2012 Ford Flex
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 64
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 64 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.
Steering
38% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated while his granddaughter was driving 10 MPH and attempting to leave a parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-29
Engine
17% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. While the vehicle was parked in the enclosed garage attached to his home, a burning electrical odor was noticed. The contact went to the garage and noticed flames surrounding the front of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-01
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
16% · 10 reportsService brakes
13% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While driving at highway speed there was a sudden metal on metal sound. Shortly after this noise started there was a burning smell and then visible smoke from the wheel. I pulled over to evaluate the noise and smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-29
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated forward. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a post.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-01
Fuel/propulsion system
8% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2015-07-21Steering15V340000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge.
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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
2012 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V340000 · Steering
- Recall 16V247000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Ford Flex reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Flex is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Flex?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Flex have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.