2009 Ford Flex: jerking or lurching

6 of the 181 complaints about the 2009 Ford Flex describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2019
2
2016
1
2014
5
2013
6
2012
1
2011
4
2010
7
2009
6

What owners say

Filed Feb 13, 2020 · Engine · MD

When driving and the car begins to accelerate past 40mph the car shudders and jerks. This has been going on for over a year. The ford dealer test drove it and couldn't duplicate what I experience often.

Filed Feb 25, 2019 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · CA

Driving car, stopped at traffic light, or leaving places the transmission will not engage when put into drive. It gets stuck and won't move. This is very dangerous as I have almost been hit from behind when this happens. I have to put in park and try again and it sometimes shifts or makes a loud cluck and jerk. Happens off and on. Took into the ford dealer couple of times and they said they could only determine what the problem is if it does it with them. Never does it when in the shop. The dealer acts as if they have no idea however I have read from several people that they have had the same problem with 2009 ford flex. I believe the transmission is the same as on the 2015 ford transit vans because the same issue is happening with it. I have talked to my mechanic and they have heard of this problem too and told me to take the flex into the dealer. They have found documentation online this transmission issue not shifting has happened several times. Most recently february 21, 2019. Seems to occurs when the vehicle is warmed up.

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Acceleration, Airbags · CA · crash

My flex started having a hard jerk and bang when going from reverse to park. Was not always but frequent. The car started to run hot when sitting in a drive thru or traffic but would go right back down when I started moving. I took it into s mechanic and he replaced the fan. After replacing the fan the car began to have a really bad grinding noise when idling or traveling. Do bad I did not want to drive it. I took it into the ford dealership and after 2 days they call and say they can't find anything wrong. Within 4 minutes I get another call daying I need a new transmission. The car would eccellerate on its own, shut off intermittently, and car would lag between 3rd and 4th gears. Ford dealership advised me to have a knew transmission put in. Car will shift properly most of the time even on highway. Only get whining noise at low speeds. I was also in an accident causing $13000.00 worth of damage to front end and airbags did not deploy after hitting a car doing 35 MPH.

Filed Aug 31, 2013 · Wheels · 40,000 miles · CA

While driving down out of an approach, making a right turn, going maybe 5 MPH, vehicle comes to screeching halt, making a terrible grinding noise. Engine does not go off, no stalling. Feels like something is interfering with wheels. Happened monthly, always out of a slightly down-facing driveway, turning right. Then about a week ago, it happened while making a normal left hand turn onto a flat street at an intersection going a little faster. Vehicle lurches to a complete stop, horrible grinding noise, and I can't go until I can steer wheels straight which is really hard to do. Thank goodness no one was behind me. Took once to a mechanic who could find nothing wrong. Been doing this ever since we bought the vehicle. Now after the last incident, I am really scared to drive this car! &js

Filed Apr 26, 2013 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford flex. The contact stated that whenever shifting into reverse, the transmission would jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer six times for the same failure. The technician detected a trouble code and an unknown repair was performed on the transmission. The malfunction recurred after the repair. The vehicle taken back to the dealer for further repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 16, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 7,526 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 ford flex. The contact stated that there was an oil leak on the rear of the engine. The engine was removed and the leak was repaired by the dealership. The air cylinder that lifted the third row seats was defective and had to be replaced. The rear hatch opened on its own five times; the dealer realigned the door to remedy the problem. The rear main oil seal failed so it was also replaced at the dealership. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle effectively. When the vehicle was taken to the dealership, they stated that the vehicle was fine. The battery was defective and was replaced. The transmission excessively shifted into gear when down shifting, causing the vehicle to jerk and shake. The dealer stated that they could not find a problem when they inspected the vehicle. The engine made a popping noise when he accelerated from a stop. The door molding and window molding sills became warped. Lastly, one of the tires (the contact could not recall which one) blew and the sidewall separated; he replaced the tire at his expense. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that once the vehicle left the manufacturing plant, it was the dealership responsibility and offered no assistance. The current mileage was 15,283. The failure mileage was 7,526. The battery had to replaced. Updated 12/30/10