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2014 Ford Flex

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Ford Flex do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 139.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

163 reports with mileage · 86 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

249 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2024
Steering

Power Steering Assist Fault. We drove the vehicle from Detroit to the Florida Keys and back. We were on mountain roads and small bridges along the way. As we pulled into the driveway at home the Power Steering Assist Fault message dinged and displayed on the dashboard. The steering is locked straight forward, and the vehicle is …

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Power Steering Assist Fault. We drove the vehicle from Detroit to the Florida Keys and back. We were on mountain roads and small bridges along the way. As we pulled into the driveway at home the Power Steering Assist Fault message dinged and displayed on the dashboard. The steering is locked straight forward, and the vehicle is stuck in the driveway until a tow truck can pull it out and deliver to a dealer for repairs. A recall exists for many other Flex and Ford vehicles with the same steering. This vehicle MUST be included for free repairs as well. My wife has had nightmares since the return of us jumping the Seven Mile Bridge or diving off a cliff in West Virginia and we would be dead along with the cousins riding with us and any other vehicle we hit with completely locked steering. We were exceedingly lucky this time. There can not be a next time.

NHTSA ODI #11578721

138,000 miles · Mar 6, 2024
Fuel System, GasolineSuspensionCrash

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel jerked in the right direction. As a result, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a dividing w…

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel jerked in the right direction. As a result, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a dividing wall on the side of the roadway. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with both control arms. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who was able to duplicate the failure but was unable to provide a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Safety Recall 15S18. The contact also stated that before the control arm failure, upon entering the vehicle and attempting to start the ignition, the vehicle failed to start as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact repaired the vehicle herself upon replacing the fuel pump control module. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Safety Recall 16S31. The manufacturer was notified of both failures but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ODI #11575771

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2024
Carry Handle, Shell, BaseChest Clip, Buckle, HarnessTether, Lower Anchor (on Car Seat Or Vehicle)

The snuglock technology is a joke on this seat. It doesn’t matter if it’s latch or seatbelt installed the lock off isn’t holding it in position. Over time it becomes loose and the seat is moving more than an inch at the base. I’m having to tighten my seat every other day to ensure that my child’s seat is secure. I first complain…

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The snuglock technology is a joke on this seat. It doesn’t matter if it’s latch or seatbelt installed the lock off isn’t holding it in position. Over time it becomes loose and the seat is moving more than an inch at the base. I’m having to tighten my seat every other day to ensure that my child’s seat is secure. I first complained to Graco in November and they wanted to send a replacement seat, but other complaints say even those have the same problem. I reached out to Graco again today stating I no longer want this seat.

NHTSA ODI #11566972

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2023
Steering

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her father was driving at 10 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left. As a result of the failure, the vehicle struck the curb. Several weeks later, the failure reoccurred, causing the vehicle to strike the sidewalk, and s…

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her father was driving at 10 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left. As a result of the failure, the vehicle struck the curb. Several weeks later, the failure reoccurred, causing the vehicle to strike the sidewalk, and severely damaging the suspension. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Safety Recall 15S18. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11561393

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2023
Back Over Prevention

We own a 2014 Ford Flex, and have been experiencing persistent problems with its rear backup camera system. We have been having this problem for close to 3 yrs now. The camera works intermittently every now and then. Sometimes, we get a message “Rear view camera unavailable. Contact Dealership”. There are times when it works an…

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We own a 2014 Ford Flex, and have been experiencing persistent problems with its rear backup camera system. We have been having this problem for close to 3 yrs now. The camera works intermittently every now and then. Sometimes, we get a message “Rear view camera unavailable. Contact Dealership”. There are times when it works and suddenly turns off while backing up. On multiple occasions, this has led to several close calls and near accidents when backing out of parking spaces, especially around small kids in school parking lots when I go to drop off and pick up my own kids from school. I often have to park my car far away or wait until the parking lot is less crowded to back up my car to avoid any accidents. It poses a serious safety risk when reversing in parking lots and other confined spaces. I have been unable to rely on the camera's display and Ford Flex being a big car, it is very inconvenient and dangerous to the people around my car while backing up. We did take it to the dealership sometime about an year ago to get it fixed and were charged $200 to just take a look at it. And, the dealer came back to say that there was no problem with the software and said that it looked like a problem with the wiring and quoted us close to $1000 +. The rear backup camera is an integral safety feature, allowing drivers to have a clear view of what's behind them when reversing. What is particularly troubling is that Ford has issued recalls for similar issues in other Ford models, but the Ford Flex seems to be absent from the list. I have been hearing this issue with other Ford Flex owners in my neighborhood and online about the same issue with many Ford Flex owners as well. It seems unfair and unjust that owners of Ford Flex Flex vehicles are left to grapple with these dangerous problems without any resolution from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11549375

