2013 Ford Flex

580 complaints on file, page 1 of 29.

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 26, 2026Woodbridge, VAEngine

   My car randomly over heated ON XXX around 3:23 pm and when I pulled over to a parking lot there was antifreeze pouring out of the bottom front passenger side. I tried to allow it to cool down so that I could safely get it to the shop .5 mile away and the vehicle started to shake and stall and the check engine light came on. I had it towed and inspected at Featherstone Auto, 14523 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge VA 22191 where I was informed by [XXX] that this is a common issue with Ford Flex where the water pump in inside the engine and fails yet there is no recall for this issue. This is an extremely pricely cost that Ford knows is an issue yet there is no resolution on their end??? That is highly unnacceptable. I have had this car for less than a year, granted it is 13 years old. The safety of my selves and others were put at risk because my vehicle almost stopped in the middle of ongoing traffic due to a well known issue with this vehicle. Prior to this there was no engine overheating message in the 11 months that I have had this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11767503
2. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Princeton, INElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   UNKNOWN So we bought the car used from the dealer exactly how they received it, and it was working normally but then a few weeks or a month or two we were going somewhere and one of the headlights would go out and we'd have to turn the switch off and back on to get it to turn back on, and it was one for a few weeks but then it started turning them both off, and then it eventually got to the point that we would turn the headlights on anf the passenger side headlight wouldn't turn on anymore at all, so I went and got a bulb incase that was the issue and so we went to put the new bulb in and as we disconnected the circuit in order to get to the bulb we found that 1, water would stay inside the plastic cover causing the main board of the headlight to be fully submerged. 2, The connector to the main board was melted and fried so it is unusable. 3, with that being said that could've turned into a way worse scenario such as driving down the road and suddenly the circuit catches fire. 4, another possible outcome is while we are driving the headlights turn themselves off and while turning them back on we can't see and end up hitting a pedestrian walking or a tree on the side of the road. 5, another outcome could be, that the wiring eventually fries itself to the point that you'd have to replace every wire. 6, another safety hazard is how it is wired, the safety concerns with that and the connectors if the wrong thing happens at the weong time it could cause a full engine meltdown or explode. Now how is this a safety hazard well I've mentioned possible outcomes but the main issue is you legally need headlights when it is dark outside and if you don't you can't see where you are going and others won't see you as quick which can result in an accident happening. Another one is if one of the connectors catched fire and we pull over to the side well that fire could spread to the engine causing it to blow up and if the timing is right take out someone with it. Thats all I can say.

   NHTSA complaint 11766599
3. Filed May 8, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Sheboygan, WIEngine, Power train

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? INTERNAL WATER PUMP/ TIMING CHAINS/ VVT SOLENOIDS/ CAM PHASERS/ CAM SENSORS/ RELATED SEALS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ENGINE FAILURE - SUDDEN STOP OF VEHICLE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, IS AWARE AND HAS ACKNOWLEDGED VIA SERVICE AND TECH BULLETINS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND REPEATED ISSUE. ISSUE IS KNOWN AND COMMON WITH ALL 3.7L AND 3.5L FORD ENGINES. MANUFACTURER HAS HAD PETTY AND CLASS ACTION SUITS RELATED TO THIS FAILURE AND IS NOT TAKING ANY ACTION TO REMEDY ASIDE FROM A "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR CERTIAN COUNTRIES BUT SAID WARRANTY DOES NOT HELP THOSE WHO PURCHASED VEHICLES USED AND HAVE NO VEHICLE HISTORY TO SEE IF THE "SERVICE INTERVALS" WERE MET LEAVING THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WITH REPAIR BILLS THAT COST AT MINIMUM OVER FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES. MULTIPLE TECHNICIANS ON MY VEHICLE AD WELL AS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE WORLD. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO LAMPS. ONLY POSSIBLE WAY YOU CAN EVEN TELL IS BY THE TIME ITS TOO LATE AND THE COOLANT AND OIL MIX RESULTING IN MILKY LIKE MIXTURE ON DIPSTICK OR IN OIL PAN OR ENGINE FAILURE.

   NHTSA complaint 11736541
4. Filed May 8, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Sheboygan, WIElectrical system, Seats, Visibility/wiper

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MULTIPLE DRIVER AID FUNCATIONS IN-OP. DRIVER DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK, DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND UNLOCK SWITCH WILL NOT OPERATE ANY LOCKS, PASSENGER DOOR MIRROR WILL NOT MOVE, SEAT MEMORY WILL NOT SAVE, REAR VIEW MIRROR WILL NOT AUTO DIM AND THERE IS NO MANUAL OPTION TO ADJUST THE MIRROR RESULTING IN IMPACTED NIGHT VISABLITY, REAR VIEW CAMERA DOES NOT DISPLAY ON SCREEN BUT WILL BEEP WHEN CLOSE TO AN OBJECT. NOT CODES OR DASH WARNINGS DISPLAYED TO STORED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IMPACTED VISIBLY WHILE DRIVING. UNABLE TO ADUST PASSENGER MIRROR TO SEE BLINK SPOT OR ALONG PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. UNABLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR, IF LOCKED ITS NOT ALLOWING ME TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND HAVE TO ENTER VIA PASSENGER DOOR. AUTO DIM IMPACTS VISABLITY WITH DRIVING AT NIGHT. REAR BACK UP CAMERA IN-OP IS DAMGEROUS IN NUMEROUS ASPECTS. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? PROBLEM IS CONSTANT. NOT TAKING TO A DEALER DUE TO RIDICULOUS PRICES AND DIAG FEES. I'M A TECH AND TRIED TO DIAGNOSE ISSUES WITH NO ANSWERS. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NOT YET. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? UNKNOWN. PURCHASED PRIVATE PARTY WITH ISSUES (05/01/2026). LOOKED AT 3 OTHER FORD FLEXS FROM THIS GENERATION THAT ALL HAD THE SAME ISSUES WHEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE AND NO ONE HAD A SOLUTION FOR IT.

   NHTSA complaint 11736539
5. Filed Apr 21, 2026Failure Apr 21, 2026140,000 milesNorth Carver, MASteering

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and steering angle and torque sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11732762
6. Filed Mar 3, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026127,000 milesBuckeye, AZSuspension

   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 complaint 11721838
7. Filed Feb 25, 2026Failure Feb 22, 2026Kalispell, MTSeats1 injured

   On Sunday, February 22, 2026, I was driving my 2013 Ford Flex with the driver’s seat heater activated. After a period of use, I began to notice an unusual electrical burning smell inside the vehicle. There were no dashboard warning lights or system alerts. I turned the seat heater off immediately once I detected the smell. I did not initially notice an injury at that time. The following day, I experienced significant pain and discovered burns on my buttocks in the area consistent with seat contact. I sought medical evaluation three days later and was diagnosed with second- to third-degree burns. Prescription treatment was provided. The vehicle has not yet been inspected for the cause of the overheating or odor. Based on the location and pattern of injury, and the timing of the electrical smell while the heated seat was activated, the burn appears to have resulted from a malfunction of the seat heating element.

   NHTSA complaint 11720492
8. Filed Feb 5, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Bethesda, MDVisibility/wiper

   Rear view camera has failed. The screen goes black and has a “contact dealer” message.

   NHTSA complaint 11716037
9. Filed Dec 22, 2025Failure Dec 22, 2025Tampa, FLSteering

   While driving, the power steering warning light illuminated and steering assist was lost. The steering became extremely hard, especially at low speeds. The vehicle makes grinding/whining noises when turning, and the car vibrates while in Drive. This creates a serious safety concern, especially during turns and parking maneuvers. Issue appears to be electric power steering (EPAS) failure.

   NHTSA complaint 11706474
10. Filed Dec 2, 2025Failure Nov 23, 2025Carlsbad, CAElectrical system, Steering

    Power steering. While I was driving in my neighborhood the power steering went out and I could not make a turn. It locked up while driving. I could have got into a head on collision/accident becasue the road turns. Yes, I reported it to Ford and they told me my flex did not have a recall despite the ford website stating that some 2013 ford flex are affected. The description of 15s18 sterring recall matches my same issue and it poses a serious safety hazard. Yes, i took it to a mechanic at an auto shop and her is telling me that he can't fix recalls. At the time of the accident, i got No pre warning just the message that states: "Steering Lock Malfunction Service Now: The steering lock system has detected a condition that requires service." This happened on or around 11/23/25. I am requesting that Ford pay for my power steering to be fixed.

    NHTSA complaint 11702594
11. Filed Nov 7, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2024Allegan, MIUnknown or other

    Backup Camera not working

    NHTSA complaint 11698163
12. Filed Nov 6, 2025Failure Oct 15, 2025Southfield, MIUnknown or other

    THE REAR- VIEW BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE. IT WORKS INTEMITTEDLY. SOMETIMES IMAGE IS BLACK, SOMETIMES UPSIDE DOWN, SOMETIME, WORKS PROPERLY, SOMETIME IMAGE FREEZES, AND SOMETIMES SHOWS ERROR CAMERA NOT WORKING CONTACT DEALERSHIP. REDUCES THE THE ABILITY TO SEE WHAT IS BEHIND THE VEHICLE WHEN BACKIN UP AND INCREASES THE RISK OF CRASH.

