2013 Ford Flex
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 180 |
| 2010 | 139 |
| 2011 | 144 |
| 2012 | 64 |
| 2013 | 578 |
| 2014 | 247 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2016 | 89 |
| 2017 | 40 |
| 2018 | 61 |
| 2019 | 220 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: electrical system — 199 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE25% of complaints: steering — 146 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Steering locked up lower control arm snapped at the ball joint where it's connected to cv axel. Sent my car into the rails and nearly.killed me and my passenger.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240613
10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 59 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
A 2013 FORD FLEX RENTAL VEHICLE USED FOR A 4-HOUR DRIVE FROM THE SAN DIEGO AREA TO SOUTHERN ARIZONA WAS LEAKING GASOLINE FUMES, WHICH KEPT ENTERING THE CABIN AND MADE ALL PASSENGERS NAUSEOUS, INCLUDING AN ELDERLY FEMALE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130804
10% of complaints: structure — 58 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 35 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BOTH OF THE TAIL LIGHTS HAVE WATER INTRUSION ABOUT 3 0Z OF WATER WITHIN THE CHAMBER. I HAVE REPLACED LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES.SHORTENING OUT WHICH HAS CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH SAFETY AND TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180320
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicl
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1
Campaign 13V227000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30,...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained.
Campaign 14V393000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Campaign 15V812000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 16V621000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020.
Campaign 20V072000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (199 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (146 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V227000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V393000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V340000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V812000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V072000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Ford Flex reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ford Flex is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Flex?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Flex have?
6 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.