2009 Ford Flex
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 181
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 181 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 139 |
| 2011 | 144 |
| 2012 | 64 |
| 2013 | 580 |
| 2014 | 249 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 67 |
| 2019 | 251 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
20% · 36 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-01
Electrical system
18% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing control module and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
You can be driving down the road, and all your gauges will stop working, and all the warning lights on the dash will light up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-12-09
Service brakes
18% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-30
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
13% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Steering
10% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2009Complaint volume 181 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2016-06-09Air bags16V247000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V247000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Ford Flex reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ford Flex is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Flex?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Flex have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.