Common Ford Flex Problems, Recalls, and TSBs: What Owners Need to Know

The Ford Flex was one of the more distinctive vehicles on American roads during its 2009–2019 production run. Part wagon, part crossover, the Flex seated up to seven passengers in a boxy, practical body that bucked every industry styling trend. Families loved it. The EcoBoost twin-turbocharged engine offered surprising performance. And the available AWD system made it genuinely versatile.

But like any vehicle with a decade-plus production run, the Flex accumulated recalls and Technical Service Bulletins that current owners need to know about. If you drive a Ford Flex — particularly a 2013–2019 model — here's what's on record.

NHTSA Recall 16V925000: EcoBoost Turbo Engine Oil Leak

This recall affects Ford Flex models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine. The issue involves a high-pressure fuel injection pump that can crack under certain operating conditions, causing an oil leak. Oil leaking onto hot engine components creates a fire hazard.

Ford issued a software update to the engine control module to reduce fuel pump operating pressure, along with physical inspection and replacement of affected components. If your EcoBoost Flex hasn't been in for this repair, this is the highest-priority item on your list.

NHTSA Recall 20V072000: Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

This recall affects 2013–2019 Ford Flex vehicles. The rear suspension toe link — a component that controls wheel alignment — can fracture without warning. A fractured toe link affects steering control and can cause sudden vehicle instability, particularly at highway speeds.

This is a serious safety recall. Ford's remedy involves inspection and replacement of the rear toe links as necessary. If you haven't had this recall completed, do not defer it.

NHTSA Recall 25V695000: Rearview Camera Display Failure

More recently, Ford issued a recall affecting the rearview camera system on certain Flex models. The camera display can fail to activate when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, eliminating the rear visibility assist required by federal safety standards. Ford's remedy involves a software update to the infotainment and reverse camera system.

Common TSB Issues for the Ford Flex

Beyond recalls, several Technical Service Bulletins have been issued that Flex owners frequently encounter:

Transmission shudder at highway speeds: A common complaint among 6-speed automatic-equipped Flex models. Ford issued TSBs documenting a torque converter clutch shudder that typically manifests as a vibration between 40–55 mph. The fix involves a transmission fluid change with updated fluid specification and, in some cases, torque converter replacement.

MyFord Touch infotainment system issues: The second-generation MyFord Touch system used in 2013–2016 Flex models was the subject of numerous TSBs covering freezing, unresponsive touch screens, and Bluetooth connectivity failures. Ford issued software updates addressing many of these issues, but many owners never had them applied.

Door seal wind noise: At highway speeds, some Flex owners experience wind noise from the door seals — particularly on the rear doors. TSBs document a door seal adjustment procedure and, in some cases, seal replacement.

What Flex Owners Should Do

Step one: go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Confirm which of the three recalls above (or any additional campaigns) apply to your specific vehicle. All recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Step two: schedule an appointment with your Ford dealer and specifically mention each open recall by campaign number. Ask the service advisor to check for any applicable TSBs while your vehicle is in for service.

Step three: for ongoing monitoring, My Vin Guard will alert you if any new recalls or investigations are opened for your Flex. Given that the Flex is now out of production but still widely owned, recall monitoring remains important — manufacturers continue issuing campaigns for vehicles years after production ends.