2018 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 139 |
| 2011 | 144 |
| 2012 | 64 |
| 2013 | 578 |
| 2014 | 249 |
| 2015 | 104 |
| 2016 | 96 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 64 |
| 2019 | 241 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260827
Also filed under BACK OVER PREVENTION
22% of complaints: back over prevention — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and camera.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Rear camera malfunctioned screen showed âcamera not availableâ didnât alert any noise or warnings and a tree hovered slightly into parking spot and smashed in my rear window.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251101
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body control module/bcm.
CRASH14% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The cars rear toe link broke while driving. It cause the vehicle to go out of control and wreck I to the guard rail. Another motorist hit the car as it was wrecking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221125
3% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025.
Campaign 25V732000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for back over prevention issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V732000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V072000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V695000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ford Flex reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Flex is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Flex?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Flex have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.