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In the world of seven-passenger vehicles, the 2018 Ford Flex receives lots of attention. After all, the automaker claims that the newest lineup is “built for together adventures,” but current owners want nothing to do with this crossover. This Ford SUV suffers from faulty steering, a poorly-built structure and a dangerous engine malfunction.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Ford Flex
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Suspension | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Power Train | |
| Structure:body | |
| Wheels | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Steering | |
| Structure:body:door |
Problems with the Steering
When a person purchases the 2018 Ford Flex, they don’t expect to face costly repair bills, but that’s what’s happening with the steering system.
One Cars.com review talks about the situation. “I have a very bad experience with this Ford Flex Limited FWD model. Very Very Bad Vehicle, Parts not available. Every 3 to 4 months ends up in the mechanic shop. Steering controls fell apart, had to replace Steering shaft costing $1200+ tax. Steering lines started to leak, parts not available anywhere in Canadian dealership. Steering pump had to be replaced parts not available anywhere in Canadian dealership. Do not waste your money in Ford vehicles.”
It turns out that this is only the start of the steering issues. Ford issued Service Bulletin #SSM 47426, which talks about some vehicles that have inoperable turn signals because of a defective steering column multifunction switch. The automaker wants owners to experience adventures without the use of a turn signal. Wonder how many accidents that has caused?
Problems with the Vehicle Structure
Considering that this vehicle is built to hold seven people, it needs to be constructed of high-quality materials that will hold up, but that’s not the case.
Just look at what this Cars.com user says, “I would give 10 plus on my 2018 Ford Flex but driving with wind sound is crazy and cannot be fixed. My Flex before, about 3 years younger, was air tight to being sound proof. This 2018 FLex would not of been leased if I knew my ride was going to be so loud to the point I just don’t want it. Wish I kept my last Flex. Huge disappointment.”
Aside from wind in the cabin, there are more serious concerns to discuss. Service Bulletin #SSM 48130 says that some Flex models might end up with a distorted glass and orange peel pattern with streaking etching in the glass surface. The root cause is the hydrofluoric acid used by some car washes. Obviously, Ford assumes that people are going to have their SUV washed, but doesn’t care. In fact, the automaker explicitly states that “hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.” What manufacturer uses materials that can’t handle a car wash? The moral of the story is that owners shouldn’t wash their Flex after taking that family adventure. Instead, it should just remain dirty as not to destroy the glass.
Problems with the Engine
Finally, it’s time to look at the engine. To have grand adventures with the entire family, the vehicle must have a potent engine under the hood, but this model is simply a disappointment.
One NHTSA complaint states, “I have a 2018 Ford Flex with 900 miles on it. I took my first road trip in 8-4-2018 and while accelerating hard to get onto the interstate, I noticed exhaust fumes were coming into the cabin at an alarming rate. I had to slow down and roll the windows down it got so bad, my eyes were burning, felt sick and my chest felt funny. I tried it several more times with the same results. It seems like it happens worse when I have max air on. Normal city driving, I don’t notice it. I can’t tell if it’s coming thru the vents or the seal on the back door.”
Sadly, this problem has been talked about numerous times with several recent Ford models, but the company has yet to do anything about it. Instead, they try to distract by talking about other engine-related issues. Service Bulletin #TSB-2212 states that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine might face a powertrain malfunction, illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, Service Advanced Trac message and a lack of power. All of these problems can be caused by a faulty manifold absolute pressure or temperature sensor. One thing is for sure; this Flex shouldn’t be taken on any family adventures. It’s not even worthy to drive down the street.
