NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, potentially affecting rear suspension function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links at no cost to you.
This page covers 4 recalls, 578 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Ford Flex.
18–20 mpg combined
11.8–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Steering and electrical system complaints dominate what owners report for the 2013 Ford Flex. On the steering side, the most common pattern is the power steering suddenly becoming very heavy or seizing while driving, often accompanied by a power steering fault warning light. Owners describe the problem recurring even after restarting the vehicle. Electrical complaints are nearly as common and cover a wide range of symptoms, including multiple driver-assist features going inoperative simultaneously and, in a smaller number of reports, burning smells traced to the seat heater wiring with no warning lights triggering beforehand. The fuel and propulsion system draws a third cluster of complaints, where owners report internal engine components, timing chains, cam phasers, variable valve timing solenoids, and related hardware, failing and causing the engine to shut off without warning while driving.
578
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Ford Flex has 4 recalls, with the most serious risks being engine stalls, a sudden loss of vehicle control from a fractured rear suspension component, and a fuel leak that can lead to a fire.
Two recalls involve the fuel system. The fuel delivery module can crack and allow gasoline to leak, which creates a fire risk if the fuel contacts an ignition source. Separately, on Flex vehicles equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, a component inside the fuel pump module can overheat and cut power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to stall without warning or preventing the vehicle from starting altogether. On the suspension side, this recall only affects vehicles with the SHO Performance Pack: the rear toe links, which help keep the rear wheels properly aligned, can fracture under stress and cause an abrupt, unpredictable change in how the vehicle handles. On the steering side, the electric power steering assist can fail, requiring noticeably more physical effort to turn the wheel, particularly at parking lot speeds or during low-speed maneuvers where steering effort is greatest.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, potentially affecting rear suspension function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the fuel pump's electrical module may overheat, cutting power to the fuel pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump electrical module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module can crack, which may cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault, potentially eliminating power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering control module for fault codes. If found, the steering gear is replaced. If none are found, the steering control module software is updated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.