Owners have filed 131 complaints
about the 2016 Ford Flex with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Ford Flex. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
628.6%
Rearview System Braking
523.8%
Warnings
314.3%
Camera
29.5%
Blind Spot Detection
29.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking
14.8%
Speedometer/Odometer
14.8%
Latch
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
23.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
46.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2031.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1219.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
57.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1015.9%
150,000+ miles
914.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2016peak 11Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Ford Flex
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20263285,302 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior B-pillar trims on the front and rear driver-side and passenger-side doors may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen and separate from the vehicle. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-588. Safety Risk: Trim that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to secure the exterior B-pillar trims.
Recall 202005115,281 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Ford Campaign 19R01 or 19S18 do not require repair under this recall. For the Taurus model, only the SHO Performance Package model is included in this recall. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Recall 201928112,211 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem affects vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The unique soil properties in this region could make a toe link more likely to break. Safety Risk: A loss of stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Noblesville, INCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Same issue as ever expanding recall for safety camera backing up. Blue screen, camera not available warning that does not go away while driving, black screen, upside down screen, distorted screen, and intermittantly operational and then not!
NHTSA complaint #11687323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, INCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Same issue as ever expanding recall for safety camera backing up. Blue screen, camera not available warning that does not go away while driving, black screen, upside down screen, distorted screen, and intermittantly operational and then not!
NHTSA complaint #11687323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MICrash2 injured
SUSPENSION
I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1.5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident. The rollover could have seriously injured myself or my passenger. The police report refers to a mechanical failure. No warning signs from the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11622568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,150 milesGrand Blanc, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
ON THE 4TH OF JULY MY VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK. I HAD EXITED THE VEHICLE LEAVING THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN WHILE I WALKED UP MY DRIVEWAY TO CLEAR AN OBSTRUCTION IN THE GARAGE DOOR SAFETY EYES. WHEN I GOT TO THE GARAGE DOOR I TURNED BACK AND SAY MY FLEX REVERSING UP THE DRIVEWAY QUICKLY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY BACKED IN AND WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE GARAGE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE FLEX CONTINUED TO REVERSE UP THE DRIVEWAY (UPHILL) WITH THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN. AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY THE OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR CONTACTED A BASKETBALL POST WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BENT THE CONCRETE FILLED POST AND FOLDED THE DRIVER'S DOOR INTO THE LEFT FENDER BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN I ORIGINALLY EXITED THE FLEX THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA HAD NO DASH DISPLAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO INDICATE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS OTHERWISE UNATTENDED AT THE TIME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE THE SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THEN REVERSE UPHILL AT A BRISK RATE OF SPEED WHILE UNATTENDED. AT THIS TIME THE FLEX IS SECURED IN MY GARAGE AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR INSPECTED IN ANTICIPATION OF REPAIR OR APPRAISAL. I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE PCM AND ACM IMAGED HOWEVER HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED THAT DATA MAY BE ERASED IF THE VEHICLE IS RUN IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMAGE POTENTIAL DATA. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP YOUR WISHES AS I REQUIRE THE VEHICLE FOR MY BUSINESS.
NHTSA complaint #11229703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesChiacgo, ILCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DROVE MY 2016 FORD FLEX I TRIED TO AVOID ANIMAL ON ROAD AND STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON COULDNT STEER AND HIT A POLE. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDNT LOOK AT CAUSE I HAD IT TOWED THERE TOLD ME I HAD TO GO WHERE MY INUSRANCE WOULD FIX IT I HAD NO CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS THERES NO RECALL ON IT CAUSE ITS A NEW TRUCK THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS FLEX IN 2010-2016 GETTING THE BRUSHOFF FROM MY DEALER
NHTSA complaint #10953900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38 milesHouston, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PURCHASED A NEW 2016 FORD FLEX ON JULY 29, 2016, DROVE IT MOST OF THE DAY ON SATURDAY AND SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES MOSTLY EVERY TIME I EXILIRATED. WENTTO URGENT CARE SICK FROM EXHAUST FUME POISONING, GOT WORSE AS DAY WENT BY AND WENT TO A REGULAR HOSPITAL ER. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER ON MONDAY AND AFTER THEM RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS FAULTY VENT IN REAR CAUSING EXHAUSTING TO ENTER INTO INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10893150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Aurora, CO
ENGINE
The car is experiencing turbo failure that lines up with the recall for the same model vehicle produced within the same 2016-2017 date. But for some reason this vin isnt included in the recall
NHTSA complaint #11757878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car is experiencing turbo failure that lines up with the recall for the same model vehicle produced within the same 2016-2017 date. But for some reason this vin isnt included in the recall
NHTSA complaint #11757878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio making crackling noises, screen goes blank, cannot control a/c from touch screen and causes the a/c not to work on front vents. Vehicle inside died while the engine was still running in traffic and was unable to start/stop vehicle from running, a/c ran hot then vehicle stop running.
