RoadVitals

2019 Ford Flex Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Latest Sep 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 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

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

141
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 18, 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 · filed Sep 17, 2026
All 141 reports naming driver assistance →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

56
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 18, 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 · filed Sep 14, 2026
All 56 reports naming body & structure →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera is inverted. Its been 8 months sinse recall. Nothing from Ford. 2 Computer screen will not update,

NHTSA ID 11746372 · filed Jun 25, 2026

My vehicle keeps stalling while driving down the road. The vehicle suddenly loses power and stops on the roadway. No indicator lights come on and after several times pushing the push ignition button the car will start. This has happened on several occasions.

NHTSA ID 11743359 · filed Jun 10, 2026
All 22 reports naming electrical →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1) rear camera recall since November 2024, still no action. No rear vision on camera. 2) trim panel on driver door has flown off on highway twice, have area covered with black tape for a year now. I have heard nothing from Ford or dealer. Can't even get through to the dealer's service dept.

NHTSA ID 11734562 · filed Apr 29, 2026

My rear view mirror display is inverted, constantly. Recall has not been satisfied yet.

NHTSA ID 11729616 · filed Apr 7, 2026
All 12 reports naming visibility →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2019 Flex , Odometer reading 58,190. Coolant seen on lower part of engine along with low coolant level. Took to dealership who confirmed the water pump failed and was leaking. We were lucky it was caught early before coolant leaked into the engine, causing the engine to stop while driving and permanently damage engine. There are no warnings for this when it happens (coolant leaking into engine),we were just fortunate to notice low coolant. Because there are no coolant warnings, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage while operating vehicle.There are no guarantees that this will not happen again, only parts are under two year warranty. After research, Ford knew this was an issue with this engine when we bought it, not only on the Flex but same engine on other models, yet continued to sell them. Cost $3,391.71 to repair. Because it is over 5 year warranty no help offered, yet is under 60K miles. There are other complaints regarding this same issue yet Ford continues to not acknowledge faulty design of engine. 2) still waiting for rrecall/repair of backup camera, 3) also waiting-recall/repair for plastic pillar covers. Both of these are under a recall for over a year. NHTSA has other complaints of this from consumers.

NHTSA ID 11741616 · filed Jun 2, 2026

In October of 2025 the vehicle began to make engine noises. Within a day the vehicle stalled and shut down completely. I had my mechanic examine the car and they advise coolant had leaked into the engine cause damage. The engine had to be replaced. No warranty coverage and 4k later.

NHTSA ID 11735238 · filed May 2, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.

NHTSA ID 11760411 · filed Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was eventually able to slow down to 5 MPH and regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven approximately four blocks to a safe location in a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was turned outward, and the top of the wheel was turned inward. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like it was being driven on black ice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached rear toe link. The contact was informed that the rear toe link needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that all four wheels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,312.

NHTSA ID 11717355 · filed Feb 11, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.

NHTSA ID 11760411 · filed Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal before the transmission shifted. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, when the vehicle was shifted into park(P) and turned off, the vehicle jerked and moved back and forth. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11704069 · filed Dec 9, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.

NHTSA ID 11760411 · filed Aug 28, 2026

The power steering system failed and numerous other electrical systems showed as broken as a result. The dealer service dept said: "We found corrosion on connector C1467A meaning that water is getting inside the connector somehow which caused the module to short out. The steering rack is not the failure, it is the module. However, the module is built into the steering rack. Can't replace it separately. So In order to replace the module, I have to replace the rack." This failure caused the power steering to stop working, making it extremely difficult to drive the vehicle. The repair cost over $4000.

NHTSA ID 11730188 · filed Apr 9, 2026

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I had to transport a friend from a hospital and because of his surjury had to have him sit in the front passenger seat. I looked in the Driver manual to locate the passenger air bag shut off switch, " there is not a switch to be found. The instruction in the Driver Manual states to place anyone having concerns to be seated in the rear. There is NO Shut-OUT switch.

NHTSA ID 11534407 · filed Jul 25, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BUMPER. THE CONTACT STATED NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HER AC JOINT (LEFT SHOULDER) AND HER SON (REAR DRIVER SIDE) SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND HER DAUGHTER (REAR PASSENGER SIDE) SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HER LEFT KNEE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY ALL SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION WITH THE ENT FROM THE AMBULANCE AND ALSO WENT TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE ON THEIR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AUTONATION FORD TORRANCE (3111 PACIFIC COAST HWY, TORRANCE, CA 90505:(424) 253-4976) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11385639 · filed Dec 30, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera went blank and flashed on and off. The contact stated that while attempting to latch the front driver's seat belt, the seat belt failed to retract as intended. The contact stated that the seat belt was stuck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V829000 (Structure) and 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The contact stated that the rear-view camera failure was an inconvenience and a hazard due to a disability. The contact stated that turning the neck was painful while reversing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11755447 · filed Aug 7, 2026

Seat belt on driver's side is not coming out smoothly. It will remain locked or come out only a few inches. It takes many tries before you can put the seatbelt on. It clicks out incrementally or sometimes it goes on smoothly with no problems. Once seat belt is on the driver, it locks even when the driver isn't braking or pushing break pedal. The seatbelt may also sometimes be locked when braking and the belt will slip out a couple of clicks allowing forward movement of driver. Seatbelt malfuntion or lack of predictability is a safety issue. This problem has been happening for 3 weeks- at first I thought it was high temperature related and just quirky but it happens throught the day across cooler evenings. I have not had it inspected yet but will be taking to the dealership in the next week or so. No pervasive lights are on indicating an issue. Occasionally my airbag light will come on for a trip and go back off before next start up. It is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID 11750104 · filed Jul 13, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA WE HAVE HAD THE FLEX IN % TIMES TO HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED FORD SAID THAT IT IS IN THEIR SPECIFICATION BUT THE WE CAN FEEL THE UNBALANCE IN THE STEERING WHEEL TOOK TO INDEPENDENT DEALER AND HE SAID ONE OF THE RIM WAS OUT OF BALANCE AND THE TIRES WERE OFF BALANCE TOO WE ARE AFRAID THIS GOING CAUSE PROBLEMS LATER WHY DO WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH 5 TIMES TO REDONE IT NOT A COMFORTABLE FEELING

NHTSA ID 11196143 · filed Apr 14, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BAD HANKOOK TIRES IN WHICH THEY WILL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE

NHTSA ID 11399725 · filed Mar 8, 2021

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

Data on this page last refreshed .