NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
This page covers 3 recalls, 82 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Ford Flex.
17–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.8 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.
The 2016 Ford Flex draws the most complaints around its backup camera and electrical system. The backup camera is the single most-reported issue, owners frequently describe the image going blank, appearing blurry, or displaying a blue screen when shifting into reverse. Some report the camera works intermittently, others say it stopped functioning entirely. Electrical complaints are the next most common, with owners describing problems like the driver-door keypad staying powered continuously, leading to battery drain and corrosion at connection points. Suspension rounds out the top three, with owners reporting noises from the rear of the vehicle, snapping or clunking sounds, often noticed at low speeds. The backup camera failures stand out for their consistency across reports, with display quality and reliability being the recurring thread.
82
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Ford Flex has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from a turbocharger oil supply tube that can leak oil onto hot engine components, and a rear suspension toe link that can fracture and cause a sudden, uncontrolled change in handling.
Both of these first two recalls are limited to specific configurations: the turbocharger recall affects only Flex models equipped with the 3.5L turbocharged engine, while the rear suspension recall covers vehicles fitted with the SHO Performance Pack. When a toe link fractures, the affected rear wheel can shift its angle without warning, making the vehicle difficult to control. The oil leak recall carries fire risk because escaping oil can contact hot engine and exhaust surfaces. The third recall affects the rearview camera, which can display a distorted, intermittent, or completely blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, reducing the driver's ability to see what is directly behind the car while backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
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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
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turbocharger oil supply tubes may be improperly brazed, causing them to leak oil onto engine components.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil supply tubes and replace them if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.