VehicleVerdict

2009 Ford Flex problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 271 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Flex year — the 2009 model ranks #4 of 11 Flex years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (53), electrical system (45), and brakes (33), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

271

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Flex years?

Flex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted777 complaints2009: 271 complaints2010: 181 complaints2011: 178 complaints2012: 89 complaints2013: 777 complaints2014: 323 complaints2015: 119 complaints2016: 120 complaints2017: 53 complaints2018: 81 complaints2019: 279 complaints
Flex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flex years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ford Flex problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5320%
Electrical System4517%
Brakes3312%
Transmission238%
Fuel System197%
Steering187%
Other187%
Body & Structure124%
Suspension93%
Tires & Wheels83%
Speed Control83%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Airbags62%
Seats52%
Seat Belts41%
Latches & Locks21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2009 Ford Flex have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V247000AirbagsApril 26, 2016 · 695 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PULLED OVER AND THEN DRIVEN SLOWLY BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 18, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FLEX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 30, 2018 · fire

“EXITING HWY AT 50 MPH, HIT BRAKE. HARD BRAKE PEDAL-NO BRAKES FOLLOWED BY ENGINE FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION-VEHICLE WAS SENT TO THE FORD DEALER IN OCT FOR A CHECK ENG LIGHT THAT COULDN'T BE EXTINGUISHED. COMPUTER WAS REFLASHED WITH BASIC PROM. NO OTHER ISSUES UNTIL ACCIDENT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 19, 2018 · crash

“MY FLEX STARTED HAVING A HARD JERK AND BANG WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE TO PARK. WAS NOT ALWAYS BUT FREQUENT. THE CAR STARTED TO RUN HOT WHEN SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU OR TRAFFIC BUT WOULD GO RIGHT BACK DOWN WHEN I STARTED MOVING. I TOOK IT INTO S MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE FAN. AFTER REPLACING THE FAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 8, 2015 · crash

“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON 4 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. THE ERROR CODE RELATES TO THE CAPLESS FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER HAS RESET THE CODE AND REPLACED A FUELING TUBE. ON 7/24/10, ENGINE LIGHT LIT AND FIVE MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH. CAR RESTARTED WITHOUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 24, 2010

2009 Ford Flex — common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Flex reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 271 complaints put the 2009 model at #4 of 11 Flex years. It is one of the Flex years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Flex problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (53 complaints), electrical system (45 complaints), brakes (33 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ford Flex have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Ford Flex. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Flex years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Flex years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2019, 2009. The cleanest record among Flex years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.