How many problems does the 2016 FORD Flex have?

The 2016 FORD Flex currently has 70 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 FORD Flex?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 FORD Flex are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 FORD Flex problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 FORD Flex comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2016 FORD Flex Problems

SUSPENSION

8 complaints

See attached document for complaint.

Dec 03, 2024

I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1.5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident. The rollover could have seriously injured myself or my passenger. The police report refers to a mechanical failure. No warning signs from the vehicle.

Oct 29, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) AND HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT TUSCALOOSA FORD (5801 MCFARLAND BLVD E, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35405). MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AND VICE VERSE. THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING AT A SLOWER SPEED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND THEN CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A FRACTURED TOE LINK, WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE PRIOR SERVICED RECALL. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

Feb 09, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. T THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MURRAY FORD STARKE (13447 US-301, STARKE, FL 32091) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jan 12, 2021

NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V072. SAFETY ISSUE NEARLY A YEAR AFTER THIS RECALL FORD STILL HAS " REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE."

Jan 04, 2021

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Hands free phone and sync will not connect. Not able to enter the correct date. 05/2023.

Oct 22, 2025

Rear Backup Camera malfunction. Screen goes black or upside down.

Oct 14, 2025

Backup camera is malfunctioning and showing not available. Can't see behind the vehicle.

Sep 17, 2025

My back up camera turned blue and said that that camera was unavailable, then it turned black, now the image is upside down. This could def be a hazard and it is a common occurrence in the 2016 Flex.

Jan 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the door ajar warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel despite all doors being checked and fully closed. The contact also stated that a warning chime would continuously ring and the front interior lights would remain on while driving. The contact stated that the interior lights would shut off after driving above a certain speed; however, the warning chime and the warning light would persist. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Mar 11, 2022

+ 2 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Rear backup camera constantly blacks out or inverts itself.

Sep 11, 2025

My rear camera has stopped working and ford has issue with many models with this same problem.

Sep 11, 2025

The rear camera on this 2016 Ford Flex has gone bad 3 times since buying it in 2017. It is upside down or will be green, black or blue leaving no view at all. A Ford dealer has seen it on multiple occasions.

Jan 06, 2025

Back up camera image is distorted or flipped. This is a safety risk.

Dec 06, 2024

Rear camera is malfunctioning. When the vehicle is in reverse, the display shows either a flashing green screen followed by an error message or an upside down image with no parking aid lines.

Nov 16, 2024

+ 2 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

The power transfer unit otherwise referred to as a transfer case exploded from the inside with under 50k miles on the Flex resulting in the transmission cracking and breaking as well. AAA inspected and replaced both transmission and transfer case. They say they see a lot of them for these models and is a common issue. We kept old transfer case as proof. Car is not used for towing as it has no hitch and as stated before had under 50000 miles when it destroyed itself with myself and kids in the car driving 45 mph.

Jun 29, 2023

I NOTICED ONE DAY WHEN I DROVE TO WORK AND GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE IT SMELLED LIKE TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNING TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FLEX THAT THE TRANS FLUID AND COOLANT WERE GETTING MIXED TOGETHER BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE A/C CONDENSOR ETC.... IF IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHY HASNT IT BEEN RECALLED? ON TOP OF THAT IT COST ME $900+ TO FIX AND I TOOK IT BACK BECAUSE IT STILL SMELLED LIKE TRANS FLUID WAS BURNING AND WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY STILL JUST BURNING OFF FROM WHAT HAD LEAKED. 5 ALMOST 6 MONTHS LATER IT STILL SMELLS?

