MYRModel Year Report

2012 Ford Flex

▲ Better than typical
2012 Ford Flex
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:46:29.617Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Flex Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2009: 180 complaints 2009 2010: 139 complaints 2011: 144 complaints 2011 2012: 64 complaints 2012 2013: 578 complaints 2013 2014: 247 complaints 2015: 100 complaints 2015 2016: 89 complaints 2017: 40 complaints 2017 2018: 61 complaints 2019: 220 complaints 2019
2012: 64 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2009180
2010139
2011144
201264
2013578
2014247
2015100
201689
201740
201861
2019220

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 36%

36% of complaints: steering — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
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, 20240729

ENGINE 17%

17% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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, 20171201

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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, 20171201

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20150729

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, 20120801

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20150721 — steering

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.

Campaign 15V340000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160609 — air bags

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.

Campaign 16V247000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V340000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V247000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2014 ◆ 2019

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 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Flex have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.