2013 Ford Flex electrical problems

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · IN

UNKNOWN So we bought the car used from the dealer exactly how they received it, and it was working normally but then a few weeks or a month or two we were going somewhere and one of the headlights would go out and we'd have to turn the switch off and back on to get it to turn back on, and it was one for a few weeks but then it started turning them both off, and then it eventually got to the point that we would turn the headlights on anf the passenger side headlight wouldn't turn on anymore at all, so I went and got a bulb incase that was the issue and so we went to put the new bulb in and as we disconnected the circuit in order to get to the bulb we found that 1, water would stay inside the plastic cover causing the main board of the headlight to be fully submerged. 2, The connector to the main board was melted and fried so it is unusable. 3, with that being said that could've turned into a way worse scenario such as driving down the road and suddenly the circuit catches fire. 4, another possible outcome is while we are driving the headlights turn themselves off and while turning them back on we can't see and end up hitting a pedestrian walking or a tree on the side of the road. 5, another outcome could be, that the wiring eventually fries itself to the point that you'd have to replace every wire. 6, another safety hazard is how it is wired, the safety concerns with that and the connectors if the wrong thing happens at the weong time it could cause a full engine meltdown or explode. Now how is this a safety hazard well I've mentioned possible outcomes but the main issue is you legally need headlights when it is dark outside and if you don't you can't see where you are going and others won't see you as quick which can result in an accident happening. Another one is if one of the connectors catched fire and we pull over to the side well that fire could spread to the engine causing it to blow up and if the timing is right take out someone with it. Thats all I can say.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Electrical, Seats · WI

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Multiple driver aid funcations in-op. Driver door locks will not lock or unlock, driver door lock and unlock switch will not operate any locks, passenger door mirror will not move, seat memory will not save, rear view mirror will not auto dim and there is no manual option to adjust the mirror resulting in impacted night visablity, rear view camera does not display on screen but will beep when close to an object. Not codes or dash warnings displayed to stored. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Impacted visibly while driving. Unable to adust passenger mirror to see blink spot or along passenger side of vehicle. Unable to lock or unlock driver door, if locked its not allowing me to enter the vehicle and have to enter via passenger door. Auto dim impacts visablity with driving at night. Rear back up camera in-op is damgerous in numerous aspects. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problem is constant. Not taking to a dealer due to ridiculous prices and diag fees. I'm a tech and tried to diagnose issues with no answers. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Unknown. Purchased private party with issues (05/01/2026). Looked at 3 other ford flexs from this generation that all had the same issues when looking to purchase a vehicle and no one had a solution for it.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · CA

Power steering. While I was driving in my neighborhood the power steering went out and I could not make a turn. It locked up while driving. I could have got into a head on collision/accident becasue the road turns. Yes, I reported it to Ford and they told me my flex did not have a recall despite the ford website stating that some 2013 ford flex are affected. The description of 15s18 sterring recall matches my same issue and it poses a serious safety hazard. Yes, i took it to a mechanic at an auto shop and her is telling me that he can't fix recalls. At the time of the accident, i got No pre warning just the message that states: "Steering Lock Malfunction Service Now: The steering lock system has detected a condition that requires service." This happened on or around 11/23/25. I am requesting that Ford pay for my power steering to be fixed.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Electrical · CA

My back up camera show upside down or sometimes it shows a black screen. People have a habit of walking behind me when I’m backing up and I can’t see them. The warning beep sounds but I can’t tell if it a car or person behind me. When it first happen months ago I tried resetting camera, it didn’t work. Not sure if my extended warranty covers this.

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Electrical · CA

The backup camera went out, but first it went upside down. Not inverted, just upside down. It's definitely a safety issue as I can't see fully behind me. I've seen the later models have the same issue and recall for them but not the older models with the same issue.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · FL

Power steering no longer works. Getting message on dash as well. I see a recall for my year truck but my vin apparently is not one included. It’s our only transportation and my daughter, my fiancé and myself all have multiple weekly therapy/dr appointments. Please consider adding my vin to the recall. As far as electrical my alarm will randomly go off while it’s not running/parked. Thinks doors are open when they are not. Thank you

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Electrical · GA

While driving, the radio turns off and the climate control system malfunctions causing the heater to engage to high with no way to turn the system off. All controls are disabled and there is no way to turn the system off. Unplugged the battery for 30 minutes as suggested, removed fuses to the radio and climate control module which temporarily fixes the issue, but issue happens randomly and creates excessive heat in the cabin. This is the 5th time this has happened. It is the 3rd time while on long trips (3hrs or longer). Others online have mentioned the same. We had to ride with the windows and moonroof open to let the heat escape. First time occurred in 2019 in early December. Navigation still worked, but all other systems would not function.

Filed Dec 26, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several electrical failures, including that door erroneously locking and unlocking and the Lane Departure safety feature malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the electronic body control module was faulty. After removing and reinstalling the module, the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while the vehicle was in for service, the mechanic discovered that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

Have difficulty fueling vehicle. “Fuel fill inlet” warning stays on dash. Strong fuel mixture smell in cabin. Fuel will overspill if you try to pump gas at full force. Smells like fuel is leaking. Concerned about possible explosion. Many other drivers having the same issues. Strange clicking sounds from front end.

Filed Jan 4, 2023 · Electrical · NH

Vehicle would not start after 3 days of not being started or driven. After having the battery jumped the climate control unit malfunctioned. The heat would not turn off and stayed on full blast. This caused the car to overheat and difficult to drive even with the windows down. When brought to the dealership service center, they replaced the heater blower. This fixed the issue temporarily. Then the heat stopped working and in single digit temperatures the vehicle was too cold to drive. The dealership replaced the resistor. This again became a temporary fix. The heat came back but then the vehicle battery kept draining. Having some type of electrical issue put the vehicle at a possible risk for short circuiting, catching fire etc. This is an ongoing issue with ALL YEARS of the Ford Flex. When the vehicle is jump started this causes an electrical short affecting the climate control system but also the entire communication system. .