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 HOURS. I WAS AT CRUISING SPEED OF 75 MPH. AS I APPROACHED LUBBOCK TX, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD PEGGED ALL THE WAY TO 'HOT'. I REDUCED SPEED AND DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT (APPROXIMATELY 1-2 MIN AWAY). AS I EXITED THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND MOMENTS LATER THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. AT THAT POINT, I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. WE WERE ABLE TO PUSH THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD. THIS INCIDENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CLAIMS THAT HAVE LED TO THE SAFETY RECALL FOR OTHER FORD MODELS:ESCAPE SUVS FROM THE 2014 MODEL YEAR, PLUS THE 2014 AND 2015 COMPACT FIESTA ST, THE 2013 AND 2014 FUSION MIDSIZE CAR AND THE 2013 THROUGH 2015 TRANSIT CONNECT SMALL VAN (OBTAINED FROM USA TODAY, 1/3/2018). MY INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER THE DAMAGE WHICH HAS RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING "TOTALLED". THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR FORD, AND I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED SAFETY RECALL. THIS PROBLEM IN THE FORD FLEX HAS BEEN DISCUSSED FOR YEARS DATING BACK TO AT LEAST 2008 (HTTPS://WWW.FORDFLEX.NET/FORUMS/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?T=17392)
NHTSA ODI #11062516