MYRModel Year Report

2016 Ford Flex

▲ Better than typical
2016 Ford Flex
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:46:58.564Z

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, 2016 highlighted. 2009: 180 complaints 2009 2010: 139 complaints 2011: 144 complaints 2011 2012: 64 complaints 2013: 578 complaints 2013 2014: 247 complaints 2015: 100 complaints 2015 2016: 89 complaints 2016 2017: 40 complaints 2017 2018: 61 complaints 2019: 220 complaints 2019
2016: 89 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2009180
2010139
2011144
201264
2013578
2014247
2015100
201689
201740
201861
2019220

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
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, 20250915

BACK OVER PREVENTION 13%

13% of complaints: back over prevention — 12 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20241029

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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, 20190705

FRONT WHEELS LOCK AS THE VEHICLE IS REVERSING. LOUD RATTLE NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180402

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170131 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 16V925000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201028 — suspension

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

R 20260102 — back over prevention

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.

Campaign 25V695000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for back over prevention issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 16V925000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V072000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V695000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2012

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2014 ◆ 2019

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 electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Flex have?

3 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.