2011 Ford Flex engine problems

Filed Jan 18, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 125,436 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact would make several attempts to start the vehicle to regain normal functionality; however, the failure would recur within several hours or several days. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH in a School Zone from a stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the traction control, engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering box had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed the VIN was not under recall, nor were the repairs covered under warranty. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 125,436.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 176,000 miles · FL

The contact's grandmother owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the rack and pinion, and power steering pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Engine · KY

In September 2022 was going down the highway at 70 miles an hour for my vehicle to shut off with no warning lights everything locked up even the steering wheel get it to the side of the road sat there for about 20 minutes the car lights on the inside came back on started it got it home to find out that my coolant or water pump was missing all fluids took it to a repair shop by the name of superior auto repair for them to tell me there was a defect with the water pump but they weren’t going to break down the engine for the adjuster to come out to inspect I have found that the type of engine that I do have did have recalls on it for the water pump being faulty causing the engine to seize up and basically having to be replaced

Filed Aug 2, 2022 · Engine · 146,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact's wife was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that water was detected inside the engine and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency for assistance. The failure mileage was 146,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · 112,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon her husband starting the vehicle, the vehicle entered limp mode as he exited the driveway. Her husband then drove the vehicle back into the driveway and turned the vehicle off. The next day, her husband started that vehicle and was temporarily able to resume normal driving; however, the vehicle entered limp mode while in traffic as the power train warning light illuminated. Her husband was able to coast the vehicle back home while in limp mode and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer initially diagnosed the vehicle with a defective throttle body; however, the failure persisted after the part was repaired. The contact made numerous trips back to the dealer; however, the failure persisted after each visit. The contact was then informed to take the vehicle back once the wrench light had illuminated. Once the wrench light illuminated, the contact began to drive the vehicle to the dealer. While driving, she heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle as the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle entered limp mode. The contact made it to the dealer as antifreeze began leaking from the vehicle. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the radiator fluid had begun to leak out of the vehicle as a result of the water pump, which was previously replaced. The mechanic also discovered that the radiator fluid had leaked out of the rear main seal of engine which caused engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The vehicle remained at the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford flex. The contact called on behalf of her son. The contact stated that the water pump on the vehicle failed. The contact stated that her son called an unknown ford dealer and informed them of the failure. The dealer informed him that it was the water pump that failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · Engine · 126,000 miles · NC

Traveling along the interstate at regular speed, the engine began to overheat. A leak from the water pump occurred and flooded the engine and oil reservoir causing the vehicle to immediately smoke and overheat. After allowing the vehicle to sit and cool down so not to start a fire when the hood is lifted, the damage to the engine took place. The head gasket blew and antifreeze mixed in with the motor oil.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Engine · 94,000 miles · AZ

On 09/18/19, I was driving home when I heard a knocking sound - like rocks kicking up under my car. I was driving about 20-25 MPH on a neighborhood street. I decided to slow down and then realized that the car was slowing down for me. I tried to pull over to the side and my steering was locked. I received no warning lights and my car temperature remained the same - between cold and hot. After going to the repair shop, it was determined that the water pump overheated which caused the coolant to mix with the oil. The engine was damaged beyond repair. I am thankful that I was in my neighborhood when this happened and not a freeway. The car has 94,000 miles on it and I am the original owner.

Filed Sep 19, 2019 · Engine · 174,000 miles · MA

Water pump failure LED to total engine loss. Reported on multiple ford vehicles

Filed Apr 24, 2019 · Engine · 113,000 miles · GA

My 2011 ford flex 3.5l engine has had cadastrofic failed due to premature failure of the internal chain driven waterpump. The o-rings on the waterpump failed there by allowing oil into the coolant and causing the prepellers on the waterpump to break off and block the water passages in the engine with the oil and propeller parts. Also, allowing coolant into the oil. Through my research, I have come across many flex owners as well as othe ford owner that have the same 3.5l engine withe the internal chain driven waterpump have had the same or gerry simular issues and many have had to spend thousands for a new engine. Ford needs to recall this design flawed engine and waterpump.