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 97 of 98 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 47 of 98 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.
Driver assistance
31 complaint records1 crash report
"The car kept misfiring and it completely stoped on me 2 times in the street it also overheated due to the cooling system..."- 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 driver assistance parts in the directory →
Electrical system
23 complaint records1 crash report
"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...."- 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 →
Suspension
10 complaint records1 crash report
"NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V072. SAFETY ISSUE NEARLY A YEAR AFTER THIS RECALL FORD STILL HAS " REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE."..."- 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 suspension 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V695000 | Back Over Prevention | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang... | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 16V925000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026328 2026-07-01 | Structure | 5,302 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior B-pillar trims on the front and rear driver-side and passenger-side doors may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen and separate from the vehicle. |
| 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25E10-S1 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | 25E10-S1 Owner letter | |
| 25E10-S1 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming | |
| 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. | |
| TSB 25-2570 Nov 2025 | Electrical System | This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice... | |
| SSM 54366 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| TSB 24-2165 May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019... | |
| 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 52314 Mar 2024 | Power Train | During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. | |
| 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 50861 Jun 2022 | Power Train | Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. | |
| SSM 50375 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. | |
| SSM 50067 Aug 2021 | Electrical System | Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. | |
| SSM 50039 Aug 2021 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. | |
| TSB 21-2175 Jun 2021 | Electrical System | Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC... | |
| SSM 49821 May 2021 | Power Train | Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. | |
| TSB 20-2427 Dec 2020 | Equipment | Some 2016-2019 Flex vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of adhesion of the front door upper moulding to the door. | |
| 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. | |
| TSB 20-2255 Aug 2020 | Electrical System | Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC... | |
| SSM 48908 Jun 2020 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. | |
| 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 48423 Dec 2019 | Power Train | Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. | |
| SSM 48340 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software. | |
| 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 48053 Jun 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. | |
| SSM 48049 Jun 2019 | Forward Collision Avoidance | 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 47993 May 2019 | Power Train | 2015-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2016 and equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) may exhibit a PTU venting, an odor originating from the PTU,... | |
| 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 | Electrical System | 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 47711 Dec 2018 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and a 6, 8 or 10 inch screen may show a pop-up message every key cycle that states 'SYNC can check for updates when connected to a WiFi network'. | |
| 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 47538 Sep 2018 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. | |
| SSM 47444 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. | |
| SSM 47426 Jul 2018 | Steering | Some 2015-2018 Flex, Taurus, Police Interceptor Sedan, and 2016 Navigator vehicles may exhibit a turn signal that does not operate as expected when the steering column multifunction switch is moved to the lane change position, then quickly changed to the opposite direction... | |
| SSM 47379 Jun 2018 | Electrical System | Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. | |
| SSM 47230 Apr 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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 47171 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit functional concerns where USB audio playback and App Link will not operate. | |
| SSM 47167 Mar 2018 | Electrical System | Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. | |
| SSM 47100 Feb 2018 | Equipment | Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln Vehicle equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit a concern where USB Audio playback and App Link applications will not function properly. | |
| 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 47041 Jan 2018 | Equipment | Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. | |
| 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 46947 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. | |
| SSM 46930 Nov 2017 | Equipment | Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. | |
| 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 46860 Oct 2017 | Equipment | Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. | |
| SSM 46861 Oct 2017 | Equipment | Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. | |
| 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. | |
| TSB 17-2068 Apr 2017 | Back Over Prevention | Some 2016-2017 Edge, Escape, Expedition, Fiesta, Flex, MKC, MKT, MKX, Mustang, Navigator and Taurus or 2017 Explorer and Super Duty vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and built on 1-Jul-2015 and through 31-Dec-2016 may exhibit a SYNC display message of Please check your surroundings... | |
| 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 46486 Mar 2017 | Electrical System | SOME 2016-2017 FORD OR LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MAY EXHIBIT A BLANK SCREEN OR OTHER VARIOUS SYNC SYMPTOMS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN TRANSPORT MODE. THIS IS CONSIDERED NORMAL DUE TO THE POWER SAVING FEATURES ENABLED WHILE IN TRANSPORT MODE. | |
| 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. |
Showing 60 of 83 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
- 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.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →