2017 Ford Flex Owner Complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS SHE HEARD APPROACHING POLICE SIRENS. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS THRUST INTO THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT AND HER DAUGHTER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONTACT WENT TO AN URGENT CARE FACILITY WHERE SHE SOUGHT TREATMENT FOR INJURIES TO HER NECK, HER LEFT ARM AND HER BACK. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE INJURIES OF THE OTHER DRIVER WERE UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPAIRED THE REAR END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO REPAIR THE RECALL WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

5/13/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. SUBURBAN FORD OF STERLING HEIGHTS (40333 VAN DYKE AVE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313, (586) 434-0942) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

7/2/2020

LOSS OF POWER, RPM TOO HIGH FOR NORMAL SHIFTING UP TO 6 RPMS. CAT CONVERTER NOISE AFTER CAR SHUT OFF DUE TO GETTING TO HOT. FLUCTUATION RPM AT IDLE. OIL ON TOP OF VALVE COVER. *TR

6/18/2020

My car is making a weird popping noise accompanied by a slight jolt when it’s changing gears while driving. I was told the 2017 ford flexes where part of the campaign number 22S43 a recall affecting the 2017 Ford Flex primarily concerns a potential issue with the transmission shifter cable bushing, which could become damaged or missing, potentially preventing the transmission from properly shifting into the intended gear position and increasing the risk of the vehicle rolling away when parked. My vehicle is showing the same indicators.

1/16/2025

ON MONDAY, SEPT 28, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 AM WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE 5 (JUST BEFORE THE WEST MOUNTAIN VIEW OVERPASS IN FIREBAUGH CA) DOING 70 MPH, THE CAR BEGAN FISHTAILING ERRATICALLY - SWERVING BETWEEN LANES. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE OR EVEN ROLLING THE VEHICLE. (AT THE TIME THERE WAS AN AVERAGE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD.) WE INITIALLY BELIEVED THAT WHAT WE HAD EXPERIENCED WAS A BLOWOUT, BUT AFTER INSPECTION, ALL THE TIRES WERE FOUND TO BE INTACT. WE THEN SURMISED THAT WE HAD POSSIBLY HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD (LIKE A BLOWN TIRE REMNANT), BUT ALSO FOUND NOTHING. THE DRIVER AND BOTH PASSENGERS GOT BACK IN THE CAR TO SEE IF WE COULD PROCEED SLOWLY/SAFELY DOWN THE INTERSTATE TO THE NEXT EXIT IN ORDER TO CALL FOR SERVICE BUT THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO FISHTAIL AGAIN, SO WE CALLED FOR A AAA TOW FROM THE INTERSTATE. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TO ARRIVE, WE REINSPECTED THE TIRES AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO BE TURNED OUT SLIGHTLY. THE CAR WAS TOWED VIA FLAT BED 124 MILES TO A FORD DEALER IN BAKERSFIELD WHERE IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DETERMINED TO BE A FAILED TOE LINK SUSPENSION ASSOCIATED WITH FORD RECALL 20S04. THE ISSUE NOW IS THAT THE REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE SO THE ORIGINAL STYLE PART WAS USED TO REPAIR JUST THE BROKEN PART THE DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE INSPECTED THE LEFT TOE LINK SUSPENSION AND FOUND NO REASON TO REPLACE IT.

11/2/2020

AWD indicator states off while driving at times without warning. Also leaking sludge. Now need to replace PTU and FORD AWD vehicles are known for this issue... Needs to be recalled as system can fail and explode.. This is supposed last the lifetime of the vehicle and is not set up for maintenance causing the system to fail. I am replacing with a unit that can be serviced every 30K miles. This is a safety issue.

5/31/2022

I WAS RAN OFF A 2 LANE CITY STREET BY A CAR AND WHEN I OVERCOMPENSENATED TO MOVE AWAY, I HIT MY RIGHT FRONT FENDER ON A SMALL CURB AND THERE WAS A LIGHT POLE THERE. INSTEAD OF MY FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYING AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, ALL OF THE SIDE BAGS ON BOTH SIDES DEPLOYED INSTEAD. MY MECHANIC HAS SAID IF THERE WERE A PASSENGER IN THAT SEAT, THAT DIDN'T HAVE THEIR SEATBELT ON, THEY WOULD HAVE HIT THEIR HEAD ON THE DASH BOARD.

10/25/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS SHE HEARD APPROACHING POLICE SIRENS. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS THRUST INTO THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT AND HER DAUGHTER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONTACT WENT TO AN URGENT CARE FACILITY WHERE SHE SOUGHT TREATMENT FOR INJURIES TO HER NECK, HER LEFT ARM AND HER BACK. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE INJURIES OF THE OTHER DRIVER WERE UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPAIRED THE REAR END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO REPAIR THE RECALL WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

5/13/2020

DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MULTIPOINT INSPECTION ON 10-2-2018, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. MY ODOMETER READ 24,963. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE DUE TO A BLOW OUT. ON THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT, TIRE TREAD DEPTH FOR THE 3 TIRES NOT REPLACED IS INDICATED AS "ATTENTION REQUIRED" 3/32" AND LESS". I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2017 WITH APPROXIMATELY 6,000 MILES INDICATED ON THE ODOMETER. THE ADVISOR AT THE FORD SERVICE CENTER WAS VERY SURPRISED AND PUZZLED. SHE CHECKED TO SEE IF THE TIRES HAD A RECALL NOTICE, BUT THEY DID NOT.

