This page covers 5 recalls, 38 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 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.
Suspension is the dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Ford Flex, drawing the most owner reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe steering or handling changes consistent with worn or failing suspension components, though the specific parts mentioned vary across reports. The back-over prevention system, essentially the backup camera, draws a smaller but notable cluster of complaints, with owners describing a blank or inverted image when shifting into reverse, leaving the camera effectively useless for its intended purpose. A single report describes the rear power liftgate opening on its own while the vehicle was parked overnight. One isolated report also details an internal water pump failure on the 3.5L V6 where coolant reportedly leaks into the engine oil rather than escaping externally, making the failure harder to detect before damage occurs.
38
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Ford Flex has 5 recalls, the most serious being two tied in severity: a rear suspension toe link that can fracture and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, and a turbocharger oil line that can leak onto hot engine components and start a fire.
Both of the top-severity issues are trim-specific. The suspension recall applies only to vehicles equipped with the SHO Performance Pack, while the fire risk affects vehicles with the 3.5L turbocharged engine. On the visibility side, the rearview camera can display a distorted, flickering, or completely blank image when reversing, reducing what the driver can see behind the vehicle. There is also a structural concern: the B-pillar trim on the driver and front passenger doors can loosen and detach while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The door trim panel on the B-pillar between the front and rear doors may detach while you are driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim 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
The exterior B-pillar trim pieces on the driver and front passenger doors may not be securely fastened and could loosen or separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will inspect the trims and repair or replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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.
