What are the most common Ford Flex problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,120+ owner reports, the 2009-2019 Ford Flex has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Internal Water Pump Failure Causes Coolant-Oil Mixing and Catastrophic Engine Damage, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure and Assist Loss, Brake Booster Check Valve Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Flex reliable?
The 2009-2019 Ford Flex has 5 known issues documented across 1,120+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Internal Water Pump Failure Causes Coolant-Oil Mixing and Catastrophic Engine Damage and Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure and Assist Loss and Brake Booster Check Valve Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Flex problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Flex issues range from $30 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Internal Water Pump Failure Causes Coolant-Oil Mixing and Catastrophic Engine Damage, typically costs $1,500-$7,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Ford Flex is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Ford Flex. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2009-2019 Ford Flex with 5 documented issues documented across 1,120+ owner reports.
What is the 2009-2019 Ford Flex Internal Water Pump Failure Causes Coolant-Oil Mixing and Catastrophic Engine Damage?
The 3.5L Duratec and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines in the Ford Flex have a critical design flaw: the water pump is driven by the timing chain and mounted internally inside the engine. When the water pump seal fails, coolant leaks directly into the engine oil, creating a milky sludge t… Repairs typically run $1,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Ford Flex Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure and Assist Loss?
The 2009-2013 Ford Flex uses an electric power steering system that is prone to sudden failure, leaving the driver with extremely heavy steering that requires significant effort to turn. The power steering control module can overheat or fail internally, and the steering motor its… Repairs typically run $300-$1,300. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2019 Ford Flex Brake Booster Check Valve Failure?
The brake booster check valve fails, allowing vacuum to leak and causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances. Some owners report a hissing sound from the brake area when pressing the pedal. Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2019 Ford Flex Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Seal Leaks and AWD System Failure?
AWD-equipped Ford Flex models suffer from chronic Power Transfer Unit (PTU) seal leaks and eventual PTU failure. The PTU transfers power from the transaxle to the rear driveshaft and is sealed with halfshaft seals that deteriorate over time. When the seals leak, the PTU fluid lev… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2019 Ford Flex Door Ajar Warning Stays On?
The door ajar warning stays illuminated even with all doors closed, draining the battery if interior lights stay on overnight. Caused by faulty door latch switches that corrode or stick. Repairs typically run $30-$250. Severity: low.
