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    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

    Ford Flex Change Vehicle

    With a distinctive boxy shape combining the elements of an SUV, minivan and station wagon, the Flex is a very functional and versatile vehicle. The base 3.5-liter V6 engine was updated over the years in an attempt to improve acceleration and fuel economy, but it still falls short on refinement.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

    Ford Flex

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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    NA
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
    Road Test

    With a distinctive boxy shape combining the elements of an SUV, minivan and station wagon, the Flex is a very functional and versatile vehicle. The base 3.5-liter V6 engine was updated over the years in an attempt to improve acceleration and fuel economy, but it still falls short on refinement. This iteration of the Flex also has the frustrating MyFord Touch interface, which adds a layer of complication, although it also supplies full-featured connectivity options.

    On the plus side, the ride is comfortable and the cabin is quiet and spacious. Rear-seat room is cavernous, with a usable third-row seat and generous cargo space. But handling is clumsy and maneuverability is hampered by a large turning circle and limited rear visibility.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
    Drive Wheels
    AWD , Front
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    4-door SUV
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 3.5-liter V6 (287 hp)
    • 3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Ford Flex owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    “Vehicle icon on the screen would drift off the calculated route”

    Paul M., IL (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    “Frequently shows me off route yet I've never left the route. Will not respond to voice commands or touch screen properly. POIs lacking and hard to search”

    Brett R., FL (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    “Screen freezes. Screen blanks. Does not operate correctly”

    Anonymous, VA (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)

    “Car loaded an update and erased the brand new sd navy card I had just purchased”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    “Often does not pair phone, including Bluetooth music streaming, automatically. Hangs up at the start of calls or disconnects but leaves phone call running on phone. Once paired, the phone disconnects itself going down the road”

    Brett R., FL (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    “This was easily fixed by the dealer”

    Raymond R., KS (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)
    Radio

    “Background noise”

    Raymond R., KS (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)

    “Poor reception with AM stations”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)
    Rear entertainment system (e.g., DVD player, rear screen)

    “Continual problems, especially with the remote controls not working. Being unable to switch the FM channel for the audio means that we are unable to watch the videos for long periods of time. Ford has been very unresponsive about this”

    Patrick F., MI (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Load more

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    What Owners Say

    “A relay switch for the fuel pump went out”

    Anonymous, IA (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    “Recall for a faulty fuel pickup”

    Anonymous, BC (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    “Fuel line sensor. Car stopped dead and had to be towed. Took 3 and a half weeks to replace part. Car ran 2 days and rear differential went out. Car not running and parts are on back order; should take several weeks”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    “Car hesitated and almost stopped on a local trip to a relative's house. When I tried to leave, the engine first started, then died and would not restart. I left it there until the next day, then had it towed to a repair facility. They identified the problem and replaced the sensor. I have had no problem since”

    Anonymous, CO (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Load more

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    4WD/AWD components

    “It was a Recall which was completed by a dealership”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Differential

    “Rear end differential needs to be replaced. Car is in shop again and parts on back order again”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Driveline vibration

    “The Ford dealer can't find what is causing a cold start vibration in the power train (drive line) when I first start out on a trip. The tires have been replaced two times with no improvement or reduction of the vibration. This issue is still being studied by the dealer at no cost to me other than time lost by me”

    Noel B., IN (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    “The exterior driver door handle became detached, and I couldn't open the front driver door from outside the car”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    “Broken trim pieces when purchased. Vehicle has been in dealer approximately 5 weeks out of the last 12 months to try to fix problems. Parts have been difficult to get; other pieces have been broken in the process”

    Anonymous, AR (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    “Cheap plastic console hinge snapped off when a pencil lay in the hinge”

    Anonymous, OH (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    “1. The driver door lock would intermittently remained locked and would not unlock with the key fob or by placing hand in driver door. 2. The hinge on the center console cover broke completely off from the center console”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Wiper motor or washer

    “Line had become disconnected or was never connected. Dealer had to remove the panel below the windshield to fix”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)
    Remote engine starter

    “Operates intermittently”

    Anonymous, VA (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Wind noise

    “Did not originally have the problem. Windshield had a crack when it was delivered. Ford replaced the windshield and air leak developed after windshield was replaced. I have not communicated with Ford about this”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    “Sunroof is leaking water headliner wet and smells like mildew, dealer says it will cost over $2,000 to repair and is not a defect, referring to manufacture warranty which they have not covered. Seems like poor construction or defective materials”

    Dennis W., CA (2014 Ford Flex SE 3.5-L V6)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    What Owners Say

    Battery (not hybrid or electric)

    “Car has had three dead batteries”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Ford Flex Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    “Pulsing when stopping”

    Anonymous, GA (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Tie rods

    “Premature wear”

    J M., NY (2014 Ford Flex SEL 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    Change Vehicle