Mar 18, 2020

ON THE 4TH OF JULY MY VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK. I HAD EXITED THE VEHICLE LEAVING THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN WHILE I WALKED UP MY DRIVEWAY TO CLEAR AN OBSTRUCTION IN THE GARAGE DOOR SAFETY EYES. WHEN I GOT TO THE GARAGE DOOR I TURNED BACK AND SAY MY FLEX REVERSING UP THE DRIVEWAY QUICKLY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY BACKED IN AND WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE GARAGE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE FLEX CONTINUED TO REVERSE UP THE DRIVEWAY (UPHILL) WITH THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN. AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY THE OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR CONTACTED A BASKETBALL POST WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BENT THE CONCRETE FILLED POST AND FOLDED THE DRIVER'S DOOR INTO THE LEFT FENDER BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN I ORIGINALLY EXITED THE FLEX THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA HAD NO DASH DISPLAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO INDICATE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS OTHERWISE UNATTENDED AT THE TIME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE THE SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THEN REVERSE UPHILL AT A BRISK RATE OF SPEED WHILE UNATTENDED. AT THIS TIME THE FLEX IS SECURED IN MY GARAGE AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR INSPECTED IN ANTICIPATION OF REPAIR OR APPRAISAL. I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE PCM AND ACM IMAGED HOWEVER HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED THAT DATA MAY BE ERASED IF THE VEHICLE IS RUN IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMAGE POTENTIAL DATA. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP YOUR WISHES AS I REQUIRE THE VEHICLE FOR MY BUSINESS.

Jul 05, 2019

Crash: 1

MY 2016 FORD FLEX I JUST BOUGHT LESS THEN 6MTHS AGO! AND I HAVE 30,000 MILES ON IT! I WAS HEARING LOTS OF NOISE FROM THE FRONT END AND ALSO I WOULD HEAR IT WHEN MY CAR WAS IN GEAR AND ALSO WHEN I WENT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WERE TURNING YOUR STEERING WHEEL!! TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT WAS MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER HALF SHAFT! I GET IT BACK AND NOW I AM HEARING NOISES AGAIN!!

Jan 21, 2019

FRONT WHEELS LOCK AS THE VEHICLE IS REVERSING. LOUD RATTLE NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE TRANSMISSION.

Apr 02, 2018

+ 1 more complaint for this component

STEERING

4 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Aug 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to add power steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, it was determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Jul 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated there were two warning chimes alert heard. Additionally, “Stop Vehicle for Safe Steering” and “Power Steering Assist Service Required” messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering monitor sensor fault and rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Jun 13, 2024

VEHICLE MAKES A WEIRD SOUND WHILE STEERING AND HAS PROGRESSED TO ALL THE TIME.

Aug 14, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 complaints

Same issue as ever expanding recall for safety camera backing up. Blue screen, camera not available warning that does not go away while driving, black screen, upside down screen, distorted screen, and intermittantly operational and then not!

Sep 15, 2025

Crash: 1

Rear back up camera first started flickering in and out when I would go in reverse and now it doesn’t work at all. No warning before it went out just the flickering and now nothing. Then I seen where other vehicles my year had problems with their camera systems and thought it’s probably the same thing.

May 24, 2025

The backup camera safety system operates intermittently. We are unable to see behind us when backing up putting us and others at risk. Sometimes it works when in Reverse, but most of the time the touchscreen panel does not even change over to show the camera view at all. The Flex is a large vehicle so a non-working camera or electrical component for the camera is unsafe. There are other existing recalls related to other Ford makes and models due to faulty cameras and image modules. This could be the same or a related issue. No errors or codes appear. I have not taken to a dealer yet because they charge $300 just to do a diagnosis.

Feb 17, 2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 complaints

Backup camera constantly shows a blank screen or distorted upside down image. There was a recall issued today for my model year, but not my specific model. I was quite surprised because I have the identical issue with my vehicle as well. The camera has not worked in close to a year. At first it started to glitch occasionally, but now it never works. The screen is either blank or shows that distorted flipped image.

Sep 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an inverted image. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear-view camera. The contact was informed that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Jul 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The message that the camera was unavailable was displayed on the screen. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Oct 03, 2024

SEAT BELTS

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt unbuckled independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,400.

