VehicleVerdict

2010 Ford Flex problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Ford Flex sits mid-pack among Flex years: 181 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 177, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (38), steering (32), and brakes (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

181

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Flex years?

Flex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flex years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Ford Flex problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3821%
Steering3218%
Brakes179%
Fuel System169%
Electrical System158%
Transmission127%
Speed Control95%
Airbags84%
Other74%
Visibility & Wipers53%
Suspension53%
Tires & Wheels42%
Seats42%
Seat Belts21%
Body & Structure21%
Child Seat11%
Latches & Locks11%
Trailer Hitch11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2010 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 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TURBOS FAILED AND CAUSED OIL TO BURN THROUGH THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE CREATED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO COME THROUGH THE EXHAUST PIPES. HUBLER FORD IN SHELBYVILLE, INDIANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2016 · fire

“ACCELERATED FROM DRIVE MAKING SHARP RIGHT TURN ONTO BUSY STATE ROUTE ROAD. POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY FAILED WHILE ACCELERATING WITH FRONT WHEELS TURNED SHARPLY TO PASSENGER SIDE. STEERING WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE BACK TO CENTER POSITION IN SPITE OF PULLING WITH ALL MY MIGHT (MUSCULAR BUILD). APPLIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 24, 2015 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CAR SIMPLY DIES. ALL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF. LEFT WITH NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR CONTROL. DEALER BROUGHT IN ENGINEER, AFTER A WEEK WITH THE CAR DEALER CANNOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DECIDES NOTHING IS WRONG AND FORCE ME TO TAKE DANGEROUS CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 2012

“MY WIFE AND I WERE PREPARING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE, OUTSIDE OF AN APPLEBEE'S RESTAURANT. WHEN SHE TAPPED ON THE GAS PADDLE TO PULL INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD EXTREMELY FAST, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP THE CURB. HERE IMMEDIATE REACTION WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE, BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 22, 2014 · crash

“constant failure of the blend door actuator causes a clicking noise in the cabin upon starting the vehicle, or switching from vent mode to defrost mode. Also happens intermittently when activating the air conditioning. the clicking is loud enough to be heard from outside the vehicle. Unit has been…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 15, 2020

2010 Ford Flex — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford Flex reliable?

It is close to typical for the Flex: 181 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 Flex problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (38 complaints), steering (32 complaints), brakes (17 complaints).

Does the 2010 Ford Flex have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 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.