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2013 Ford Flex

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Flex years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex are substantially higher than the model-year median of 139.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

435 reports with mileage · 143 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 200 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports1 fire reports9 injury reports

Engine complaints

32 reports
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78,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11231975

786,475 miles · Jul 13, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY VEHICLE STARTED STALLING AS IF VEHICLE HAD NO GAS. GAS TANK WAS FULL AND VEHICLE SHOWED ME A WRENCH SIGN AS I WAS LOOKING AT MY DASHBOARD

NHTSA ODI #11231651

87,853 miles · Mar 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

FAILURE OF ENGINE TO START/RUN DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. CURRENT FORD SAFETY RECALL #16S31 (NHTSA #16V621) IS LIMITED ONLY TO FORD/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ECOBOOST TURBOCHARGED ENGINE. THE FAULTY COMPONENT ON MY NORMALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE, FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE #AA8Z-9D370-B, IS THE SAME COMPONENT BE…

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FAILURE OF ENGINE TO START/RUN DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. CURRENT FORD SAFETY RECALL #16S31 (NHTSA #16V621) IS LIMITED ONLY TO FORD/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ECOBOOST TURBOCHARGED ENGINE. THE FAULTY COMPONENT ON MY NORMALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE, FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE #AA8Z-9D370-B, IS THE SAME COMPONENT BEING REPLACED ON VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE #16V621 NHTSA SAFETY RECALL. TO AVOID ENGINES SHUTTING OFF AT SPEED OR NOT STARTING, IT APPEARS THAT THE RECALL WILL NEED TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE NORMALLY ASPIRATED ENGINES AS WELL. WE WERE FORTUNATE BECAUSE OUR VEHICLE FAILED SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY, NOT AT 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. MY WIFE'S CONCERN IS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO HER AND OUR FOUR GRANDCHILDREN IF THIS FAILURE HAD TAKEN PLACE ON THE INTERSTATE IN BUSY TRAFFIC AT 75 MPH. WHY IS THE SAME COMPONENT THAT IS FAILING ON ECOBOOST TURBOCHARGED ENGINES BEING COVERED BY FORD SAFETY RECALL #16S31 NOT BEING RECALLED ON SIMILAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED NORMALLY ASPIRATED ENGINES USING THE IDENTICAL COMPONENT? FAILURE OF THE COMPONENT HAS THE SAME EFFECT OF AN ENGINE THAT CUTS OFF AT SPEED OR WILL NOT START. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE POPULAR FORD/LINCOLN FAMILY VEHICLES IS AT STAKE.

NHTSA ODI #11190181

80,000 miles · Mar 6, 2019
EnginePower Train

THERE IS CURRENTLY AN ISSUE WITH OUR ECOBOOST V6 TURBO CHARGER. THERE IS A OLD DRAIN TUBE LEAK THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGH FORD AND IS A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE 2014 AND 2015 FORD FLEX WHICH IS IDENTICAL PARTS AS OUR VEHICLE BUT NEVER RECALLED. WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS GET RECALLED BEFORE HARM …

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THERE IS CURRENTLY AN ISSUE WITH OUR ECOBOOST V6 TURBO CHARGER. THERE IS A OLD DRAIN TUBE LEAK THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGH FORD AND IS A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE 2014 AND 2015 FORD FLEX WHICH IS IDENTICAL PARTS AS OUR VEHICLE BUT NEVER RECALLED. WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS GET RECALLED BEFORE HARM IS HAD. THIS IS AN ONGOING LEAK THAT HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11184538

98,000 miles · Jan 24, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11171940

84,000 miles · Oct 27, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

CAR JUST DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND THE STEERING SYSTEMLOCKS UP. THERE HAS BEEN A KNOWN RECALL FOR A FUEL CONTROL MODULE ON FORD FLEX, THERE IS ALSO KNOWN FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS WITH FORD MAKES AND MODELS. I HAVE LOST POWER TWICE. HAD AT THE MECHANIC LAST MONTH. COULD NOT GET IT TO DIE FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK IN THE SHOP. NOW…

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CAR JUST DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND THE STEERING SYSTEMLOCKS UP. THERE HAS BEEN A KNOWN RECALL FOR A FUEL CONTROL MODULE ON FORD FLEX, THERE IS ALSO KNOWN FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS WITH FORD MAKES AND MODELS. I HAVE LOST POWER TWICE. HAD AT THE MECHANIC LAST MONTH. COULD NOT GET IT TO DIE FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK IN THE SHOP. NOW IT IS DEAD IN A PARKING LOT AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11143439

60,000 miles · Oct 3, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EVERGREEN FORD LINCOLN (1500 18TH AVENUE NW, ASSAQUAH, WA 98027) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS STRETCHED. SINCE THE TIMING BELT WAS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE WATER PUM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EVERGREEN FORD LINCOLN (1500 18TH AVENUE NW, ASSAQUAH, WA 98027) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS STRETCHED. SINCE THE TIMING BELT WAS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE WATER PUMP, A NEW ENGINE WAS RECOMMENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11133168

60,000 miles · Jun 27, 2018
EngineService BrakesSteering

MY FORD FLEX STALLS WHILE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 10 MPH (IN RESIDENTIAL AREA) TO 80 MPH ON HIGHWAY. ELECTRICAL IS STILL WORKING THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND I LOSE CONTROL OF GAS/BRAKES. THREE WARNING SIGNS POP UP AT THE SAME TIME: CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, COLLISION WARNING NOT AVAILABLE, AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. ONCE I RESTART THE CAR,…

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MY FORD FLEX STALLS WHILE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 10 MPH (IN RESIDENTIAL AREA) TO 80 MPH ON HIGHWAY. ELECTRICAL IS STILL WORKING THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND I LOSE CONTROL OF GAS/BRAKES. THREE WARNING SIGNS POP UP AT THE SAME TIME: CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, COLLISION WARNING NOT AVAILABLE, AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. ONCE I RESTART THE CAR, THE CODES WILL DISAPPEAR. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BUT NOW IT'S OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. I'M TOO SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW. FORD ISNT BEING MUCH HELP. I NEED HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11104246

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2018
Engine

CAR OVERHEATS AND COOLANT LEAKS.

NHTSA ODI #11099822

75,000 miles · Nov 30, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MCDONALD FORD, 6790 MIDLAND RD, FREELAND, MI 48623) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MCDONALD FORD, 6790 MIDLAND RD, FREELAND, MI 48623) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: CAS13638921. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE FAILED, THE CONTACT SHOULD TAKE IT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11051421

Official recalls

6

20V072000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 10, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

16V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 25, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

15V812000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Dec 2, 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

15V340000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Jun 2, 2015

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 Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Consequence & remedy

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 will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

14V393000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Jul 2, 2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

13V227000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 31, 2013

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.