2013 Ford Flex: grinding or squealing brakes

8 of the 581 complaints about the 2013 Ford Flex describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 83,000
recalls: 0

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

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2016
1
2015
2
2014
4
2013
8
2012
4
2011
4
2010
6
2009
13

What owners say

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Steering · FL

While driving, the power steering warning light illuminated and steering assist was lost. The steering became extremely hard, especially at low speeds. The vehicle makes grinding/whining noises when turning, and the car vibrates while in Drive. This creates a serious safety concern, especially during turns and parking maneuvers. Issue appears to be electric power steering (EPAS) failure.

Filed Jun 10, 2021 · Fuel system, Locks · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon opening the front passenger’s and driver’s side doors, a loud grinding sound was coming from the dashboard. The contact also stated that both doors would intermittently fail to unlock upon depressing the unlock button. The contact also noticed that the vehicle was consuming fuel soon after refueling. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 9, 2020 · Brakes · 83,000 miles · OR

The brakes make grinding noise and slipping hard to stop my brake pads and rotes pretty new went and got new brake pads still same problem especially during harder braking car not stopping there is brake fluid and everything seems to be in top shape but car will not brake properly and make grinding noise

Filed Jun 12, 2019 · Steering · 162,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford flex. While driving various speeds, a grinding noise was present coming from the front end of the vehicle. Later, while driving, the 'power steering fault' message displayed before the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was taken to autonation ford burleson (850 n burleson blvd, burleson, tx 76028), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2018 · Steering · 75,000 miles · FL

Steering is stiff when turning left to right. Feels like easy/hard-hi/low sensation. Also high pitch squeal when turning steering wheel. Noise is coming from engine compartment.

Filed Dec 6, 2016 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · MD

My flex ptu system had to be replaced because it fell apart while driving. There was a loud boom then severe grinding when I tried to accelerate. The mechanic said this problem happens so often with ford awd systems that they keep them in stock. I contacted ford directly to complain and find what they were doing about it. I was advised there was nothing they could do and that I should file a complaint with you. The cost to repair my vehicle will be $1500. That is not a minor fix and I believe ford should be doing something about this.

Filed May 28, 2016 · Steering · 57,000 miles · MI

For several months leading up to the dealership service shop visit, I noticed a soft grinding noise (rubber on rubber) when turn the vehicle (any direction), most notable, at low speed. About 10 days before the service shop visit the grinding noise became very loud, so loud, that it prompted the service visit. Also noticed that the steering wheel started to slightly stick and I had to constantly make steering corrections. This would happen at any speed.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 63,950 miles · MI

Noticed unusual squeak / rattle from front engine area of my 2013 ford flex awd vehicle. At the same time steering felt loose or sloppy. These symptoms got progressively worse as I immediately drove vehicle approximately 8 miles to repair facility. Vehicle was inspected by certified technician and I was informed that the electronic steering gear was failing and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that steering could fail at any moment. Technician informed me that ford had not issued a recall for this issue at that time. I authorized and paid for the repair of my vehicle. Recently, I discovered that ford has issued a recall notice 15s18 for this issue. On monday july 27, 2015, I contacted ford customer service to request reimbursement for the repair. I was informed by the customer service representative that my vehicle was not included in this recall and that they could provide no further assistance. I am very concerned that ford's recall notice for this issue does not include all vehicles, including mine, with this serious safety problem. I believe the scope of vehicles included in the recall should be reexamined. Updated 12/11/2017