Jul 25, 2025

2nd row passenger side bucket seat seatbelt no longer latches. Car has less than 35,000 miles. Seat is no longer able to be occupied legally. My child in booster seat uses that seat belt and could have become unsecured while driving which would have put him at risk if there was an accident or would have had to brake quickly. Seatbelt has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning or symptoms of a problem. Problem started 4/10/2023.

Apr 11, 2023

The passenger side seat belt tightens on passenger while driving. It tightened on one passenger so tight; there became a need to cut the belt off! The second time it tightened on the passenger while driving, but did not tighten to the point of needing to cut the belt. When I took the vehicle to the dealership they didn’t seem to interested in the issue, however the service tech and the mechanical tech reportedly did drive the vehicle (saying the passenger pulled on the seat belt and it was working properly). However the tension tightens without notice on the passenger side front seat and today the alarm for no seatbelt didn’t even come on when the passenger was unbuckled when the vehicle was driven!!

Sep 13, 2021

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door latch had fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the spring in the door fractured and damaged the striker within the door mechanism. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

Jun 07, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front and rear door latches malfunctioned making it difficult to securely close the doors. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Dec 06, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR AJAR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. ADDITIONALLY, THE MASTER DOOR LOCK BUTTON FAILED TO LOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY SHUT-OFF WHEN THE IGNITION WAS PLACED IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT CONTACTED ODANIEL FORD INC (631 LINCOLN HWY W, NEW HAVEN, IN 46774, (855) 973-4169) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,700.

Aug 04, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The stability control warning light was illuminated, and the "Steering Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact 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 failure and suggested that the contact file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Jun 25, 2025

POWER STEERING WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN CAR WAS STARTED IN MORNING AFTER TWO DAYS OF LONG DRIVING. WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITH REPEATED EFFORTS AT STARTING. HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED BRIEFLY WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR, SIX MONTHS BEFORE, BUT REINSTITUTED WHEN SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED.

Nov 16, 2018

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

The issue is that the pawl spring tab in the side door latch broke. The door does not close. if closed manually by manipulating the latch to close it, the door may open while driving. There was a recall for this exact issue a few years ago but I feel it needs to be opened back up and more models added to it, like the 2016 Flex. Here is the article from a few years ago: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 28, 2024

The passenger door latch cracked and door would not close. This is exactly as described in a recall of other Ford vehicles from the same model year, however, the Flex was not included.

May 15, 2023

ENGINE

2 complaints

Ford hid the fact that some of its vehicles may suffer a sudden internal water pump failure that poses significant safety risks to drivers including sudden catastrophic engine failure. From 2007 through at least 2020, Ford has incorporated the Cyclone Engine—containing a faulty internal water pump—into thousands of vehicles. Internal Water Pumps should last for the useful life of the engines without the need for any service, maintenance, or repair. Despite knowing for more than a decade that its' vehicles incorporating the "Duratec Engine", contain a defect in design that can cause the internal water pump to prematurely fail well before the end of the useful life of the engine. The issue has lead to a repair estimate of $2700 USD or could lead to catastrophic engine failure due to the water pumps' placement inside the engine block (Poor Design). In the past, Ford has also represented that the water pump will not need to be serviced or maintenance, but the internal location of the water pump in the engine conceals it from view and inspection when other routine services are being performed. The water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it reportedly allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Making matters worse, mixed coolant and oil can lead to engine failure, too.

Jan 03, 2023

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP AT A STOPLIGHT. WE WERE PREPARING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY ON-RAMP. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT (NO WARNING) AND WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MOMENTS LATER (MERGING INTO HEAVY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC), AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKELY. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. IT ONLY HAS 31,000 MILES. IT GAVE NO SIGNS OF IMPENDING PROBLEMS, THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING. (THERE WAS PLENTY OF FUEL IN THE TANK ALSO).

Apr 08, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR SEDDENLY ACCELERATES. I COULD FEEL THE PETAL DROP OUT FROM UNDER MY FOOT. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SPEAD UP WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK. I TRIED HITTING CANCEL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL (EVEN THOUGH I NEVER SET IT OR MESS WITH IT EVER) AND IT WOULD STILL ACCELERATE WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK. IT FINALLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL AFTER PUMPING THE BREAKS.

