RoadVitals

2019 Ford Flex

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
249
+9 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 24, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 249 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Ford Flex, most frequently naming the driver assistance, body & structure and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 49 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY

Oct 24, 2025
92,347 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25SB8View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Oct 13, 2025
1,448,655 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25SA9View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Dec 20, 2024
30,715 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S75.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 24S75View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE25007ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

B-Pillar Trim Detachment

Opened Aug 7, 2025
Closed Aug 5, 2026

On August 7, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25007 to investigate instances of B-pillar trim detachment in model year (MY) 2019 Ford Flex vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. During the investigation, MY 2011-2018 Ford Flex vehicles were analyzed as peer vehicles, and subsequently incorporated into the subject population because they use B-pillar trim pieces that are substantially similar to those used on the MY 2019 Ford Flex vehicles. In July 2025, prior to the opening of PE25007, ODI and Ford met to discuss B-pillar trim detachment in Ford Flex vehicles. Ford reported that its warranty analysis indicated that Flex B-pillar trim had a low detachment rate and that Ford did not believe this condition posed an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. In July 2025, Ford closed its internal investigation. Because ODI’s analysis of complaint data indicated a high failure rate and an increasing failure trend, PE25007 was subsequently opened. In responding to the information request for PE25007, Ford reassessed the warranty search criteria used in its July 2025 internal investigation. The reassessment found the detachment rate to be substantially higher than what Ford had originally determined. Consequently, in October 2025, Ford issued recall 25V732based on the reassessed and accurate high failure rate. This recall instructed dealers to inspect the driver and front passenger B-pillar trim pieces and repair/replace if necessary. The vehicles included in this recall were MY 2017-2019 Ford Flex with production dates between February 17, 2017 and December 2, 2019. In January 2026, Ford issued 25V732 Amendment 1, which updated the remedy to remove the inspection criteria and instead proactively secure the driver and front passenger B-pillar trim with adhesive. The scope of vehicles included in the recall was unchanged by Amendment 1. ODI’s analysis of 25V732 found that both the scope and remedy were insufficient and that an unreasonable safety risk remained despite the recall. MY 2016 Ford Flex was excluded from the recall scope and the rear B-pillar trims on both the driver and passenger side were excluded from the recall. The failure rates of both MY 2016 Ford Flex and rear B-pillar trim pieces were found to be higher than the failure rates in similar trim detachment recalls issued by both Ford and other vehicle manufacturers. Starting in January 2026, ODI and Ford had multiple meetings to discuss Ford’s PE25007 response data and ODI’s concern about the 25V732 scope and remedy. In June 2026, Ford issued 25V732 Amendment 2. This amendment expanded the scope of the recall to add MY 2016-2017 Ford Flex vehicles produced before February 17, 2017. Additionally, this amendment updated the remedy to include removal of and reapplication or replacement of both rear driver and rear passenger B-pillar trim pieces in addition to front driver and front passenger B-pillar trim pieces. This updated remedy applies to all MY 2016-2019 vehicles. Ford expects to complete the mailing of remedy owner notification letters by March 26, 2027. Also, Ford informed ODI that prior model year (MY 2011-2015) vehicles were referred to Ford’s Customer Satisfaction forum for consideration of an extended warranty program. In view of recall 25V732 and its associated amendments, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSLed to recall 25V732
PE24030ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Rear-view Camera Failure

