Common Ford Flex Faults: Solutions, Problems and Breakdowns
The Ford Flex is a great crossover for drivers who want a little bit of everything. It has excellent handling, intuitive driver controls, and plenty of room in the rear to store cargo. We suggest you continue reading the common Ford Flex failures .
You may be able to find a used Ford Flex for around $30,000 or less, depending on the vehicle’s condition and mileage. Despite being removed from Ford’s lineup years ago, the 2019 model remains at the higher end of the midsize market and hasn’t depreciated much over the years.
How good is the Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex has received medium to high reliability scores on major review sites. It is given a decent rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 7th out of 8 in its class. The Ford Flex has a fairly average annual cost of ownership of $713.
With proper maintenance, you can easily put 200,000 miles on your Ford Flex. Some Ford Flex owners recommend parking the vehicle indoors during the winter to improve mileage and prevent parts from rusting.
Common Ford Flex Faults
The Ford Flex is a fairly reliable vehicle, but it is not without its flaws. The 2010 Ford Flex is considered to be the worst model in the lineup because its problems occur at the lowest mileage. If you’re looking to buy a used Ford Flex, you should familiarize yourself with common Ford Flex failures to avoid unexpected maintenance and repair costs.
1- Problems with the alternator
Ford has issued a recall on certain 2018 Ford Flex models due to loose connections between the power supply, alternator and regulator. If these components are not secured, they can cause an electrical arc, which can increase the risk of fire . Ford dealers have been instructed to inspect these parts and verify that they are connected. Any repair will be done free of charge.
The alternator doesn’t just keep your Ford Flex’s battery charged. It also powers most of your electronics such as the headlights, power steering, window regulators, radio, windshield wipers, etc. If the alternator fails, it can produce a couple of noticeable symptoms. The first thing you will notice is a decrease in performance.
A faulty alternator will drain the battery charge much faster, causing your vehicle to stall, idle, or not start at all. Lack of battery power will also cause some electronics to run slower than usual.
If you suspect there are problems with your alternator, you should call a professional to inspect the motor and electrical parts for loose connections and wiring issues.
2- Breakage problem in the rear tie rod
Suspension issues have prompted Ford to recall 240,000 vehicles, including some Ford Flexes from 2013 to 2018. Rear dropouts can fracture due to excessive suspension movement, causing the vehicle to crash. The American car manufacturer has offered to replace the left and right dropouts of the affected vehicles free of charge.
Rear toe-in maintains the angle of the rear wheels while the vehicle is being steered . If rear toe-in does not keep the suspension stable, you could lose control of the vehicle. Most auto manufacturers recommend checking the steering and suspension system every 50,000 miles, as the parts tend to deteriorate quickly with normal to heavy use. You can also have your Ford Flex inspected by a mechanic for a full diagnosis.
3- Faults in the fuel pump control module
Ford has issued a safety recall for 2013 through 2015 Ford Flexes built between September 12, 2011, and May 29, 2015, due to a defect in the fuel pump control module that caused the models to fail. affected will shut down or fail to start. In some cases, the fuel pump control modules in these SUVs would fail without warning, increasing the risk of an accident.
The fuel pump control module regulates the voltage supplied to the fuel pump by the electrical system to ensure optimum fuel delivery and pressure.
If this module fails, the fuel pump will not be able to deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine when the accelerator pedal is depressed, causing the vehicle to stall, idle, or hesitate under acceleration. A faulty fuel pump control module can even make it difficult to start the engine due to insufficient fuel pressure.
Although no incidents have been reported, a faulty fuel pump control module cannot be ignored. If your SUV shows any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, don’t hesitate to have your Ford Flex inspected by an expert mechanic. Replacing a bad or faulty module can help you avoid random engine problems in the future.
4- Problems in the electronic power steering
Almost everything on the Ford Flex is electronically controlled, including its electronic power steering (EPAS). EPAS is designed to increase a vehicle’s efficiency by improving its power steering control on gravel and curvy roads.
Many Ford Flex owners have reported problems with the EPAS turning off randomly while driving . When EPAS fails, the driver will have to put more effort into steering. A faulty EPAS can ultimately lead to a complete engine stall and loss of control. Ford Flexes made between 2011 and 2013 are known to have faulty EPAS systems.
If you hear a whining noise when turning or feel a stiff steering wheel, you should pull over to the side of the road and call a tow service to have your Flex serviced. Although you can continue driving without EPAS, there is a good chance that the engine will die out while driving. For your own safety, do not drive until you have repaired your EPAS.
To complete
Overall, the Ford Flex offers excellent performance, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and ample cargo space in a midsize package. However, the Ford Flex’s more serious problems make it difficult to recommend to budget-conscious buyers.
The high price tag can also be a turn off, as newer models still cost quite a bit of money and have a slow depreciation rate. If you’re willing to keep the cost of ownership of the Flex down, you can enjoy the best of this SUV. Just be sure to ask the seller about the maintenance and repair history of the chosen vehicle to avoid any unforeseen costs.