Mar 05, 2018

THROTTLE BODY ISSUES 1) VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET - ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER. MANAGED TO COAST TO A SIDE STREET. TURNED OFF ENGINE, RESTARTED FEW TIMES AND CONTINUED TO WORK WITHOUT ISSUE. (BELOW IS SAME DAY) 2) VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO STATE HIGHWAY. EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND MANAGED TO GET TO SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY. TURNED VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES AND EVENTUALLY MADE IT TO DEALERSHIP.

Jul 18, 2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had frightened him because a pedestrian was nearly struck by the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the RPM was elevated and then lowered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Nov 14, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

I am getting a "Transmission Not In Park" error that will also sometimes flash "Door Ajar" while driving. Door appears to be closed - not sure if it's latched, transmission is obviously NOT in park because the car is moving. I'm concerned that this shouldn't be driven and is a safety issue.

Oct 16, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

My 2016 Ford Flex’s reverse camera has been shorting out, blinking off and on. If the camera does come on the picture is upside down. This has been happening for over a month and I have not had it looked at. This is similar to the most recent back up camera recall for other Ford vehicles for this year range.

Sep 14, 2025

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

camera recall number is 25S72 (NHTSA 25V442000). I own a 2016 Ford Flex and its having the same issue. I had the camera replaced at the dealership out of pocket once before and its still not working. I feel my issue is the same as this recall just affecting a different model.

Sep 12, 2025

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The car kept misfiring and it completely stoped on me 2 times in the street it also overheated due to the cooling system

Aug 24, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

Jul 09, 2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

Similar to the issues per Ford Recall 25S72, the backup camera screen turns blue, then black with an indication, “Camera Unavailable.” This drastically increases the risk of accidents, particularly in crowded parking lots, driveways, or areas with pedestrians and children may be present. There have been numerous accounts of older Flex cameras failing in a similar manner.

Jul 02, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated instead of stopping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

May 21, 2025

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

The car started jerking and slowing down on the highway and would not accelerate. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and had the car towed to a service center. A repair shop did a print out of the error codes from the computer which indicated an error relating to the power steering control module. A search online show that many other Ford flex owners have experienced similar issues.

May 23, 2024

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

There is far to much to list

Jan 03, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

Door sensor states door is ajar when it is closed, causing battery drainage and safety concern about doors

Nov 06, 2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Rear backup camera fails. It was repaired once under warranty, (7 Jan 2019) second time under extended warranty protection (17 Jun 2021), now has failing for the third time. Local Ford dealer has the information and I have repair invoices.

Feb 19, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

REAR PARK ASSIST CAMERA DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN IN REVERSE. READ PASSENGER DOOR LOCK PAWL FRACTURE-NHTSA RECALL. FORD REFUSES TO REPAIR THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT ISSUE THE RECALL. THIS DOOR HAS A FRACTURED PAWL LOCK/LATCH ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. CAR DOES NOT DETECT KEY. WE PAID ADDITIONAL FOR FOB ANNUAL REPLACEMENTS, FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FOBS EVEN WHEN ITS FAULTY. I RECORDED THIS CALL...AND EVERY OTHER CALL.

Feb 01, 2021

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AIRPORT MARINA FORD (310-574-2641, LOCATED AT 6701 CENTER DR W, STE 925, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUT MOUNT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PART. ALSO, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

Sep 05, 2019

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

ECOBOOST 3.5L VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AND WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPES WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON EXPRESSWAY BUT STILL RAN. DROVE STRAIGHT TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED LOW BOOST PRESSURE DTC AND FAILURE OF BOTH TURBOCHARGERS. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY DUG DEEPER AND ARE NOW TELLING ME THERE WAS A COOLANT SYSTEM LEAK WHICH WASHED OUT THE ENGINE OIL AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND THE TURBOS TO FAIL(LOCK UP). THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKS AND OIL SUPPLY TO TURBOS CAUSING FAILURES/FIRE/OVERHEATING IN ECOBOOST ENGINES... DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED INCLUDING THE TURBOCHARGERS IN THE BALLPARK OF $13,000.

