2016 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
- 97
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Back over prevention
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 97 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.
Back over prevention
28% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing rearview system braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
Same issue as ever expanding recall for safety camera backing up. Blue screen, camera not available warning that does not go away while driving, black screen, upside down screen, distorted screen, and intermittantly operational and then not!
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-15
Also filed under Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The rearview camera became intermittently inoperative.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repairs were unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Also filed under Structure
Electrical system
24% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Suspension
10% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1.5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-29
Steering
8% · 8 reportsPower train
8% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On the 4TH of July my vehicle was stopped in my driveway with the transmission in park. I had exited the vehicle leaving the driver's door open while I walked up my driveway to clear an obstruction in the garage door safety eyes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-05
Front wheels lock as the vehicle is reversing. Loud rattle noise from under vehicle transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-02
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-01-31Engine and engine cooling16V925000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
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2020-10-28Suspension20V072000 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.
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2026-01-02Back over prevention25V695000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Back over prevention: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V925000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 20V072000 · Suspension
- Recall 25V695000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Ford Flex reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ford Flex is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Flex?
- The most-reported component is back over prevention, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Flex have?
- 3 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.