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2023
Power Train

2014 Ford Flex AWD with 122,032 miles. Tried to get on interstate and when I got to 55mph heard a loud bang and smoke rolling from underneath car. Pulled over to find that the front differential had blown it's seals and gear lube sprayed everywhere. Car has been gently driven 25,000 in last 4 years with only other issues. Rear …

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2014 Ford Flex AWD with 122,032 miles. Tried to get on interstate and when I got to 55mph heard a loud bang and smoke rolling from underneath car. Pulled over to find that the front differential had blown it's seals and gear lube sprayed everywhere. Car has been gently driven 25,000 in last 4 years with only other issues. Rear Hatch drive motor. Blend door actuators and strut mounts. Which all happened at 110,254 miles. Great car but now $3100 for a major part defect that is from Ford itself. Maintenance schedule in owners manual says an I quote. "Do not add fluid or change no need to check guaranteed for life" why is it there is the same recall for it but my vin is not included. Makes no sense. Been regularly maintained even before intervals. No warning no sign. Just boom

NHTSA ODI #11545228

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2023
Electrical System

Front Control Interface Module failure resulting in unresponsive climate controls and audio. The issue starts with the audio stopping, followed by the HVAC turning off and then followed by defrosters turning on full blast. No warning prior to these turning off. Safety issue is the full on heaters happened on a 90+ degree day …

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Front Control Interface Module failure resulting in unresponsive climate controls and audio. The issue starts with the audio stopping, followed by the HVAC turning off and then followed by defrosters turning on full blast. No warning prior to these turning off. Safety issue is the full on heaters happened on a 90+ degree day with a full car. With windows down, the heat and humidity inside and outside the vehicle rose to unsafe levels. Initial diagnosis was a software update, then a PCM replacement and finally Front Control Interface Module replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11534662

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2023
Electrical SystemSteering

No warning lights , electric steering failed while turning on a busy Highway. Was able to barely keep control fighting with Manual steering . Took the vehicle into independent shop and they replaced steering rack. $2500 dollars.

NHTSA ODI #11524809

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2023
Steering

Electric assisted power steering failure. No warning lights, no warning of failure whatsoever. Unable to steer vehicle while driving. Problem was confirmed by mechanic that the steering rack needed replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11522994

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2023
Steering

Power steering intermittently stops working and the steering wheel becomes almost locked in place. This first occurred approximately 6-8 months ago, but has gotten more frequent in occurrence and longer in duration. I have seen multiple complaints about this issue, but so far, there is no active safety recall. My vehicle w…

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Power steering intermittently stops working and the steering wheel becomes almost locked in place. This first occurred approximately 6-8 months ago, but has gotten more frequent in occurrence and longer in duration. I have seen multiple complaints about this issue, but so far, there is no active safety recall. My vehicle was manufactured in the Oakville Plant, which was part of the recall for a very similar problem with 2011-2012 Ford Flexes (see Safety Recall 15S18) and although my vehicle is a 2014, it seems to have very similar issues. No steering or warning lights come on, the wheel just becomes very slow, almost like it is full manual steering.

NHTSA ODI #11521326

Official recalls

4

20V072000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 10, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

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. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

16V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 25, 2016

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. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

14V710000 · Seats

Nov 7, 2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 and Flex vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with a reduced clearance between the seat frame and the seat track assembly. This can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress the passenger front airbag when the passenger seat is occupied by an adult passenger. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Improper suppression of the passenger airbag increases the risk of an injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger airbag.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will widen the gap between the seat frame and seat track assembly and recalibrate the seat OCS, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C10.

14V393000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Jul 2, 2014

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, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.