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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

Suspension complaints

17 reports
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127,000 miles · Mar 3, 2026
Suspension

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair. The contact stated the dealer declined to perform the recall repair because the vehicle was unable to be started. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION). The vehicle was currently at the dealer. T…

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair. The contact stated the dealer declined to perform the recall repair because the vehicle was unable to be started. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION). The vehicle was currently at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11721838

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repai…

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN. There was no assistance provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11612857

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
Power TrainSteeringSuspensionCrashInjury

Steering locked up lower control arm snapped at the ball joint where it's connected to cv axel. Sent my car into the rails and nearly.killed me and my passenger.

NHTSA ODI #11594309

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2023
EngineService BrakesSuspension

Front tires look and stay really low no matter how much air is put in. It's leaking brake fluid. The emergency brake barley lock. Also transmission is horrible.

NHTSA ODI #11539283

144,284 miles · Jul 29, 2021
Electrical SystemSuspension

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated the alarm and sensors were activated without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V072000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet …

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated the alarm and sensors were activated without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V072000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 144,284. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11426955

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2021
Suspension

RECALL 20S04 I HAVE SECOND LTR. CONTACTED MAC HAIK PASADENA TX 26 FEB 21. THEY TOLD ME PARTS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY. CONTACTED IN MAY, NOW TELL BE PARTS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE JUNE. FORD CUSTOMER SVC REPORTS PARTS NOW AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11416121

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2021
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED RUSTY ECK FORD (7310 E KELLOGG AVE, WICHITA, KS 67207, (316) 685-9211) TO CONFIRM THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED RUSTY ECK FORD (7310 E KELLOGG AVE, WICHITA, KS 67207, (316) 685-9211) TO CONFIRM THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11415387

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2021
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11402655

110,000 miles · Jan 24, 2021
Suspension

ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 12:05 P.M. WHILE DRIVING THE INTERCHANGE FROM THE SOUTHBOUND 55 FWY TO THE NORTHBOUND 405 FWY (IN COSTA MESA, CA) AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH MY 2013 FORD FLEX SEL BEGAN FISHTAILING ERRATICALLY ' SWERVING AND JERKING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN LANES. AFTER A FRIGHTENING 10-20 SECONDS, I WAS ABLE…

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ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 12:05 P.M. WHILE DRIVING THE INTERCHANGE FROM THE SOUTHBOUND 55 FWY TO THE NORTHBOUND 405 FWY (IN COSTA MESA, CA) AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH MY 2013 FORD FLEX SEL BEGAN FISHTAILING ERRATICALLY ' SWERVING AND JERKING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN LANES. AFTER A FRIGHTENING 10-20 SECONDS, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE INTERCHANGE WITHOUT ROLLING THE CAR OR HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE. (AT THE TIME THERE WAS AN AVERAGE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD ALL GOING ABOUT 50-60 MPH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SUNNY, 65). MY INITIAL STOPPING POINT WAS NOT IN A SAFE LOCATION SO WHEN I PROCEEDED TO GO FORWARD ABOUT 300 FEET TO A SLIGHTLY SAFER LOCATION, I COULD AGAIN FEEL THE CAR START TO FISHTAIL WHILE GOING ONLY 5-10 MPH AND MY STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY OFF BALANCE AND NOT CENTERED. I INSPECTED THE CAR AND COULD SEE NO VISIBLE PROBLEM BESIDES MY STEERING WHEEL BEING OFF CENTER. THE CAR WAS TOWED VIA FLAT BED TOW TRUCK 13 MILES TO VILLA FORD IN ORANGE, CA WHERE IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DETERMINED TO BE A FAILED TOE LINK SUSPENSION ASSOCIATED WITH FORD RECALL 20S04. I WANTED TO REPORT MY EXPERIENCE AND REITERATE THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE!! I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED HAD I HIT SOMETHING LIKE THE FREEWAY CONCRETE BARRIER OR OVER-CORRECTED TOO FAST WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND SWERVE AND NOT BEEN ABLE TO DECELERATE QUICK ENOUGH (AND THANK GOODNESS MY THREE KIDS WEREN'T IN THE CAR WITH ME!) I URGE YOU TO START PUSHING FORD TO TAKE THIS RECALL MORE SERIOUSLY!! I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND ONLY LEARNED OF THIS ISSUE AFTER GOOGLING TO SEE IF ANY OTHERS HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IT HAD SCARED ME SO MUCH. I WAS SHOCKED AT READING ALL THE STORIES OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. PLEASE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PUSH FORD TO COMMUNICATE THIS ISSUE OUT TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE CARS THAT ARE AFFECTED!!

NHTSA ODI #11389659

49,000 miles · Aug 30, 2020
SteeringSuspension

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPED WORKING AND WARNINING MESSAGE ON DASH DISPLAY.FRACTURE OF REAR TOE LINK RECALL#20V072 HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF 8/30/2020

NHTSA ODI #11352150

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.