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Complaint Data
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 06, 2023 |
| State | MO |
| Description | I was waiting for my stop light to turn green at 39th street and southwest traffic-way, when my light turned green I started pulling through the intersection. I noticed a car coming towards me on southwest traffic-way at a high rate of speed. I hit the breaks thinking that this person is not going to stop. The vehicle proceeded to run the red light and hit the front passenger side of my vehicle at a high rate of speed and sent my 2018 ford flex spinning through the intersection. Not a single airbag went off in my vehicle, that is terrifying to me being a father of 3 young children I am blessed that they were not in the vehicle when the accident happened. The police showed up on the scene within minutes of the accident, the other driver took off running on foot. The police seemed confused as to why my airbags didn't deploy, as well as the tow truck driver that hauled my vehicle away. The main component that I am reporting is that the airbags did not work or deploy, as a standard safety measure in vehicles I believe that is a big safety problem. The vehicle has been marked as a total loss by insurance. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Nov 25, 2022 |
| State | WV |
| Description | The cars rear toe link broke while driving. It cause the vehicle to go out of control and wreck I to the guard rail. Another motorist hit the car as it was wrecking. The local ford dealership confirmed that the rear toe link failed and replaced them with redesigned ones that are safer. I had to pay for this repair, the tow charges and my insurance is fixing the other car that hit me. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Sep 19, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 ford flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the suspension suddenly failed causing the rear end of the vehicle to become unstable and the vehicle fishtailed. The driver was able to drive to the side of the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence and upon inspection it was discovered that the rear passenger's side toe link had fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 57,000. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | May 31, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | The contact's wife owns a 2018 ford flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger's side wheels went left while turning left; however, the rear driver's and passenger's side wheels were going in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the nhtsa. The contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the vin was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Dec 03, 2021 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Hands-free connection to phone-bluetooth. This happened a year ago. I believe around sept 14th 2020. 6 days after warranty expiration the sync3 hands-free system died on my flex. I only had 32000 miles at that time. It was touted as a great safety feature when I purchased the car brand new. I live in branson mo where every road is curvy and drops off into ravines. The system is totally inoperable. Called ford 800 number, they checked and told me they would not do anything with it. Talked to the local dealer and they said they only get so much goodwill money from ford each year and since I didn't buy it from them they were not going to do anything. I used to live 8 hours north. Say it needs an apim module. Well a couple months after that went out my backup camera fails to work about 20 percent of the time. Distorted wavy screen, can't see anything. 2 safety features that are a joke when they don't work. Ford has multiple recalls on different years for the same systems. I am available to contact and inspect the car at any time. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Nov 22, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Toe link snapped. Driver rear.. Then passenger rear a few weeks later. The driver almost lost control of vehicle. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Aug 05, 2021 |
| State | MI |
| Description | On 7-28-21, the right rear toe link broke while I was driving, the wheel was sticking out and could not be driven. I have the old broken part and loose part. On 7-30-21, I had the broken part on right rear replaced and the left rear part was loose and replaced also. As far as safety goes, it had to be towed to shop to get off the road, and could not drive. On 6-17-21, I took my car to tom holzer ford in farmington hills, mi, to be inspected, because I was hearing a clunking noise on the right back side of the vehicle. After the serviceman at tom holzer test drove the car, they informed me the steering and suspension were okay. I have the paperwork stating it was okay. I have been leasing this car for 3 years and was now going to buy the car after my lease was done. I took it in to make sure, if there was a problem, it would be taken care of under 3 year warranty. I purchased the flex on 7-19-21. And on 7-28-21, the toe link broke. I was not told that I should have taken it to a ford dealer, if something broke. But I did ask my salesman, at the time I bought the car, if they would take care of the problem, if something broke in the near future. He said to contact him, and he would see what would they could do. I had to pay . 00, to tow it 5 miles, to white lake auto repair, which is 1 mile from my house. The total of the repair was 5. 00, completed on 7-30-21. The service manager, at tom holzer, said ford will not reimburse me. He said I should have brought the car to their dealership. My husband worked for ford for 42 years. We have been a loyal ford family all these years, and have never had a problem like this. Being that I had the car checked out before the 3 year warranty, and the service department said it was okay, I feel I should be reimbursed for the repair, whether I took it to them, or to a repair shop near my home, which we totally trust. Also, there were no warning lights or messages that came on in the car. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Dec 13, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | While driving the vehicle (it was in motion), on hwy 290 (near manor, tx), the steering on our 2018 ford flex seized up and the car was impossible to turn. Due to complete lack of steering, the car was an immediate danger to drive and it was extremely difficult to get safely off the road, but my husband was able to do so. He was lucky to avoid a major collision. The next day we called for the car to be towed to the dealer. The tow truck driver was able to start the car without any issue. With extreme manual force applied, the tow truck driver was barely able to turn the car enough in order to get it onto the tow truck. Once the car was received by the dealer, the service associate confirmed this 'steering failure' was a problem they had seen come up a few times in the prior weeks with other ford makes and models. They said it was a costly repair and I should be lucky because we bought the extended ford warranty program and they would call me later to confirm after a diagnostic was completed. Later that day they called me and said their diagnostics confirmed the steering failure, that it was covered by warranty and may take a few days as a major repair for the steering system. 3 days later, they denied any steering failure, and claimed it was a failed battery instead. Despite our complaint, they charged us 0 for a new one. As a result of this situation, we sold the car (as a death trap), cancelled our ford extended warranty and sold all of our ford stock. I hope something is done about this before their steering failures kill innocent people. If I see a ford on the road, I will be giving them a wide berth. |
