2014 Ford Flex Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Flex, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering6622.1%
- Electrical5618.8%
- Fuel system5016.8%
- Engine279.1%
- Suspension268.7%
- Driver assistance134.4%
- Body & structure134.4%
- Powertrain (other)103.4%
- Seat belts82.7%
- Visibility72.3%
- Interior & seats72.3%
- Brakes62.0%
- Airbags41.3%
- Other / unspecified31.0%
- Exterior lighting20.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down a main road going 45 MPH when my steering wheel locked up and I got a message on my dash to service advanced steering. I was unable to turn my steering wheel in any direction and had to pull over in order to not be involved in a collision.
Auto “steering assist failure” occurred, very difficult to steer, very dangerous and could have caused wreak if actively driving when it failed. Dash light indicates steering assist failure. Appears this is an ungoing problem with ford flex vehicles since 2010 I do not see recall for my 2014 flex but same issues had recalls for flex up to 2013. I am reporting due that I believe this is a very serious issue on ford flex vehicles and has great potential to cause severe accident if occurring while driving. I believe there should be recalls for this issue requiring Ford to repair the safety risk.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I noticed about 6 months ago, the Backup camera has been cutting out randomly, and has been getting worse. I noticed that there is a recall for 2015 - current models of Ford Flex for this issue. Not sure why the 2014 model isn't a part of the recall, as my car seems to be doing the exact thing described in the recall.
After reporting to work on [XXX], I discovered that the front of my vehicle was on fire. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and employees on site attempted to contain the fire using fire extinguishers. The fire department arrived shortly thereafter and successfully extinguished the fire. Despite these efforts, the vehicle was ultimately deemed a total loss. Later that day, my sister advised me to review footage from our Ring camera from that morning. The video shows visible sparks coming from underneath my vehicle prior to my departure. At that time, I drove approximately nine miles to work, unaware of any issue with the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello, I was driving my Ford Flex at 60mph yesterday with my 15 year old friend helping me move. The engine completely died for several seconds and continued running. That night the engine was idling rough which was a new symptom. Today, I made it to my destination and the car died, then it did not start after cranking. The Fuel pump module Aa8a-9d412-ca was faulty and now I am out $142+ from Ford to replace a part myself that is a known problem on the Ecoboost engines for this vehicle. This is a liability and I am seeking reimbursement for this known issue. Please issue a recall for this fuel pump module, everyone's safety is at risk that still has this faulty part installed that Ford has not addressed. Thank you for your time.
fuel pump relay module. Vehicle shut off during driving without warning forcing panic and moving to side of road and had to tow vehicle. No incident happened but after replacement no longer had issue.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
After reporting to work on [XXX], I discovered that the front of my vehicle was on fire. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and employees on site attempted to contain the fire using fire extinguishers. The fire department arrived shortly thereafter and successfully extinguished the fire. Despite these efforts, the vehicle was ultimately deemed a total loss. Later that day, my sister advised me to review footage from our Ring camera from that morning. The video shows visible sparks coming from underneath my vehicle prior to my departure. At that time, I drove approximately nine miles to work, unaware of any issue with the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that occasionally, while attempting to reverse, the image on the back over prevention camera was displayed upside down. Additionally, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Without warning, the vehicle's power steering stopped working in an intersection while turning. The hazard lights came on automatically and I used my full body strength to steer the car out of the intersection. Inspection showed a computer module failure within the steering rack. Because the computer module is built into the steering rack, the whole steering rack needed to be replaced. This was a critical repair and cost over $3500.
I have a 2014 Ford Flex. My axle shaft came undone while driving. My Ford flex was manufactured 07 of 13 my mechanic said that there's a recall for your front axle shaft on the passenger side and it falls within the guidelines of the affected vehicles but Ford says that it's not covered. My vin was never added to the recall and it’s the same exact issue that the others had for that year.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a black screen, and the message “Camera not Available” was displayed. The contact stated that turning off and restarting the vehicle, and waiting for the cellphone to connect to Bluetooth on the radio, the camera operated as needed and provided an image of the rear of the vehicle while reversing. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and diagnosed with a camera failure. The mechanic performed a troubleshooting of the camera and determined that the camera needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The rear backup camera is upside down. The rear backup distance alarm doesn't work. This has been recalled in other years. The price to repair in unreasonable. Its like not having a rear camera. This is a common Problem. Please help.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I know that the 2015-2019 Ford Flex is being recalled for rear camera issues and "B" pillar mldgs. coming loose. My 2014 Flex has these same issues. What about earlier models?
