2009 Ford Flex: ball joint or control arm failure

6 of the 181 complaints about the 2009 Ford Flex describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 35,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

2019
2
2018
1
2017
1
2014
1
2013
2
2011
3
2009
6

What owners say

Filed Sep 5, 2020 · Engine · IN

My cradle is rusted through all the way to the lower control arm and has a visible crack. I'm told this is a safety issue and concern as well as a safety hazard when one can be injured due to the engine falling out to name one. I'm told by a mechanic this is a factory default.I am very concerned and would greatly appreciate some assistance with this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] 09/05/2020 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 30, 2018 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · MI

The suspension system on the 2009 ford flex constantly having trouble with the lower control arm upper control arm causing braking system to malfunction.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Suspension · 120,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford flex. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to remain in position. The contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to prevent it from veering. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic multiple times who diagnosed that the lower control arms, ball joints and entire suspension system in the from of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on multiple occasions. However, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Ss

Filed Jan 17, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 35,000 miles · MI · crash

Purchased flex in 2009, day 1, 5 miles, station wagon has vibration. To this day, still has vibration. 58000 miles now. Bbbautoline says it's out of coverage for arbitration. Flex was in shop min 12x for same issue. Dealer and engineers said bad brakes, the have put on 5 sets of pads and rotors. Bad wheels, mine were the 17" style, now I have 19" limited wheels, very expensive tires. Still vibrates.... One 3 day service stop at varsity ford , a@$$$$@ tech or mechanic drove miles to the tune of 750!!!!! And I wasn't supposed to be upset.....test driving it..... Ok, 12,000 miles, on new 19" hankook junk tires, optimo, they were bald, dealer says I have to replace myself, a 60,000 mile tire, lol on me. 31000 mi, dealer says don't bring back, we can't fix.... And said it's a lemon, go arbitrate it out, we know it's a bad car, but we can't get you a new one. 35,000 miles, spouse taking kids to daycare, turns corner, says she heard something pop, and she could not steer, hit a parked car.... After looking with police, I have video and photo proof, inner tie-rod snapped, causing the accident. So, 4,000$ of damage to my car, from a tie rod not being installed right. There was an inch of play, up and down, side to side, on the outer tie rod, from not being installed correctly at the factory, hmmmmmm, made in canada. So now, after accident, car fixed, I thought for sure, it would be a whole new driving vehicle? Shat not! 58,000 now, and vibrating like an off balance washing machine. And bbb and ford are not taking any responsibility. All I wish was for a flex that drove smoothly. ....

Filed Oct 19, 2010 · Body, Steering · 24,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 ford flex. While driving 15 MPH and making a left turn something broke off of the vehicle under the right rear wheel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated the rear sub frame was broken and will be replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the vehicle would be repaired per the warranty. The failure mileage was 24,000. Updated 02/11/11 *bf the tie rod was also replaced. Updated 05/06/11

Filed Dec 11, 2009 · Electrical · 14,000 miles · AR

My wife was driving our 2009 ford flex in a driving rainstorm approximately 500 miles from home and the car died twice. Each time, she called roadside assistance and a tow truck had to come out and pick her up. A local ford dealer look at the car, but naturally did not find anything wrong. She made it back home and I took it to the dealer we purchased it from (crain ford + little rock, arkansas). They kept it for a week and we drove a rental car around. They never did find out what was wrong. Now, today, december 11, 2009, my car is back in the shop for the 2nd time for brake grinding. They tell me also that I have to pay for a new tie rod...$500. I'm sick of ford motors!!