Feb 26, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

GAS SMELL AND ELECTRONIC ISSUES. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I FIRST NOTICED SMELLING GASOLINE AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE, SO I HAD DRIVEN SEVERAL MONTHS.THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON MY UNDERCOATING STATING THAT'S WHAT I'M SMELLING.IT'S GAS DEFINITELY.I ASKED THEM TO DRIVE IT A WEEK SINCE THE SMELL COMES AND GOES.THEY REFUSED.IT STILL DOES IT AND I HAVE GIVEN UP TRYING TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND THE ISSUE.THEY DID STATE THE FLEX IS THE SAME BASE AS THE POLICE VEHICLE THAT HAS THE GAS EMISSION LEAK.2ND PROBLEM IS "NO KEY DETECTED" LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING.JUST YESTERDAY MY BACK UP CAM STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING.IT WAS DISTRACTING AND I FELT A HAZZARD.I TRIED TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AND THAT DIDN'T WORK.AFTER PARKING FOR AN HOUR AND TRYING AGAIN THINGS WENT BACK TO NORMAL.WHEN THE BACK UP CAM WAS LOCKED ON THE RADIO CONTROLS DIDN'T WORK AND THE VOICE COMMAND DID NOT WORK.I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY STATED THEY "CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS IT IS CURRENLTY MALFUNCTONING". NOT VERY REASSURING TO KNOW.THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS UNWILLING TO HELP RESOLVE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUES.I COULD CRASH IF THE BACK UP CAM IS ON WHILE DRIVING FORWARD (DUE TO DISTRACTION).IF NO KEY IS DETECTED WHEN DRIVING WILL THE ENGINE SHUT OFF?THE GAS SMELL IS A CONCERN BECAUSE I SHOULD NOT BE BREATHING GAS!GAS SMELL IS WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING- PARKED OR MOVING BUT THE SMELL COMES AND GOES.THE ELECTRONIC ISSUE WAS A CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT IT ALSO DID IT WHILE NOT IN MOTION.

Nov 26, 2018

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

"TAKATA RECALL" MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON 2000 MILES BEFORE MY MANUFACTURES WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HAVE A FORD SHOP HERE, BUT THEY ARE RATED SO LOW AND I HEAR NOTHING BUT BAD STUFF ABOUT THEM, SO I CALLED THE NEXT CLOSEST 95 MILES AWAY IN SPEARFISH, SD. I EXPLAINED TO THE GUY WHAT CODE THE ENGINE THREW, BUT MY LIGHT IS NOW OFF. HE SAID NOT TO COME IN, UNTIL MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. MEANWHILE MY ENGINE STILL HISSES AND THE EXHAUST ODOR IS SO STRONG INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE 36,879 MILES ON MY 2016 AND EITHER HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK FROM THE HEADERS OR THE MANIFOLD. THE ENGINE LIGHT WON'T COME BACK ON AND NOONE WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE WITHOUT IT ON. THERE IS NO REASON FOR MY "NEWER" VEHICLE TO HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK TO THIS EXTENT.

Nov 26, 2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

DROVE MY 2016 FORD FLEX I TRIED TO AVOID ANIMAL ON ROAD AND STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON COULDNT STEER AND HIT A POLE. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDNT LOOK AT CAUSE I HAD IT TOWED THERE TOLD ME I HAD TO GO WHERE MY INUSRANCE WOULD FIX IT I HAD NO CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS THERES NO RECALL ON IT CAUSE ITS A NEW TRUCK THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS FLEX IN 2010-2016 GETTING THE BRUSHOFF FROM MY DEALER

Feb 10, 2017

Crash: 1

2016 FORD Flex Problems & Complaints

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