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the master window switch; however, the failure recurred, preventing all four windows from rolling up or down as well as the sunroof from opening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module (BCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part was no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was fishtailing, causing the contact to lose control of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was causing the tires and brakes to wear out prematurely, and had caused the tires to cave in. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V393000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked next to the trash can, the contact exited the vehicle to put trash from the trunk into the trash can, the contact shifted the gear shifter but was unsure of what gear was selected. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling forward. The contact was able to shift the gear shifter while the vehicle was moving forward and then shifted into reverse and was able to stop the vehicle upon striking a tree. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 80,000
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT USED WITH 65,000 MILES, AT 75,000 MILES PASSENGER BACK DOOR SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING CAR TO SAY "RIGH BACK DOOR AJAR" AND THE LIGHTS STAY ON, DOORS DO NOT LOCK WHEN DRIVING, ALARM GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHY HAS FORD NOT DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS - CLEARLY A PROBLEM. ALSO THE 2ND ROW SEAT BELTS HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE. KIDS ALWAYS GETTING STUCK - CNA'T UNLATCH THEM. ONE OF THE RECEPTECLES JUST FELL APART - NOT SAFE! WHY HASN'T FORD DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I OWN 5 FORD VEHICLES AND THE OLDER VEHICLES RUN GREAT - NO ISSUES. SEEMS LIKE FROM 2012 AND NEWER THERE IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE QUALITY AND CARE FROM FORD?
HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SEATBELTS RETRACTING TO THE POINT NOW WHERE KLABEN FORD SAYS THE ENTIRE SEATBELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS A REAR PASSENGER AIRBAG SEATBELT.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear view camera does not work permanently sometimes image is upside down or no image. A lot of times this happens while backing up creating a safety hazard as we can hit other cars or people.
IN MAY 2019 A SIDE VENT WINDOW OM THE PASSENGER SIDE SHATTERED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE. ON 2/14/2020, THE REAR CARGO AREA WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO SHATTERED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE WINDOW THAT SHATTERED ON 2/14/2020 WAS BOWED OUT AFTER IT SHATTERED SO THE BREAKAGE COULD NOT HAVE COME FROM OUTSIDE THE CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger’s side door unlocked. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred sometimes when the vehicle was parked, and the alarm activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty door latch. The contact was informed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The snuglock technology is a joke on this seat. It doesn’t matter if it’s latch or seatbelt installed the lock off isn’t holding it in position. Over time it becomes loose and the seat is moving more than an inch at the base. I’m having to tighten my seat every other day to ensure that my child’s seat is secure. I first complained to Graco in November and they wanted to send a replacement seat, but other complaints say even those have the same problem. I reached out to Graco again today stating I no longer want this seat.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that after releasing the parking brake, the parking brake failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that the “Parking Brake Engaged” warning light was illuminated. The contact went to the local dealer and purchased an upgraded replacement part to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,039.
BREAKS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN WORKED ON 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR BY CARMAX. IN ADDITION, BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLES COMPUTER MODULE FAILED. ALSO, THE FUEL PUMP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH when the contact heard a noise coming from the vehicle and shortly after lost control of the vehicle resulting in the contact hitting a parked vehicle with no air bags deploying. There were 3 injured, the son and daughter sustained bruising over arms and legs. The mother sought medical treatment and sustained injuries to the back. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot then towed to an insurance lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
I WAS IN A COLLISION IN MY FORD FLEX ON JUNE 29, 2020. AT THE TIME, A CAR TURNED IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO TBONE THE OTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS IN MY FORD FLEX DEPLOYED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The snuglock technology is a joke on this seat. It doesn’t matter if it’s latch or seatbelt installed the lock off isn’t holding it in position. Over time it becomes loose and the seat is moving more than an inch at the base. I’m having to tighten my seat every other day to ensure that my child’s seat is secure. I first complained to Graco in November and they wanted to send a replacement seat, but other complaints say even those have the same problem. I reached out to Graco again today stating I no longer want this seat.
THE STEERING ARM BROKE OFF OF MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT. THE CAR SNAPPED FORWARD AND THE TIRE WAS LODGED IN THE FRAME. I COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR. MY CAR HAS 59,000 MILES. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF INSIDE CAR SAYS THERE IS A DOOR OPEN MAKES IT VERY UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE RUNS DOWN CAR BATTERY ALARM GOES OFF EVERY NIGHT DUE TO THIS ELECTRICAL FLAW
THE DRIVER DOOR AJAR SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING MAKING MY VEHICLE BELIEVE THAT THE DOOR IS OPEN ALL THE TIME. THIS CAUSES THE DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS TO UNLOCK EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .