Top 5 Problems Ford Flex SUV 2009-2019 1st Generation

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Here are the top 5 problems with the Ford Flex SUV. In this video, Len takes a look at the first generation Ford Flex, which is available in model years 2009 to 2019. He shows you the five most common problems that Flex owners might experience, and gives tips on how those problems can be fixed or prevented. If you own a Ford Flex, were thinking about buying one, or know someone else that does, make sure to check out this video to learn all about the 2009 to 2019 Ford Flex SUV!
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2009 Ford Flex
2010 Ford Flex
2011 Ford Flex
2012 Ford Flex
2013 Ford Flex
2014 Ford Flex
2015 Ford Flex
2016 Ford Flex
2017 Ford Flex
2018 Ford Flex
2019 Ford Flex
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

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[@kornyque8081]

Wow, those issues are nothing compared to other vehicles, sounds like these are pretty reliable cars

[@FixingAndFlipping]

Check this out what happened today. We were in the park with my friends, and far on the hill some guy couldn't start his Ford flex. Everybody starts cheering me up and making fun of me to go help the guy as I'm a big diyer. I said let me finish my cake and coffee and didn't want to bother. As we all were leaving I asked the guy if he needed help, if he tried to hit the fuel pump, etc. He didn't speak English. I went ahead and took the pillar trim out, hit the fuel relay, and that thing started right up. I came back as a hero to my friends 🤗. All thanks to your video! The guy with his family went home, and my friends are laughing at me even more...😅

[@clutch_GetBack420]

Not gone like been having my ford flex for 7 years, have over 350,000 miles and it still runs brand new

[@Corvetjoe1]

I’ve had my 3.5L non-turbo 2017 since 2018 and paid it off in 2023. The only thing I’ve had done to it was replace the front wheel bearings and tires. That’s it! It has 120,000 miles and it had 8400 on it when I purchased it. Now, I’m getting new wheels and tires and looking for a performance chip. Love my Flex.

[@Wejazzy]

Biggest most important issue is the HORRIBLY designed cowl drains ! Remove the insert that goes into the drain hole .....they get clogged and then hold water that will backflow into the blower motor and get into the BCM- ECU (computer) and cause major issue !!!

[@budhorstmeyer9336]

Owned a 2012 Limited w every option. only one trip to the dealer for a infotainment system glitch. Never went back to a dealer after that. Not one issue. But, I do maintenance, breaks, tires, oil, etc, but I’ve never owner a car that was so reliable, at such low cost of ownership. At Just under 100k miles last November when my wife was cut off and t-boned a car… totaled. Looked for exactly the right replacement and found a 2019 Limited(last year produced ) that fit the bill. We absolutely love these cars for road trips. 3 dogs and crates, luggage and a cooler and off we go. Ford needs to come back w an updated version of this car. Bigger than most SUV’s yet as manageable as a car. Oh and I stayed away from the turbo on both cars, (I am aware of the Ecoboost issues) as well as the all wheel drive. I live in the south. It snows, we stay home!

[@JoeBLOWFHB]

The climate control blend door actuators. The Flex has three, one behind the glovebox, one behind the radio and one near the drivers right knee. When these fail you will get a clicking sound from behind the dash and lack of zone temperature control. The part is about $40 with the one behind the glovebox being a 10 minute fix. The cabin air filter is right next to it so you might want to replace that while you're back there. The other two are more involved but still in shade tree mechanic territory. The most expensive "common" engine problem is replacing the waterpump/timing chain. It is inside the engine and requires a lot of shop time. It can run over $2000 to replace. My mechanic is a former Ford tech with a lot of experience with the Ford Flex. He told me it was very rare for the non-turbo version to have this water pump issue. The water pump has a weep hole. My mechanic said pay attention to any antifreeze smells or leaks from the weep hole to avoid engine failure.

[@myscreamnbanshee]

You forgot to mention the water pumps going out. And also the all-wheel-drive PTU. Also known as the power takeoff unit. (transfer case) The fluid needs to be changed every 30k miles. Or it's bound to fail!

[@SymphonyG412]

I have a 2009 Ford Flex 💪 definitely has all the problems in this video! Thank you for sharing. Now i can replace my fuel pump ⛽️ driver module. I thought it was my fuel pump, glad i found this video.

[@antartorres7594]

I have a 2017 Flex with 130,000 miles, the only problems I just have are , my back up camera is not working properly, sometimes it works and sometimes the image is wired, I think water got in the connector, the second …it been making a weird sound if it has been running for a while, is like an alarm sound and I can’t find where is coming from, I moved from Utah to Phoenix Az. and it started this hot 🥵 summer.. other then that it has been an awesome car

[@sheliamcguire2913]

I’ve been having problems with my brake alarm going off. Im gonna check these out.

[@LilyBecca]

I've had the door ajar issue on multiple doors. My biggest problem is the backup camera. It went out a couple of years after I purchased my 2013 Flex

[@carolgarner8081]

I’ve had my 2012 Limited for 8 yrs and love it, have not had any problems with any of these things, but my sunroof leaked and flooded my dash and console this week with our 4 days of solid flooding rain storms. Now my radio is dead, my front defrost is stuck on high & iff ifs HOT and my lights flicker on and off. It’s right at 167000 miles so she’s done me well! I’ll replace her with another Flex but never having another sunroof again!! I’m looking at SE & SEL’s now.

[@natelopez1497]

Have a 2014 that I've had to change out one of the fuel air sensors and Im changing out the hub this weekend due to a failing wheel bearing. Hoping I can get everything done on my own

[@dougtemlett7769]

Greatly appreciate this video and others like it! Cheers!

[@amshg21]

i don't even own a ford , but i really appreciate the informative video , could you please do a general video on the Chevy Impala LTZ 2014

[@lessamuelson]

i have a 2014 Ford Flex and have had none of these issues. Strangely, the radio went out but that's it. Also, I've got about 55,000 miles on the vehicle and I'm on my 3rd set of tires.

[@FewPewPewRah]

I have a 2013 Ford Flex Tuxedo model that runs flawlessly. I have only replace the OEM tires, twice. 18.2 miles per gallon in the city. 21 to 23 on the HWY.

[@recer7732]

I have a 2016 with 120,000 miles. Recently had 2 issues. Ac pressure sensor had to be replaced. Easy dyi fix. Bigger issue was my cowl drains plugged up and ended up with 4 inches of water inside the passenger side. The padding is not easy to dry out. Had to remove the seat to get the carpet and pad out to dry everything properly. There's videos out there so you don't have to remove the Wipers to get to the drains.

[@hannahgibbons4914]

I absolutely love my 2014 Ford Flex! We’ve had it for over 5 years. We do regular maintenance on it, but one thing we cannot figure out is why our backup camera shows upside down. Very few occasions it will just be black screen.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Thank you for the tips. I have a 2019 foed flex that i bought back in June of 2019 brand new off the lot with only 226 miles. First new car ever, the only issues ive had with mine was the battery dying on me at my local gas station a few months ago which probably needed a new battery anyways, but i also get this annoying no key detected warning on my screen even though i have changed my battery on my keyfob multiple times, my wife has a keyfob as well but only mine does it the dealer never seems to be able to "replicate" the problem even though ive even recordedit on my smartphone lol. My car currently has 22k miles on it which means i dont drive it that often. This year so far ive only driven about 2k miles since January 2023. Anyways these tips are super helpful and if i ever need a part i will make sure to come to you guys first for my replacement parts! Its the least i can do with all the information you guys are willing to share to use DIYers trying to safe a few dollars on labor work to put that extra cash towards better quality parts. 🙇‍♂️🙏

[@1AAuto]

+Jose Luis Ruiz Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@kato64]

We have a 2015 Flex SEL we purchased in 2016 with about 18,000 kms on it. Now coming up on 150,000 kms. The only (recurring) issue we have is that moisture somehow gums up a sensor in the driver’s door, which causes an issue with the mirrors and door locks. You cannot get the door locks to work using the switch on the driver’s side yet conversely you cannot adjust the mirror on the passenger’s side. We have had it looked at 2 or 3 times and they “fix” the problem. But invariably it happens again in a few weeks or months. Other than that it is pretty reliable with regular maintenance.

[@jfsurvivior]

Thanks , good morning, happy new Year 2024

[@ahmedalkawwas]

the Axle shaft seals! I had one with less than 100k with oil leaks all around

[@charlescole908]

Great information. I have a ford flex AWD 2009 . I just noticed noise coming from my exhaust and it’s getting louder. What could be the problem causing this noise from the exhaust? Need some advice.

[@jonesfamilyfarms9325]

I have a 2010 with just shy of 300,000mi. I just need a turret and I’ve got a tank. The only thing I’ve ever needed to replace is the suspension, the inside of the front tires wears a little faster than elsewhere

[@patrickoconnor6570]

I had an issue where the bolts holding the front caliper *brackets* to the steering knuckle (not the calipers into the brackets) work their way loose and one fell out which resulted in a very dangerous situation (banging when the brakes were applied and reduced braking capacity). There didn't seem to be any thread locker on the bolts applied at the factory.

[@timdrake9676]

Great advice if I ever have any of those issues. My wifey2012 ecoboost has 164,000 and we bought it a year and a half ago with 139,000 we had the fuel pump issue already but now the foot pedal memory button doesn’t work nor does the drivers seat. Number 13 fuse pops every time we turn the key on. I’ve checked under the seat for wiring issues and can’t find anything wrong. I’m at a loss

[@FloridaBeachWalks]

I have a 2013 Ford flex and the door latch issue can be bypassed by wiring a magnet into that wire rather than replacing that expensive door latch itself. We use the magnet bypass trick 2x we’ve had two doors go bad.

[@bradleywilkins4683]

Don’t forget the PTU vent tube pukes lube out after long distance drives. To make matters worse they’re non serviceable units so you can’t add gear lube. Also blend door motors seem to go out frequently.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks for the video

[@sticksvalentine]

Great video! I had my 2014 limited front end rebuilt - mount brackets and tie arms. Works great now but when I picked it up, the driver seat controls didn’t work. FUSE 23 ok and mirrors work along with the memory 1and 2. Seems just the switches don’t including the lumbar switch. I checked all related plugs and am stumped. Even disconnected battery to reset sync. I’m not assuming it’s related to repair but seems too coincidental. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[@henryabbott1416]

I have a 2015 Flex and my Center Console had an issue. Not have any of the other problems yet.

[@charlespayne4799]

The assist drive is the most dangerous thing on that car. Will be driving straight all of a sudden it’ll go right. It has a mind of its own.

[@johnburich2937]

2019 flex here, no problems yet with mine

[@rockyhernandez5763]

I just bought a used one eco boost 2018 and love it limited. Only thing ive seen is that it smokes a little first starting it up. Once warmed up it goes away but will smoke a little after parking for a while. And then there are times it doesn't smoke at all. Its my first time owning a engine with turbos maybe im a noob with bad habits. Has anyone else had this issue? I love my flex and drive it like Cadillac so im not abusing the bad boy. Im also excited that the ford flex is comming back cant wait... Ill be getting the gas version over the ev

[@user-ld3rv3nv3k]

I have a 2015 Flex Limited that i love. It has been very dependable for 187k miles. recently my AC control panel would not work and the Defroster would blow full blast and would not shut off. The controls on the touch screen would not do anything. then after a day or so it would go back to operating properly. do you know what the problem is?

[@whitesheatingairappliancer7101]

Purchase a used 2009 Ford Flex limited only issue we've ever had is, is the fuel tank if it gets down to fourth of a tank it run out off gas. even though it registers a fourth of a tank on the analog gauge. still will not pick up the fuel in the tank

[@Toeslam10]

I have a 2017 Flex Limited with ecoboost. It's approaching the 84k miles with 3 issues. 1. The center console latch 2. On start up, the steering column won't auto down adjust, just telescope out and adjust. 3. Getting a squeaking sound from above the right rear wheel when going over speed bumps or pushing up and down on the rear fender... Any suggestions or parts list. BIG THANKS IN ADVANCE! 👍🏾🙏🏾

[@lisapridmore9746]

Thinking about buying one, so is it a good ideal for me to buy this car or not??

[@davidheath9347]

When applying the brakes at interstate speeds there is a vibration that feels like the pads are not making full contact with the rotor. It does not happen when driving 30-40 mph only when going 60+ mph. Any idea what would cause this?

[@chrisg2232]

Hey, so would the caliper issue wear down the roters and cause shaking? I've recently started having super bad shaking every time i hit my brakes while going over 40mph, and im finding it's coming from the front. Im going to replace the rotor, but my concern is will the caliper wear it down again.

[@yousefmanzoor6778]

I just got a used one but the center consul does not open because the latch is broken. How do I get it open in order to fix the latch?

[@frontrowpromotionsmannydom1743]

My third row seats aren’t retracting correctly. First only one side now both. Wont go to storage mode or 8 seats mode. Can hear motor and clicking.

[@B3photo]

We have a 2017 SEL. The front driver power seat fuses are “constantly” blowing. We’ve changed the fuse 5-6 times every year since 2022. What could be the problem?

[@manuelgovea5870]

I want to buy one. Feel a lil comfortable now thanks great video

[@ladygarcia79]

I have had all these issues, already replace the fuel module twice but now car still won’t start. I’m able to get it started with control but once I turn the key the car shuts off Any helpful advice?

[@sandycabesa8421]

Flex is a great car. Keep it maintained and its on par with Toyota

[@user-kl1mv6jf2c]

Question my 2012 ford flex gauge shows cold but there is a light on the dash showing its hot . Why ?

[@stancal9680]

I might be planning to buy a used Flex my question is I am a DIY backyard mechanic and a graduate from KZbin university LOL. Does the flex have space to do any repairs or is it so tight that I need to see a mechanic

[@TheWakatela]

I have some problems with my ford flex 2015 SEL. The key fob. I’m in the car and it reads that there is no key detected. I change the battery but still happens. I can’t change the directions of the fans when a/c or heater is on. Back up camera stop working. My flex has 50,000 miles. I know the problems are small but so annoying.

[@fordxl1967]

my 2009 doesn't have a cabin filter i want to put one in with a 2010 cabin filter will that work

[@kenmccuen6026]

Humming sound at 40 mph or higher? Idk if it's front or back. 09 flex limited awd. 162,000 miles. What might that be?

[@StevenWinkler-lw2wn]

How do you change the windshield wiper switch on a 2014 ford flex sel

[@RaheelRana]

Hi..i have a 2014 ford flex limited edition .. i am having faulty tyre sensors....the light of low tyre pressure turned on whereas the pressure in all four tyres was okay. then the message appeared on the screen that the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is faulty.

[@anibalcisneros7681]

Help me out I have a my key problem on my 2011 ford flex I cannot removed it it’s kinda annoying

[@mythicalmusical800]

Can anyone tell me why my flex is still stalling??? I changed out everything and it still shuts off when i slow down or come to a stop.

[@CutiStephens1120]

Where would the pcm be located ona 0o ford flex limited edition?

[@luispacheco4912]

Hi I have a ford flex 2018 and my parking break pedal is hard

[@vanguard1313]

Doesn’t this apply to the Edge also?

[@NurseRedBeard]

I am having a problem with my 2015 not showing the correct amount of file. Any ideas?

[@rolandaguilera8837]

This is a good car one thing to know if you’re water pump goes out it cost is about 2 thousand dollars

[@user-tg4zn7qv4i]

How do you find way your steering wheel lights are not on

[@luismarty1685]

Thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+Luis Marty Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@warddell100]

Having problems with android auto once connected it drops out when I try to play pandora app

[@RobertMorris-eh9rl]

Had new 2010 flex brakes squeal and vibrated. After complaining for one year i found a service manager who knew his job....the brakes were on a recall..he put the in serv and within 3 hrs all new brarking system on frt and to this day all good

[@calebrown5211]

What if it say tire faulty sensor what is this issues

[@mindiburhans4742]

I’m going to add a 6th. The water pump is located inside the engine so when it goes bad it dumps antifreeze into the oil pan. So get that water pump changed every 80-100,000 miles or you will be replacing the engine!

[@lonniereynolds3791]

My problem with my Ford 2011 is my AC just stop getting cold and blowing hot air and my radio and anything about it don't work

[@OregonPanoramas]

I’ve have had all those problems and NOW the Audiio Control Module needs to be replaced!

[@aubrnfn31]

Forgot about changing the headlights (bulb)

[@Teresa-tz8uw]

When I put my vehicle in park then reverse my transmission wants to jump

[@keemadp]

I’m having problems with fan not coming on

[@ToolFoolz]

They forgot to mention the constantly failing turbos…

[@GoDoyers1]

Is the caliper a recall?

[@vernellBradley-eu1gq]

how do i trun on my dome light

[@emadfallatah9424]

there is white smoke coming from the exhaust while the car not moving but when i move the car the white smoke will gone

[@christineservis7836]

Anyone else having problems with the radio and blue tooth not working, phone pairs but no sound. I can't even click on the am fm icons, on the screen. Any input would be appreciated .!!

[@willowwhip69]

Have a 2009 ford flex anything anyone can tell me about them wanna know if u need to plug it in during winter? Lol dumb question but do they have plug ins cause mine doesn't😭😂💯

[@GtgtCrcr]

Latch is not releasing 3 row seat how do I get the seat unstuck

[@batoshka1453]

Does this engine have hydraulic lifters?

[@RobertTreadway-kn9fk]

Radio and temperature button do not work sometimes sometimes you can cut it on sometimes you can cut it off

[@fire24344]

Have a 2016,worse thing I have had to do was replace the door latch.

[@spankymagee]

I've hit 3 out of 5 of these issues. I win.

[@Hellrats87]

I have Flex 2014 and the back up is showing upside down

[@chrisbradley2489]

When I put the key in, the set will not move osmotic

[@jms60]

My Fan not working for Ac Or on Heat Side I replace Fan and restistor too Still no Blower working it has power at plug too use tester check it my is 2014 Ford Flex

[@MatthewBooker-mr8on]

I have a 2013 flex in has a hitching at a bout 60 KM a hour at a 100 K m works great any ideas

[@1AAuto]

+@MatthewBooker-mr8on We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@user-hs7hv2xt8l]

Can someone show me where is the ECM/PCM relay

[@roypaul9079]

I am wondering what would cause all power window to stop working on a 2013 flex sel

[@1AAuto]

+Roy Paul We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@biobroly302012]

Whenever mine said the door was open, it was due to my hood being open. Just be sure to check that out if you have it open when you are getting in your ride😊

[@DomTorettoX]

I have a ford flex 2016 SE I have 3 issues - Passenger door sensor says door is open rear Cameron will work and then not work and currently my car is having issues starting. There is no clicking sound. It just sounds like it it starts but it’s struggling to start and then it starts so I guess there’s a delay in starting. I checked my key fob and I change the battery but I don’t know if that’s going to help I know last year my car was on but the mechanical part wasn’t working and we couldn’t turn the car off until we change the key fob and then not fix that problem. I don’t know if that’s the same problem I’m having with the car not starting properly.

[@1AAuto]

+ten84 Thanks for the feedback!

[@tikitorturedmf]

TOE LINK, TOE LINK, TOE LINK!!! Have your rear TOE LINKS replaced IMMEDIATELY!! Ours broke doing 65mph and it almost killed us! Trust me on this!!

[@adeadewumi2289]

Pls what's wrong when the screen is not working?

[@rebel30701]

I have a 2013 flex it's been a great car my timing chain broke at 189,000 and my alternator just went at 200,300 miles fixed and it's still running strong great car other than the 02 sensors on both banks and back up camera I've had issues with the front end making a ruff sounds not sure if it's bushing or arms if anyone can recommend any help itd be great. I love my flex ❤

[@andymaisonneuve2253]

Don’t like your assessment of the Ford Flex, nitty picking and very minor items, I own 2 Flex’s, a 2011 SEL with 175,000 Kim’s and an extra 45,000 Kim’s towed behind the motor home and a 2019 Limited, with 90,000 Kim’s, and they both perform better than most vehicles sold today, gas mileage is not an issue on the 2011, but the 2019, guzzles but delivers fantastic power, I love the Flex’s 💕

[@FroggyplayzTyyy]

Is that the same engine as my 2016 explorer XLT red

[@1AAuto]

+@FroggyplayzTyyy We do not have a video for this vehicle right now, but we'll keep this request in mind for a future video! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@chevellebean]

What is wrong when the radio will not play comes on on but won’t play

[@bipindra]

Rear seat folding is the most common issue