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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.

About this comparison →

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

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

21 reports
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55,000 miles · Oct 12, 2017
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL THE VEHICLE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL THE VEHICLE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY TO THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, THEY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11033143

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

2013 FORD FLEX SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DOOR AJAR SENSOR FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR ALARM SOUNDS EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS ARE CLOSED AND WOULD NOT LOCK. DUE TO THE DOORS NOT LOCKING, THE INTERIOR LIGHT DO NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF. ALL DOORS MUST BE LOCKED MANUALLY. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10980668

60,000 miles · Mar 13, 2017
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD CONSTANTLY UNLOCK AND THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD CONSTANTLY UNLOCK AND THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/13/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLATCH. ALSO, THE DOOR SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED, THE SENSOR WOULD SHOW THE DOOR AS OPEN. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE CAR ALARM TO GO OFF DURING THE NIGHT. UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10960344

54,000 miles · Mar 13, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALTHOUGH THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, THE DOOR REMAINED CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALTHOUGH THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, THE DOOR REMAINED CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #10960327

56,000 miles · Mar 13, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ODI #10960310

72,000 miles · Feb 17, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT REMAIN LATCHED AND THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #10955258

50,000 miles · Sep 28, 2016
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOORS DID NOT LOCK AND THE ALARM DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN PROMPTED. THE FAILURES RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOORS DID NOT LOCK AND THE ALARM DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN PROMPTED. THE FAILURES RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10910234

66,000 miles · Aug 1, 2016
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAG…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #10892250

47,000 miles · Nov 16, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesVisibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER, DRIVER, AND LIFTGATE DOOR SENSORS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE CONSTANTLY UNLOCKED DUE TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE CONSTANTLY ACTIVATED DESPITE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER, DRIVER, AND LIFTGATE DOOR SENSORS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE CONSTANTLY UNLOCKED DUE TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE CONSTANTLY ACTIVATED DESPITE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #10790667

46,000 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #10760919

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.