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 249 of 249 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 161 of 249 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.
Steering
66 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FAILED AND CAN'T STEER TO HARD ALSO AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME..."- 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 →
Electrical system
57 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FAILED AND CAN'T STEER TO HARD ALSO AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Fuel system
50 complaint records1 crash report
"FAULTY FUEL PUMP MODULE RENDERS CAR INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. NO ERROR CODE. MODULE HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT THIS ONE...."- 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 fuel system 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V072000 | Suspension | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. | Normally free |
| 16V621000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor... | Normally free |
| 14V710000 | Seats | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 and Flex vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. | Normally free |
| 14V393000 | Power Train | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured... | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020051 2020-02-11 | Suspension | 15,281 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Ford Campaign 19R01 or 19S18 do not require repair under this recall. |
| 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. |
| 2016411 2016-08-23 | Powertrain | 7,249 | On certain vehicles, the fuel pump electric module may be damaged due to high electrical current loads. This could cause the fuel pump to stop operating, which would result in the engine stalling or failing to start. |
| 2014504 2014-11-05 | Seats And Restraints | 19,975 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the manually-adjustable seat tracks may cause the occupant classification system to incorrectly register the weight of the seat occupant. |
| 2014280 2014-07-03 | Powertrain | 8,173 | On certain vehicles, the right-side halfshaft retention clip may not have been fully engaged, and could allow the halfshaft to separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle is being driven, it could result in a loss of motive power. |
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 53040 Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. | |
| 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. |
Show 47 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 48619 Mar 2020 | Unknown Or Other | SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed... | |
| SSM 48135 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function. To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership (339-EVDC100). | |
| 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. | |
| SSM 48123 Aug 2019 | Electrical System | For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. | |
| 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 48049 Jun 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Some 2015-2017 F-150/Mustang, 2015-2018 Edge/MKC, 2016-2018 MKX, 2013-2018 Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT, and 2017-2018 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles built on or before 19-Oct-2017 may exhibit an inoperative adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and/or collision avoidance... | |
| 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 47967 May 2019 | Equipment | Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). | |
| SSM 47850 Apr 2019 | Equipment | Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). | |
| SSM 47948 Apr 2019 | Engine | SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns,... | |
| SSM 47797 Feb 2019 | Equipment | 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 47749 Jan 2019 | Equipment | Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. | |
| 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 | Electrical System | 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 46703 Jul 2017 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Some 2013-2017 Edge/MKX/Escape/MKC/Fusion/MKZ/Flex/MKT/Mondeo/Kuga/EcoSport AWD vehicles where diagnosis leads to a RDU clutch issue, a rear drive unit (RDU) service kit is available. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the parts catalog to look for base part 4A232. | |
| SSM 46522 Apr 2017 | Equipment | 2013-2017 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police/Continental vehicles equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) that is being repaired or replaced for an internal failure must also have the vent... | |
| SSM 46412 Feb 2017 | Equipment | 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 46295 Jan 2017 | Engine | TO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE. | |
| 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 46129 Oct 2016 | Electrical System | SOME 2013-2016 FUSION/ESCAPE/MKT/FLEX/MKS/TAURUS, 2015-2016 MKZ/MKC/EDGE AND 2016 MKX VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS RADIO CONCERNS INCLUDING: SPEAKER STATIC WITH KEY-OFF, NO AUDIO AFTER VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) U0184, NO VOLUME CONTROL, OR A... | |
| SSM 46102 Sep 2016 | Seat Belts | Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. | |
| 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. | |
| SSM-45821 May 2016 | Electrical System | SIRI EYES FREE FUNCTIONAL ISSUES USING BLUETOOTH AND APPLE IOS 9.2 AND 9.2.1 | |
| SSM-45815 May 2016 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645 | |
| TSB160066 Apr 2016 | Equipment | Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen | |
| SB45277 Aug 2015 | Power Train | FORD: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM CONVERTER HOUSING AREA ON POLICE UTILITY EQUIPPED WITH 6F50/6F55 TRANSMISSION *CN | |
| 15-0119 Jul 2015 | Equipment | FORD 2013-2014 FLEX: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING POOR AUDIO RECEPTION WITH A WHISTLING NOISE. *LJ | |
| 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-45215 Jul 2015 | Equipment | FORD/LINCOLN: GLOBAL POSITIONING SATELLITE MODULE (GPSM) NEEDS REPROGRAMMING TO LATEST CALIBRATION DUE TO VOICE PROMPT FAILING TO LOCATING VEHICLE, SCREEN MESSAGE INDICATOR FAULT OF NAVIGATION, INSTEAD OF CURRENT LOCATION INDICATES PREVIOUS LOCATION. MODEL 2014 FORD, LINCOLN. *PE | |
| 44856 Jan 2015 | Vehicle Speed Control | FORD: CERTAIN 2013-2015 FORD FUSION AND TAURUS, 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORER, 2013-2014 FORD EDGE AND FLEX, 2013-2015 LINCOLN MKS, MKX, AND 2013-2014 LINCOLN MKT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED THAT DOESN'T MATCH THE SPEEDOMETER SPEED. *TA | |
| 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-14-0175 Sep 2014 | Exterior Lighting | FORD/LINCOLN: THE AMBIENT LIGHTING ON LINCOLN (MYLINCOLN TOUCH) VEHICLES WILL DEFAULT TO WHITE AND ON FORD (MYFORD TOUCH) VEHICLES WILL DEFAULT TO ICE BLUE AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH CYCLE. *PE | |
| ASI-44678 Aug 2014 | Structure | FORD: AN INTRUSION OF WATER, FROM MOVEABLE MOONROOF, DUE TO AN OVERFLOW OF TROUGH RAILS WHEN DRAIN SYSTEM HAS OVER CAPACITIZED. MODEL 2011-14 FLEX. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0133 Jul 2014 | Structure | FORD: WHEN DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE WOULD BE A WHISTLE OR WIND NOISE FROM LEFT AND/OR RIGHT A PILLAR. MODEL 2013-14 FLEX. *PE | |
| 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 | |
| TSB-14-0105 May 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH IDLE, IN GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE, MAY OCCUR AFTER HOT START. MODEL 2012-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXPLORER, 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-44564 May 2014 | Service Brakes | FORD/LINCOLN: DUE TO CORROSION BUILDUP BETWEEN BRAKE PAD AND ANCHOR BRACKET, VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A REAR BRAKE DRAG CONDITION AND NEED TO BE CHECKED FOR DEBRIS AND/OR CORROSION. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPLORER, FLEX, TAURUS, EDGE, MKX, MKT, MKS. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0091 Apr 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/LINCOLN: NEAR INTAKE MANIFOLD, AN ODOR OF RAW FUEL TYPE CAN BE DETECTED AND SERVICE PROCEDURE IS PROVIDED. MODEL 2014 EXPLORER, FLEX, MKS, MKT, TAURUS. *PE | |
| ASI-44451 Mar 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: SOME MODEL VEHICLES MANUAL FOR POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSION DIAGNOSTIC (PC/ED) HAS BEEN UPDATED REGARDING IMPROVED COOLING FAN CIRCUIT DUE TO A LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING, A MALFUNCTIONING INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND OVERHEATING. *PE | |
| ASI-44211 Oct 2013 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE IS A SITUATION REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2879 OR P1243 AND WORKSHOP MANUAL HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE DTCS. MODEL 2011-2014 FLEX, MKT. *PE |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns 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 →