NHTSA complaint #11757098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a current recall on the backup camera that has been pending since 2025. Parts are still not available as of today even though Ford stated parts and instructions were going to be available before end of 2nd quarter, June 30, 2026. Camera has not worked since mid 2025, Ford has been aware since end of 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11754494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesTownsend, MA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. A black screen was displayed on the screen while in reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact paid out of pocket for the dealer to replace the camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAvilla, IN
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The rearview camera became intermittently inoperative. The contact stated that the intermittent failure made it difficult to safely reverse the vehicle while the rearview camera was inoperable. While reversing in a parking lot, the rearview camera became inoperative. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesTownsend, MA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. A black screen was displayed on the screen while in reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact paid out of pocket for the dealer to replace the camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesFortuna, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or distorted screen. In addition, the contact stated that the rear-view camera flickered on and off and the rear-view camera unavailable message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image on the center display. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image on the center display. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
STEERING
As I was driving turning at a light to go right all of a sudden my steering wheel got super hard and It almost caused me to get into an accident. I didn't have the strength to grip the steering wheel. Shortly after the advanced traction control service light came on. Luckily there was an auto parts store near the incident. I stopped left my vehicle running and got it scanned. There was a code that came up U0420-81 it was odd because my wheels where straight but the steering wheel was completely off. Then I turned my car off waiting at least 5 minutes. The traction control light came off and the steering wheel was normal. But as I went to back up and turn the steering wheel it did the same thing it got really stiff and I couldn't go anywhere. Then right away a steering assist fault message came on the dash. So just for safety reasons I left the vehicle there to come back later when I had help to tow it. 3 hours later we started the vehicle and nothing happened the steering was fine on the drive home no lights, no stiffness of the steering, no message displayed. Not sure what happened or why it did that all of a sudden when I was driving it. I've had this vehicle for 5 years and it has never done this to me especially while driving. I'm lucky I didn't hit the other vehicle while turning.
NHTSA complaint #11748120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear camera has been bad for six months - hazard to drive. Camera not available, is the prompt that comes up. My brother in law took his 2015 Ford F350 in for inspection and his camera was replace this was months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11746978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Rear camera has been bad for six months - hazard to drive. Camera not available, is the prompt that comes up. My brother in law took his 2015 Ford F350 in for inspection and his camera was replace this was months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11746978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while reversing, and the failure was more significant at nighttime. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image failed to display. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incidents yet. My review camera doesn’t work at all.
NHTSA complaint #11741907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
No incidents yet. My review camera doesn’t work at all.
NHTSA complaint #11741907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gladstone, MO
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received a recall notification, 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) however the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall repair.
NHTSA complaint #11739455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Friendswood, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The failed/malfunctioning components involve the rear backup camera system and related electronic driver assistance/safety systems in this 2016 Ford Flex, including the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features. The condition is intermittent but ongoing and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The backup camera intermittently goes blank, freezes, displays improperly, or becomes unavailable while the vehicle is in reverse. At times, the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features also intermittently fail or become unavailable. These failures create a significant safety risk by impairing rear visibility and reducing driver awareness of nearby vehicles, objects, or pedestrians during backing and parking maneuvers. The problem has been occurring for more than one year. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, which has stated that the vehicle is subject to an open safety recall. However, the dealership reports that parts and/or the final repair remedy are still unavailable, and no repair has been completed despite repeated attempts to obtain recall service. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/manufacturer representative in connection with the recall condition. No police or insurance inspection was involved because no crash has yet occurred. Prior to and during the failures, warning messages and symptoms intermittently appear, including loss of the camera display and temporary unavailability of driver assistance features. The failures may occur without warning and have been recurring for over one year. The unresolved condition affects the safe operation, usability, and value of the vehicle. Backup cameras and related driver assistance systems are important federally regulated safety features, and the manufacturer has not remedied this safety recall within a reasonable period of time.