Opened Oct 11, 2024
Closed Feb 2, 2026

On October 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24030) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera in Model Year (MY) 2019 Ford Flex vehicles. Complaints submitted to NHTSA through Vehicle Online Questionnaires (VOQs), reviewed by ODI, report blank, distorted, or inverted rear-view camera images when in reverse. An inverted or upside-down image can provide false information to the driver increasing the risk of a crash. To date, ODI has received 85 VOQ complaints and additional EWR Field Reports with these allegations for MY 2019 Ford Flex vehicles. During the investigation, ODI found that the MY 2019 Ford Flex vehicle and certain peer vehicles including MY 2015-2018 Flex, MY 2019 Fiesta, Taurus, and Lincoln MKT vehicles are equipped with Magna analog rear-view-only cameras. On December 20, 2024, Ford filed Recall 24V-951 covering 30,715 MY 2019 Ford Flex, Ford Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles in which the rear-view camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. The dealers will replace the rear-view camera for vehicles in the recall population. Per the recall chronology, teardown of three cameras identified fractured solder joints between the microcontroller and the printed circuit board. Ford indicated that other causal factors are being investigated and asserted that the defect is contained within the camera. ODI found that certain peer vehicles excluded from Recall 24V-951 showed a high rate of VOQ complaints.  Also, ODI identified reports produced by Ford that indicate the peer vehicles have the same issue as the subject vehicles. To address ODI’s concern, Ford analyzed some field-returned cameras, as well as Ford’s field data and ODI’s VOQ data. Ford stated it did not identify a specific root cause in the Magna supplied cameras. However, on October 13, 2025, Ford filed Recall 25V-695 covering 1,448,655 vehicles of various Ford/Lincoln models equipped with Magna supplied cameras. The cameras demonstrate the same blank or distorted images that prompted Recall 24V-951. It should be noted that Ford is conducting a recall of those vehicles by model/model year that exhibit VOQ complaint rates greater than 10 per 100,000 vehicles. For the remaining vehicles (rates less than 10/100K), Ford is providing a warranty extension (15 years/unlimited miles). Ford has stated that the differences in the rates (field performance) are likely due to the differences in the camera related hardware, such as the wiring harness type that are specific by vehicle model/model year. In view of Ford filing Recall 24V-951 and Recall 25V-695 addressing the subject of this investigation, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERALed to recall 24V951

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Sep 22, 2026

I've been waiting for the recall repairs for the rear view camera for 1 1/2 years. Backing without this safety equipment is a hazard. I'm a patient person, but this is ridiculous.

NHTSA ID
11766183
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Sep 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to make the parts available. The contact stated that when in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed the image at the rear of the vehicle in reverse. The dealer was contacted twice and, most recently, advised the contact to wait an additional six months for parts. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11765215
Incident
Dec 13, 2024
Mileage
45,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 17, 2026

Recieved recall notice 24S25 / NHTSA 24V951XXX about defected rear view camera malfunction. I have had an ongoing issue with camera not operating correctly. I have made several calls to Ford dealership and continued to be told parts not available. Why issue a recall and after 20 months latter still no fix. I am sure if I paid to have camera fixed the parts would be available. Is there a date parts will be available. Please help. [XXX] [XXX] VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11764980
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was intermittently blurry or inverted. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11764789
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
Mileage
95,000 mi
Filed Sep 15, 2026

My backup camera is not working intermittently or will display a grainy image or black and blue lines. Sometimes it will just be a black screen. Other models of my vehicle had the backup camera recalled but my dealer is saying my vin isn’t included in the recall.

NHTSA ID
11764528
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2026

Exterior b-pillar applique trim on front driver and passenger doors have ripped from the vehicle while driving. Driver side trim includes key code pad and wires. Dealer has no parts available and taking no appointments. Rear camera not working consistently. Dealer has no parts available and taking no appointments.

NHTSA ID
11764161
Incident
Aug 14, 2026
Filed Sep 3, 2026

My backup camera is not working all the time, sometimes it comes on but more than not it doesn’t work, I contacted a Dealer and they said there is no solution for this issue.

NHTSA ID
11762025
Incident
Jul 24, 2026
Filed Sep 3, 2026

Getting on Interstate 35 at Bevington, Iowa and heard a noise at drivers side window and a piece of trim broke in 2 pieces, scared me and I pulled over on the Interstate to look and there was a piece hanging from some wires on drivers door

NHTSA ID
11762023
Incident
Sep 3, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25E10-S1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

TSB 25-2570

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

SSM 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

TSB 24-2165

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Flex by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019Viewing2494268.0
2018673170.8
2017424165.6
2016983060.9
20151104059.4
20142494052.6
20135796049.5
2012642052.9
20111442049.2
20101391040.3
20091811040.6

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.