10/4/2018

Subject: Request for Review: 2017 Ford Flex Rear Suspension Toe Link Failure Outside Recall VIN Range To: NHTSA I am writing to formally request a review and consideration of my vehicle's eligibility for RECALL 20V072000 (Ford Recall 20S04), which addresses rear suspension toe link fractures on 2013-2018 Ford Flex models. My vehicle is a 2017 Ford Flex, and it recently experienced a failure of the right rear toe link, consistent with the failure mode described in the recall. However, after contacting my local Ford Dealership (Rowe Ford, Westbrook, ME) and the Ford Motor Company, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the recall coverage. I had the right rear toe link repaired and paid for it. I am concerned that the same issue could occur in my left rear toe link, so I am working to have that part preemptively replaced at my own expense. I believe that the exclusion of my vehicle by VIN may be inappropriate for the following reasons: 1. Model year and component match: My Flex falls well within the model years (2013-2018) covered by the recall, and the failed part is the exact component under scrutiny. 2. Failure occurred during normal driving conditions and almost caused an accident. 3. Ford's recall criteria appear overly narrow, possibly omitting vehicles that still contain defective parts, like my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether the VIN range for this recall should be expanded to include additional vehicles like mine that have experienced identical part failures with potential life threatening safety concerns. I have uploaded invoices from my local dealership repair facility. One invoice is for the work to replace the failed right rear toe link and the other is for preemptive replacement of the left rear toe link that I chose to commission on my own.

7/10/2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD SHOWED DISTORTED VIEWS OF ABNORMAL OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CORWIN FORD LOCATED AT 1225 AUTO PLEX WAY, PASCO, WA 99301) FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL AND THEREFORE SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

2/7/2020

Component or System Failed: The rearview/backup camera system has failed. The image consistently displays upside down when the camera activates, and at times the camera does not turn on at all. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction severely impairs rear visibility when reversing, creating a significant safety hazard. The distorted image increases the risk of backing into pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles, especially in crowded areas or where children may be present. Problem Confirmation: The problem has been reproduced multiple times by me. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Inspection History: The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this specific issue by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Warning Lamps / Messages: No warning lamps or dashboard error messages appear when the failure occurs. The first occurrence was around [insert approximate date/mileage], and the problem has been ongoing since then. Additional Information: I am aware that Ford has an active recall for backup camera failures on certain models. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms, but my make/model is not currently included in that recall. This is an ongoing problem. Not one specific incident.

9/10/2025

AWD indicator states off while driving at times without warning. Also leaking sludge. Now need to replace PTU and FORD AWD vehicles are known for this issue... Needs to be recalled as system can fail and explode.. This is supposed last the lifetime of the vehicle and is not set up for maintenance causing the system to fail. I am replacing with a unit that can be serviced every 30K miles. This is a safety issue.

5/31/2022

Engine stopped turning while car was in motion, which shut the car down. An oil pump failure is suspected.

9/24/2023

The Driver side seatbelt begins to lock as you pull it down to click it into the buckle. While driving the seatbelt will also lock and continue to get tighter and tighter and suddenly release. It will continue to lock and then unlock while driving. This is happening with regular driving, and not when applying the brakes.

8/9/2022

The rear seat belts come unbuckled. I was driving and about to get on a highway, and my children told me their seat belts unbuckled, another time it happened while I was driving in town. There's been a few others times too. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer to check it out. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No lights came on when the seat belt unbuckled. It has been happening on and off for a few years.

11/24/2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED AND FAILED TO CLOSE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOX FORD (560 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512, (616) 956-5511), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

10/2/2019

Component or System Failed: The rearview/backup camera system has failed. The image consistently displays upside down when the camera activates, and at times the camera does not turn on at all. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction severely impairs rear visibility when reversing, creating a significant safety hazard. The distorted image increases the risk of backing into pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles, especially in crowded areas or where children may be present. Problem Confirmation: The problem has been reproduced multiple times by me. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Inspection History: The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this specific issue by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Warning Lamps / Messages: No warning lamps or dashboard error messages appear when the failure occurs. The first occurrence was around [insert approximate date/mileage], and the problem has been ongoing since then. Additional Information: I am aware that Ford has an active recall for backup camera failures on certain models. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms, but my make/model is not currently included in that recall. This is an ongoing problem. Not one specific incident.

9/10/2025

Backup camera frequently goes blank. I noticed an active recall for other ford vehicles and wanted to report I’m having the same issue with my 2017 ford flex, so I’m hoping the flexes will be added to the recall.

10/2/2025