NHTSA complaint #11739267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Friendswood, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The failed/malfunctioning components involve the rear backup camera system and related electronic driver assistance/safety systems in this 2016 Ford Flex, including the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features. The condition is intermittent but ongoing and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The backup camera intermittently goes blank, freezes, displays improperly, or becomes unavailable while the vehicle is in reverse. At times, the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features also intermittently fail or become unavailable. These failures create a significant safety risk by impairing rear visibility and reducing driver awareness of nearby vehicles, objects, or pedestrians during backing and parking maneuvers. The problem has been occurring for more than one year. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, which has stated that the vehicle is subject to an open safety recall. However, the dealership reports that parts and/or the final repair remedy are still unavailable, and no repair has been completed despite repeated attempts to obtain recall service. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/manufacturer representative in connection with the recall condition. No police or insurance inspection was involved because no crash has yet occurred. Prior to and during the failures, warning messages and symptoms intermittently appear, including loss of the camera display and temporary unavailability of driver assistance features. The failures may occur without warning and have been recurring for over one year. The unresolved condition affects the safe operation, usability, and value of the vehicle. Backup cameras and related driver assistance systems are important federally regulated safety features, and the manufacturer has not remedied this safety recall within a reasonable period of time.
NHTSA complaint #11739267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Friendswood, TX
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The failed/malfunctioning components involve the rear backup camera system and related electronic driver assistance/safety systems in this 2016 Ford Flex, including the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features. The condition is intermittent but ongoing and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The backup camera intermittently goes blank, freezes, displays improperly, or becomes unavailable while the vehicle is in reverse. At times, the blind spot warning system and parking collision warning features also intermittently fail or become unavailable. These failures create a significant safety risk by impairing rear visibility and reducing driver awareness of nearby vehicles, objects, or pedestrians during backing and parking maneuvers. The problem has been occurring for more than one year. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, which has stated that the vehicle is subject to an open safety recall. However, the dealership reports that parts and/or the final repair remedy are still unavailable, and no repair has been completed despite repeated attempts to obtain recall service. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/manufacturer representative in connection with the recall condition. No police or insurance inspection was involved because no crash has yet occurred. Prior to and during the failures, warning messages and symptoms intermittently appear, including loss of the camera display and temporary unavailability of driver assistance features. The failures may occur without warning and have been recurring for over one year. The unresolved condition affects the safe operation, usability, and value of the vehicle. Backup cameras and related driver assistance systems are important federally regulated safety features, and the manufacturer has not remedied this safety recall within a reasonable period of time.
NHTSA complaint #11739267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSouth Gate, CA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notice of an unknown recall associated with the right rear toe link, that was previously repaired. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 5 MPH, she observed a loud snapping noise emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that as his wife attempted to steer the vehicle into the drive way the vehicle the vehicle began steering to the right. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesCommerce Township, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the display would appear blue at times. The contact also stated that a “Camera Not Available” warning message would appear intermittently, and on other occasions the image would appear upside down The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact recently purchased a 2016 Ford Flex. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was made aware of a mileage discrepancy while attempting to trade the vehicle from a Carfax Report. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 104,000. However, the Carfax report indicated that the mileage was approximately 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11734278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watauga, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No accident has occurred. Though potential for accident for battery faulty/ electrical failure. The panel (B?) On the driver door with the keypad gets water when it rains and is constantly on. This is affecting the battery causing high density corrosion the connection points. The keypad is constantly on and no longer functions. Potentially affecting locking mechanism
NHTSA complaint #11731517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.