Ford Flex harsh shifting problems

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding multiple premature and potentially safety-related failures on my 2019 Ford Flex, purchased new on 11/25/2019. These include: ⚠️ 1. Rear Suspension / Rear Toe Link Concern Although my vehicle is not included in Ford’s rear toe link recall (20S62), it is experiencing the same symptoms: Rear-end instability and drifting Uneven or premature rear tire wear Clunking or loose feeling from the rear suspension I have an appointment scheduled for August 6, 2025 to inspect the rear toe bar links, as I suspect they are defective or misaligned — the exact condition the recall addresses. 💧 2. Water Pump Failure The engine water pump failed before 100,000 miles, requiring a full replacement. This is a known issue in several Ford engines, and repair was required out-of-pocket despite the vehicle being well maintained. 🚗 3. Exterior Trim Detachment Multiple exterior trim pieces detached from the vehicle while driving, posing a road hazard to myself and others. These parts did not appear to be securely fastened from the factory. 🛞 4. Premature Tire Wear Rear tires wore out far earlier than expected — possibly linked to suspension or alignment issues, including the toe link concerns mentioned above. ⚡ 5. Ongoing Electrical Failures Since August 2022, I have had to return to the dealership multiple times for electrical system issues: 8/3/2022 11/2/2022 2/14/2024 These included battery/electrical drain issues and warning system malfunctions, which affect the vehicle’s reliability and safety. These problems began less than 3 years after purchasing the car new. These issues raise serious concerns about the overall build quality and long-term safety of the 2019 Ford Flex. I am concerned that my vehicle may have: Been excluded from critical recalls, despite showing identical failure patterns Undergone multiple early mechanical and electrical repairs Developed safety-related defects that compromise both driver & public safety.

Filed Jan 15, 2023 · Suspension · NC

The front end suspension club is very hard when towing and seems to be harder to steer while under load. Fists says there is nothing wrong but there is a substantial clunk when towing.

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 Aug 5, 2021 · Suspension · MI

On 7-28-21, the Right Rear Toe Link Broke while I was driving, the wheel was sticking out and could not be driven. I have the old broken part and loose part. On 7-30-21, I had the broken part on right rear replaced and the Left rear part was loose and replaced also. As far as safety goes, it had to be towed to shop to get off the road, and could not drive. On 6-17-21, I took my car to Tom Holzer Ford in Farmington Hills, MI, to be inspected, because I was hearing a clunking noise on the right back side of the vehicle. After the serviceman at Tom Holzer test drove the car, They informed me the steering and suspension were okay. I have the paperwork stating it was okay. I have been leasing this car for 3 years and was now going to buy the car after my lease was done. I took it in to make sure, if there was a problem, it would be taken care of under 3 year warranty. I purchased the Flex on 7-19-21. And On 7-28-21, the Toe Link broke. I was not told that I should have taken it to a Ford Dealer, if something broke. But I did ask my Salesman, at the time I bought the car, if they would take care of the problem, if something broke in the near future. He said to contact him, and he would see what would they could do. I had to pay $95.00, to tow it 5 miles, to White Lake Auto Repair, which is 1 mile from my house. The total of the repair was $485.00, completed on 7-30-21. The service manager, at Tom Holzer, said Ford will not reimburse me. He said I should have brought the car to their dealership. My Husband worked for Ford for 42 years. We have been a loyal Ford family all these years, and have never had a problem like this. Being that I had the car checked out before the 3 year warranty, and the service department said it was okay, I feel I should be reimbursed for the repair, whether I took it to them, or to a Repair shop near my home, which we totally trust. Also, there were no warning lights or messages that came on in the car.

Filed May 19, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · AZ

My Flex has repeatedly lost power while driving. I can feel the car lose power, and the yellow wrench light comes on. After reading up on it, I learned that you have to turn the vehicle off, wherever you are, and restart it after a few minutes. The wrench light turns off, and the car runs as normal, with no records of codes. This is talked about over and over in online forums. The safety issue is that it has happened on the freeway several times while traveling at a high rate of speed. The car loses power, and you cannot accelerate. You have to find a way to stop immediately, put the car in park (and listen to the transmission clunk) and turn it off. This last instance put me in harms way on the freeway. The car lost power while traveling 70mph. I immediately lost speed and had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to pull over to turn the car off. All of the forums talk about the throttle body, but everyone says that’s not the issue. The OSS and TSS sensors are also discussed. The dealerships cannot find out what’s wrong because once the car is turned off and restarted, any codes are erased. The issue persists, and the car keeps losing power wherever and whenever. I am referencing the most recent incident on this form, however, this has happened at least 12 times since September, 2020. Please, please force a recall on this issue!

Filed Oct 26, 2020 · Fuel system, Transmission · 49,995 miles · MI

Vehicle is not getting recommended mileage and is hard shifting

Filed Sep 29, 2020 · Suspension · 88,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford flex. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called heritage ford (2100 sisk rd, modesto, ca 95350; 1‑844‑362‑2226) where it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that there was a clunking sound coming from the front and rear of the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH or above, there was little to no stability in the vehicle's performance. The contact stated that steering the vehicle was difficult. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 28, 2020 · 6,500 miles · PA

Occasionally when I am turning left or right there is a clunking noise under the front end of my car. I typically back into a parking space and when I am lining up my car to back in is mostly when the noise occurs. It is a loud sound that almost sounds like a popping or snapping. It does not matter the temperature outside, nor does it matter whether it is dry or wet. It isn't happening every time either. It is frightening, though, because I had a tie rod snap on a car one time and it always makes me think of that. I did take it to a ford garage and it didn't make the sound so they did nothing because they really couldn't tell me what it may be. My car is garage kept.

Filed Jul 14, 2017 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MI

The electric steering is making a clunk noise when turning at low speeds. (can't really hear it at higher speeds) that is an early warning of an epas failure. (electric power assist steering) eventually the steering will whine and fail when driving going into manual mode. That is a safety issue! Since my wife is driving the car with my young daughter it has me nervous and worried.

Filed Jul 3, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 27,000 miles · AK · fire

Driving the vehicle on the highway and heard a clunk and felt a slight loss of power and control. Pulled over to check vehicle and noticed flames coming underneath the engine compartment. Car soon became engulfed and was a total loss. The origin and cause expert hired by our insurance company suspects an injector line came loose on the engine and sprayed fuel onto exhaust manifold.