| Category | Structure:body:door |
| Date | Oct 30, 2020 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Flex is a super long vehicle with large rear latch door that accesses back half of car. Today, taking dog to vet, put him in crate in back, behind another crate, through rear door. However, battery was dead. Now needed to get dog out to go in another vehicle -- but rear door locked and there was/is no way to open the back up to get him out with dead battery. Only with electricity. So I had to take out both crates and get him out through the front -- long process. If there had been emergency, he'd be dead. Danger -- no mechanical way to open back access door of vehicle! Not even emergency lever or key. I checked with ford. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Oct 26, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Vehicle is not getting recommended mileage and is hard shifting |
| Category | Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control |
| Date | Aug 13, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The air conditioner will turn off by itself or blow hot air out of no where. Sometimes it will blow hot air in the front and cold in the rear and vice versa. The radio intermittently shuts off as well. There are times where my key fab will not lock or unlock my car. The a/c problem. Happens when the car is in motion. The radio will happen when in motion or at a stand still. The key fab is when the car is stationary. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Jul 10, 2020 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Door latch will not latch. Door will not close or lock. This happens when shutting door so door does not stay closed. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Feb 14, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | My ford flex is equipped with hankook optimo h426 tires. At approximately 9,500 miles the vehicle began to vibrate. I've taken it to the shop 5 times and everything except the tires has been ruled out. After visiting a web site I found literally hundreds of complaints about these tires causing everything from vibration to blowouts. I am currently driving a rental while my car is in the shop that has the same tires. It has the same vibration. The event generally begins at about 60 to 65 mph however the vibration has been noticed as low as 40 mph. When it starts at a low speed it turns into a violent shaking that scares the heck out of me enough that I pull off the road and wait untill my nerves settle to continue driving. Today is february 14 2020. The vibration has been occuring since about october 25 2019. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 06, 2020 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ford flex. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact had a front seat passenger and a rear passenger. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported on the scene and the spouse drove the contact and the front passenger to the hospital afterwards for a check up. The vehicle was damaged but was not totaled. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact called the power gm dealer, (330-303-4094, located at 15482 ohio 170, calcutta, oh 43920) and was referred to the donnell ford dealer located in boardman, oh (330-726-8181). The dealer was called but there was no response. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Dec 18, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Hankook optimo tires chunking at 24100 miles severe enough to be unsafe to drive.. Noticed at around 12000. Normal street and highway driving. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 15, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Steering assist failure. Bought the car new in nov. 2018 it had about 60miles on it and was the last flex on the lot. Ever since I got it occasionally when I go to start it it says steering assist failure and will not start but after a few tries will start up fine. I tried taking it to the dealer a few months ago and they said they could not replicate the issue and could not find anything wrong. Yesterday it did the same thing leaving the house but started up and I left to the store. When leaving the store to head home the car it would not start and gave me every fail code possible . The car specifically said service now system failure. This car has 1200 miles on it and it is quite irritating to have to have it towed because of issues that I should not be having on a new car. Hopefully this time ford can find the problem and correct it otherwise I will be looking into the lemon law here in texas. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 09, 2018 |
| State | CA |
| Description | When the vehicles front left and right tires are retracted into the wheel well, for example when going over a speed bump or curb too fast, there is a sharp piece of metal that sticks out of the body where the plastic cowling and the fender meet. I've had to replace two tires so far on the front right wheel because of this metal piece that sticks out. In both instances the vehicle was doing about 5 miles an hour turning into a driveway. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 04, 2018 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I have a 2018 ford flex with 900 miles on it . I took my first road trip in 8-4-2018 and while accelerating hard to get onto the interstate I noticed exhaust fumes were coming into the cabin at an alarming rate , I had to slow down and roll the windows down it got so bad,my eyes were burning ,felt sick and my chest felt funny. I tried it several more time with the same results. It seems like it happens worse when I have max air on. Normal city driving I don't notice it. I can't tell if it is coming thru the vents or the seal on the back door. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 12, 2018 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Engine stopped while driving in walmart parking loot. Would not start. Towed to garage who traced the cause to. Fuel pump control module. There is an existing recal for this problem from 2013 to 2014 ford flex however my vin shows as not covered. Whatever criteria to limit recall appears to be invalid |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | May 27, 2018 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Brand new car 30 days old. Came home and parked in our flat driveway and put shifter in park. Turned engine off and opened car door to get out and car began to roll backwards toward the street. Had to jump in before I or other people got run over. Put foot on brake. Shifter clearly in park. Car engine clearly off. Take foot off brake and car continue to roll backwards. Tried to start car but car would not let me. Put emergency brake on and turned car to auxiliary power. Display shows r (reverse) even though shifter is in park. Shifter cannot be moved. Had to have tow to dealer. Advised cable shifter broke (invoice attached). Just alerting nhtsa so that you are aware. Very dangerous when operator puts car in park, turns engine off and exits vehicle, and car rolls backwards out of control. Should not happen on any car let alone a brand new one. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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