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 two issues that can each lead to a crash or fire: rear suspension toe links that can fracture and cause sudden loss of vehicle handling, and a turbocharger oil line that can leak onto hot engine components and start a fire.
Note that the suspension recall only affects vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack, and the turbocharger recall only affects vehicles with the 3.5L turbocharged engine. The third recall covers the rearview camera, which can display a distorted, flickering, or blank image when reversing, reducing the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle.
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.
