Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 139 of 139 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 111 of 139 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
38 complaint records1 fire report
"PISTON RINGS FAILED AT 103,000 MILES. TOTAL LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE PRODUCED FROM THE EXHAUST. ALWAYS SERVICED REGULARLY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
32 complaint records1 crash report
"STEERING GEAR FAILURE IN EPAS STEERING SYSTEM. CONSTANT JERKING OF THE STEERING AT ALL SPEEDS, VERY LOUD NOISE AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Brakes
17 complaint records
"2010 FORD FLEX FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE DUE TO GRINDING AND WEAR. BACK BRAKE CALIPERS AND BRAKES REPLACED DUE TO STICKING AND UNEVEN WEAR ON TIRES. *TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V247000 | Air Bags | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019281 2019-06-11 | Suspension | 12,211 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 54601 Feb 2026 | Electrical System | Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. | |
| SSM 52476 Apr 2024 | Equipment | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. | |
| SSM 51536 Apr 2023 | Structure | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. | |
| SSM 49210 Sep 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. | |
| SSM 48130 Aug 2019 | Visibility | Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. |
Show 29 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 48070 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. | |
| SSM 47976 May 2019 | Power Train | On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. | |
| SSM 47797 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. | |
| SSM 47662 Nov 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. | |
| SSM 47230 Apr 2018 | Equipment | Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving. | |
| SSM 47201 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. | |
| SSM 47080 Feb 2018 | Equipment | 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. | |
| SSM 47009 Jan 2018 | Equipment | The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). | |
| SSM 46900 Nov 2017 | Power Train | Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. | |
| SSM 46412 Feb 2017 | Power Train | SOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA. | |
| SSM 46332 Jan 2017 | Equipment | REPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCOLN VEHICLE. | |
| SSM 46210 Nov 2016 | Steering | SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES. | |
| SSM 46132 Oct 2016 | Service Brakes | SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| 44863 Jul 2015 | Visibility | FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA | |
| ASI-45132 May 2015 | Power Train | LINCOLN/FORD: AN OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION MOTORCRAFT KIT, AVAILABLE FOR SOME VEHICLES, CONTAINS AN INCORRECT VALVE BODE SEPARATOR PLATE AND WOULD NEED TO DISCARD 7Z490 PART AND USE BT4Z-7Z490 TO PREVENT HARSH DOWNSHIFTS. MODEL 2010-12 EDGE, MKX, FLEX, MKS, MKT, TAURUS. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0198 Oct 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: WITH AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON, CAN SMELL AN EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE. LIKE SULFUR, AFTER HARD DRIVING CONDITIONS OR ACCELERATION. MODEL 2009-14 FLEX. *PE. UPDATE. 06/11/15. *TA | |
| TSB-14-0113 May 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES, WITH ALUMINUM VALVE COVER, WILL EXPERIENCE AN EXCESSIVE CONDITION OF SMOKING ENGINE OIL AND/OR CONSUMPTION OF OIL, FROM TAIL PIPE, DURING NORMAL ENGINE TEMPERATURE OPERATION. MODEL 2010-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXPLORER, MKS, MKT. *PE | |
| ASI-44531 May 2014 | Seats | LINCOLN/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS, THERE IS A POPPING, SQUEALING, BINDING OR GRINDING NOISE COME FROM POWER SEATS WHEN MOVING BACKWARDS OR FORWARD. MODEL 2009-2015 F-150, TAURUS, FLEX, MKT, MKS, F-SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER. *PE | |
| ASI-32276 Jun 2013 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN: LONG BLOCK ENGINES SHIPPED WITH CAM SENSORS, CRANK SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR TONE WHEEL, COOLANT INLET TUBE, THE COMPONENTS MUST BE SWAPPED OVER ENGINE BEING REPLACED TO REPLACEMENT ENGINE BEFORE ENGINE IS INSTALLED. *PE | |
| TSB-13-5-27 May 2013 | Power Train | FORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, TRANSMISSION 5TH GEAR START AT STOP, SPEED CONTROL DROPS OR INOPERATIVE, BACKUP CAMERA ON IN DRIVE, 5TH GEAR START FROM STOP AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPING OR NEUTRAL OUT, DUE TO DIGITAL TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR HIGH RESISTANCE. | |
| TSB-11-5-6 May 2011 | Power Train | FORD: THERE MAY BE A SLUGGISH ACCELERATION OR HESITATION FEELING WHEN ROLLING TO A STOP. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A HARSH BUMP. *RM | |
| SIS-21841 Apr 2011 | Air Bags | COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM | |
| AS-21769 Mar 2011 | Electrical System | FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION. *RM | |
| AS-21687 Jan 2011 | Power Train | FORD: THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF POWER, HESITATION, SURGE, OR LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR FEATURE MAY BE ACTIVATING. *RM | |
| TSB-10-21-6 Oct 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: THE IDLE SPEED DROPS LOWER THAN DESIRED AND MAY FLUCTUATE. THERE MAY BE TWO POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES STORED. *RM | |
| SB-21490 Sep 2010 | Structure | FORD: 2010 ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SHUDDER/VIBRATION OR A CLUNK NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN LOW SPEEDS. *RM | |
| SB-21430 Jul 2010 | Power Train | FORD/LINCOLN: TRANSMISSION BUILT BEFORE 6/1/10 WITH 4TH GEAR START, DELAY/HESITATION ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP-NO DTCS. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A STICKING MULTIPLEX SHIFT VALVE IN THE VALVE BODY. *PE | |
| TSB-09-20-9 Apr 2010 | Seats | FORD: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FOLDING SECOND ROW SEATS MAY FIND THE SEAT NOT FULLY LIFTING AND FOLDING FORWARD (TUMBLE) AFTER THE POWER RELEASE SWITCH IS DEPRESSED. *PE |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Flex →