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2013 Ford Flex: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2013 Ford Flex has more NHTSA owner complaints than any other Flex model year on file, and it also has the most recalls[1]. Electrical and steering reports lead the list, so check every recall by VIN before you buy[2][3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 580 owner complaints for the 2013 Flex[4]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component. Here are the biggest groups:
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[2] | 201 | 55,141 |
| Steering[3] | 149 | 98,500 |
| Unknown or other[6] | 78 | 63,500 |
| Structure[7] | 69 | 56,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[8] | 59 | 66,000 |
The complaint totals also include 11 that mention a crash, 1 that mentions a fire and 13 injuries, with no deaths reported[4].
We read a small sample of complaint texts in the biggest groups. This is what owners describe in that sample[2][3][7][8]:
- Electrical system. In 10 of the 12 texts we read[2], owners describe a door ajar warning that stays on with the doors closed. They also describe interior lights, chimes and door locks acting up. A few of the 12 describe Bluetooth, navigation, SYNC or touch screen faults[2].
- Steering. In 9 of the 12 texts we read[3], owners describe power steering assist cutting out while driving, which leaves the wheel hard to turn. Steering also has the most crashes of the groups listed, at 7[3].
- Structure. In 10 of the 12 texts we read, owners describe the same door ajar and door latch sensor trouble[7].
- Fuel and propulsion. In about half of the 12 texts we read[8], owners describe stalling or a no-start, often linked to the fuel pump. In 3 of the 12, owners describe a fuel smell or fumes[8].
A small sample cannot tell you how common any one problem is. It shows what owners report when something goes wrong.
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls that include the 2013 Flex[1]. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Rear toe links (20V072). Ford is recalling certain 2013-2018 vehicles, including Flex models with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture. That can change how the car handles suddenly and raises the risk of a crash. The fix is replacing the toe links free of charge, but the recall text says remedy parts were not yet available, so treat the remedy as pending[9]. - Fuel pump module (16V621). On Flex models with the 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engine[10], a part inside the fuel pump module can overheat and cut power to the pump. The engine can stall or the car may not start, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect the part number and replace the module if needed, free of charge[10].
- Fuel delivery module (15V812). This recall covers 868 units of certain 2013 vehicles[11]. The fuel delivery module may crack and leak fuel, which can cause a fire if fuel meets an ignition source. Dealers replace the module free of charge[11].
- Electric power steering (15V340). The power steering assist can shut down because of a steering motor sensor fault. The wheel then takes extra effort at lower speeds, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers check the control module for fault codes, replace the steering gear if they find loss of assist codes, or update the software if they find none, free of charge[12].
- Halfshaft (14V393). On certain Flex vehicles built from September 12, 2011 to November 30, 2013[13], the halfshaft retention clip may not have been installed properly. The halfshaft can slip out while driving without warning, and power then stops reaching the wheels. The car may also roll away in Park if the parking brake is not set. Dealers inspect it and replace the linkshaft, and the halfshaft if it shows spline damage, free of charge[13].
- Fuel delivery module (13V227). This recall covers 390,783 units of certain 2013 vehicles[14]. The fuel delivery module may crack and leak fuel, which can cause a fire. Dealers replace the module free of charge[14].
Enter the VIN at NHTSA to see which of these apply to a specific car. Some owner complaints say a recall did not include their VIN[3][8], so the check matters.
Fuel economy
EPA lists three versions, all with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and an automatic (S6) transmission, all on regular fuel:
| Version | City / Highway / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Front-wheel drive[5] | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| All-wheel drive[15] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| All-wheel drive, turbo[16] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2013 Flex 4 stars for rollover, in both the AWD version (rollover risk 15.1%)[17] and the FWD version (16.4%)[18].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows the 3.5L 6-cylinder rated at 285 to 355 hp, depending on version[19]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 181 | 1 |
| 2010 | 139 | 1 |
| 2011 | 144 | 2 |
| 2012 | 64 | 2 |
| 2013 | 580 | 6 |
| 2014 | 249 | 4 |
| 2015 | 114 | 4 |
| 2016 | 100 | 3 |
| 2017 | 42 | 4 |
| 2018 | 68 | 3 |
| 2019 | 256 | 4 |
Among the Flex model years NHTSA lists from 2009 to 2019, 2013 has the most complaints at 580 and the most recalls at 6[1]. The next highest for complaints are 2019 with 256 and 2014 with 249[1]. For recalls, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019 each have 4[1].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Still, the gap between 2013 and every other year is large. The lowest complaint counts are 42 for 2017 and 64 for 2012[1].
Should you buy a used 2013 Flex?
The 2013 Flex has the heaviest complaint and recall record of any Flex year on file[1]. That does not mean every car has trouble, since complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales. Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls, especially the rear toe link recall with its pending remedy[9] and the steering and fuel system recalls[12][11][14]. Ask whether the door ajar warning has ever shown up, because owners in our sample describe it[2][7]. Our data cannot say how a particular car has been maintained, so a pre-purchase inspection still matters.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Flex?
- The biggest NHTSA complaint groups are electrical system with 201 complaints and steering with 149[2][3]. In a small sample of texts, owners describe door ajar warnings and loss of power steering assist[2][3].
- Does the 2013 Ford Flex have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists six recalls, covering fuel delivery modules, a fuel pump module, power steering, a halfshaft and rear toe links[9][10][11][12][13][14]. The toe link recall remedy was pending in the recall text[9].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Flex model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 201 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,141). NHTSA vehicle records
- 149 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 580 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Ford Flex (11 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Flex FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 78 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 59 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V072, filed February 10, 2020: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V621, filed August 25, 2016: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V812, filed December 2, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V340, filed June 2, 2015: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V393, filed July 2, 2014: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V227, filed May 31, 2013: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Flex AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Flex AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Ford Flex with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 285 to 355 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FLEX 5DR CUV AWD SEL/LIMITED/TITANIUM: length 202 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,839 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FLEX 5DR CUV FWD SE/SEL/LIMITED: length 202 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,469 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov