Is the 2019 Ford Flex reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Ford Flex is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Flex?

The most-reported component is back over prevention, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Flex have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2019 Ford Flex

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2019 Ford Flex
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 246
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Back over prevention

Complaints per year

2019: 246 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	181
2010	139
2011	144
2012	64
2013	580
2014	249
2015	104
2016	96
2017	42
2018	66
2019	246

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Back over prevention

58% · 143 reports

Most commonly citing camera and warnings.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a blank image or an inverted image.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the rear-view camera became inoperable. The camera image was displayed upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back-over prevention camera turned on and off, and occasionally flickered. The failure became worse, and the image was displayed upside down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16

Structure

22% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at unknown speeds, the passenger's side rear door panel detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that it was unknown if the panel crashed into another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-29

B pillar (keypad) on drivers side flew off on the highway and cracked in half, the lower part was still attached to the wiring harness. The upper part flew onto the roadway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-26

Electrical system

9% · 22 reports

Visibility/wiper

4% · 11 reports

Suspension

2% · 6 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-09-26Electrical system18V548000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2019Complaint volume 246 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2024-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-02 Rear-view Camera Failure
I
2025-08-07Preliminary evaluationOpen B-Pillar Trim Detachment
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileBack over prevention24V951000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2027.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileStructure25V732000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2019 Ford Flex — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Back over prevention: 143 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 55 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 24V951000 · Back over prevention
Recall 25V732000 · Structure
Recall 18V548000 · Electrical system
Recall 25V695000 · Back over prevention

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2019 Ford Flex reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Ford Flex is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Flex?: The most-reported component is back over prevention, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Flex have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.