Ford Flex years to avoid
The Ford Flex years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2019, 2009 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2017 is the cleanest year on record.
2,471
Total complaints
14
Recall campaigns
2009–2019
Years covered
4
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Flex years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 777 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 323 | |
| 2019 | High complaints + open investigation | 279 | |
| 2009 | High complaint rate | 271 |
Every Flex year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019avoid | 279 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 81 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 53 | 4 | |
| 2016 | 120 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 119 | 4 | |
| 2014avoid | 323 | 4 | |
| 2013avoid | 777 | 6 | |
| 2012 | 89 | 2 | |
| 2011 | 178 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 181 | 1 | |
| 2009avoid | 271 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Ford Flex years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Flex years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2019, 2009. The cleanest year on record is 2017.
What is the best year for the Ford Flex?
By complaint volume, 2017 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Flex years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Ford Flex have?
Across all model years, the Flex has 14 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,471 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.