    NHTSA complaint 11698035
13. Filed Oct 22, 2025Failure Jun 15, 2022Jackson, MIUnknown or other

    Rear view camera on my 2013 Ford Flex failing in same manner as other models recalled by Ford for failed rear view cameras. Initial failure was a few years ago after original mfr warranty period, however it is my understanding that the recalled models have extended warranty to 15 years. As such, since this is the same type of component, it is clear that my 2013 flex should also be recalled and covered through the 2028 calendar year. Undoubtedly, the root cause of this failure is inherent in the design and manufacture of all generations of backup cameras deployed by Ford and not limited to certain manufacturing dates. NHTSA should not allow itself to be misled by Ford into a narrower scope of recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11695037
14. Filed Oct 7, 2025Failure Sep 27, 2025131,785 milesSan Diego, CASwitch, Steering

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. When the vehicle was purchased, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had a failure with the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The message "Service Advancetrac" was displayed on the instrument panel, and an unknown message about the steering was displayed. In addition, while in reverse(R), the contact used force to turn the steering wheel. Most recently, the contact stated that when the turn signal lever was activated, the turn signal lever failed to stay down as intended. The contact had to hold the turn signal lever down to signal a right or left turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 131,785.

    NHTSA complaint 11691920
15. Filed Sep 27, 2025Failure Sep 26, 2025Lumberton, NJUnknown or other

    Rear camera stopped working years ago. Will only work briefly after collision warning alert goes off which goes off randomly even when there are no other vehicles in the area

    NHTSA complaint 11690085
16. Filed Sep 9, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2025213,300 milesGreat Bend, KSSteering

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed to operate as needed and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact also stated that the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic was not equipped with the tools to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,300.

    NHTSA complaint 11685918
17. Filed Sep 5, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2025Saint Cloud, MNUnknown or other

    I Repaired 1 door ajar DSF under warranty Had to pay for 2 doors PSF & PSR due to out of warranty Now there’s a recall but I’m over 250,000 miles ,so Ford refuses to to cover the door handle sensor recall

    NHTSA complaint 11685408
18. Filed Aug 26, 2025Failure Jul 26, 2025125,000 milesJackson, MISteering

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred two to three times per week. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11683179
19. Filed Aug 11, 2025Failure Dec 4, 2024marshall, MISteering

    The steering failed while driving. Steering assist was shut down and almost impossible to turn the wheel.

    NHTSA complaint 11679765
20. Filed Jul 27, 2025Failure Jul 4, 2025Franklin, TNSteering

    MY 2013 FORD FLEX ONLY HAS 109,600 MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE MECHANIC SHOP. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST THREE WEEKS, WHEN I AM REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT SUDDENLY THE POWER ASSIST WARNING COMES ON AND THE CAR IS UNCONTROLLABLE. I HAVE HAD TO TOW IT TWICE. I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO MANEUVER THE CAR WHEN IT LOCKS UP LIKE THAT. THERE WAS NO OTHER WARNING UNTIL I MADE THE ATTEMPT TO BACK UP THEN A WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON. THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . HE MADE SOME OTHER REPAIRS TO THE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS, SO WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR AND IT DROVE FINE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. BUT IT FROZE UP AGAIN UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS--TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND ONCE AGAIN THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT HE SAID THERE WAS A RECORD OF THE WARNINGS IN THE SYSTEM. MY SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS IS AT RISK, BECAUSE IF THIS GOES OUT WHILE IN TRANSIT, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. I ENJOY MY FLEX, BUT THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN SO MUCH LATELY. ONE OF THE RECENT REPAIRS WAS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE COSTING 1,200. THE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS WERE 1,400 AND NOW THIS POWER STEERING ASSIST REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO BE QUITE PRICEY. I AM PARTIALLY HANDICAPPED, RETIRED AND LIVING ON A VERY LIMITED INCOME. THESE EXPENSES ARE OUTRAGEOUS FOR SUCH A NICE CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. DOES THIS MODEL HAVE ISSUES? I KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE AND THE OIL CHANGES AND WHATEVER ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE, BUT THESE EXPENSES ARE HITTING ALL AT ONCE AND PUTTING ME IN DEBT. IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT THERE IS A GLITCH IN THE MECHANICAL SYSTEM? I LOOKED UP RECALLS AND IT DOES SAY THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. I AM CONTACTING TO VERIFY THAT INFORMATION. PLEASE CONFIRM FOR ME SO I KNOW HOW TO PROCEED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

    NHTSA complaint 11676515