Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Ford Flex electrical problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 22 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Ford Flex, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Ford Flex in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Use pigtail harness service part numbers 3U2Z-14S411-ZEA or CU2Z-14S411-FA, as both parts are interchangeable. Refer to Wi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the se
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the se
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of electrical and cooling system failures. The most prominent issue is cooling fan relay failure, occurring multiple times across model years despite recall coverage for 2011–2012 models. Affected vehicles overheat in stop-and-go traffic, air conditioning fails to cool, and engines stall in intersections—dangerous situations owners link to the same defect. One owner's relay failed again only 8,000 miles after genuine Ford replacement.
Door ajar sensor malfunction is widespread, causing dash lights to flicker on and off despite doors being locked and shut. This triggers interior lights to strobe while driving, interior door locks to cycle unexpectedly, and car alarms to fire repeatedly at all hours, draining batteries and leaving vehicles vulnerable to theft.
Broader electrical system failures include complete loss of dashboard lights, gauges, radio, climate controls, and turn signals—sometimes simultaneously. Owners report needing to stomp on the passenger-side floorboard to restore function. A few vehicles have experienced sudden stalls while driving at highway speed or low speed, disabling power steering and brakes and forcing drivers to coast to safety. One vehicle caught fire while parked. Tire pressure sensors and instrument cluster needle sweeps are also cited. Several failures occur intermittently, making dealer diagnosis difficult.
Same Ford Flex electrical reports on nearby years: 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Cooling fan relay failure
Cooling fan relay fails to operate, preventing coolant circulation and causing overheating. The relay fails repeatedly even after genuine Ford replacement parts are installed. Issue is documented in 2008–2012 Flex vehicles, with recalls issued only for 2011–2012 models despite owner reports spanning 2007 onward.
When: In stop-and-go traffic, occurring randomly; one instance at 67,540 miles, recurring at 75,540 miles after replacement; another occurrence during highway driving in March 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating in traffic; Air conditioning blows hot air when not moving; Engine stalls in intersection; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle cools when accelerating out of traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling fan relay replaced with genuine Ford part; failed again after 8,000 miles. Thermostat also replaced in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2011–2012 models only; earlier models (2008–2010) not covered. Dealership quoted $600 for 2009 model outside powertrain warranty.
Door ajar sensor malfunction
Door ajar sensor triggers false warnings when doors are actually secure and locked. The sensor causes the passenger door ajar dash light to cycle on and off, triggering cascading failures in dependent electrical systems.
When: Occurs while driving, parked, in park/drive/reverse, on highway and city streets, day and night
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger door ajar light on and off when door is locked; Interior lights strobe on and off repeatedly; Power locks cycle lock/unlock; Car alarm fires repeatedly at all hours; Battery drains if alarm not manually silenced; Doors appear to unlock when vehicle is running
Repairs/costs cited: Owners note the repair is expensive; no specific repair costs or parts listed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned; owners report online workarounds exist but are considered unsafe as they bypass a safety feature.
Complete electrical system failures (dashboard blackout)
All dashboard lights, gauges, radio, climate controls, and turn signals simultaneously shut off while driving. Issue is intermittent and unpredictable, making diagnosis difficult.
When: While driving on city highways and city roads; occurs without pattern
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights cut off (radio, blinkers, heat/AC controls); Drive control button appears with door ajar and brake light warnings; Dinging sound while driving; Burning smell from vehicle; Low tire pressure indicator illuminates without cause; Brake lights become inoperable; Headlights fail; Defroster fails
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's dealer replaced battery, wiring connected to brake pedal, and wiring connected to remote starter; failures persisted. Another dealer performed unknown repairs after disconnecting and reconnecting battery cable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. Dealership stated they had 'never heard of anything like this' despite owner finding similar reports online.
Engine stall while driving (loss of all power)
Engine stalls unexpectedly at various speeds while driving, causing complete loss of power including power steering and brakes. Vehicle must coast to safety and is often difficult to restart immediately.
When: Random occurrences; one at 10–20 mph in neighborhood, one at 50+ mph merging onto freeway, one in intersection, one during a rainstorm approximately 500 miles from home
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off while driving; Complete loss of electrical power; Power steering disabled; Power brakes disabled; Difficulty restarting (one instance required 10-minute wait); Vehicle dies twice in one rainstorm trip
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis inconclusive; one owner reported dealers found 'nothing wrong' after inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned. Owner reported learning through web forum that approximately 8 other owners experienced the same failure.
Instrument cluster malfunction (needle sweep/gauge failure)
Gauges and warning lights malfunction, with speedometer and RPM needles sweeping erratically and displaying false readings. Occurs after restarting vehicle following extended AC use.
When: Restart approximately 15–30 minutes after driving at least 20 minutes with AC on high
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up and down on restart; RPM needle sweeps back and forth; Speedometer needle sweeps (reads over 100 mph when parked); Odometer skips up; Needle sweeping stops on its own or when vehicle put in reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found no computer errors and was unable to duplicate the problem; proposed using a 'flight recorder' for diagnosis but indicated the recorder itself needed repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Tire pressure sensor failure
Tire pressure monitoring system fails or displays false warnings. Tire pressure sensor failure occurs despite being replaced.
When: At various mileages including 38,000 miles and 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure indicator illuminates without warning; Tire monitor default warning light illuminates at low speed (5 mph); Sensor warning persists after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replaced at least once; warning recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Vehicle fire
Vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked in driveway with no apparent external cause. Smoke appeared from under hood before ignition.
When: While parked in driveway; failure mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke appeared from hood; Vehicle caught fire spontaneously; Air bag warning indicator illuminated but airbags did not deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Owner extinguished fire and disconnected battery cables; vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned. Local dealer was not contacted, manufacturer was not contacted.
Heating hose failure
Heating hoses detach from rear of motor while vehicle is parked, spraying coolant. Issue may be related to cooling system pressure anomalies.
When: February 2015 while parked in lot; March 2015 during highway trip in traffic in Fort Worth, Texas
Symptoms owners cite: Heating hoses blow off rear of motor; Anti-freeze spews from bottom of car; Engine overheats
Repairs/costs cited: Hoses repaired; thermostat replaced; cooling fans found not working during second failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners note Ford has known of cooling fan problem since 2007; no official recall for 2009 model.
Heated seat malfunction
Driver-side heated seat only operates for less than 2 minutes before shutting itself off.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat shuts off after less than 2 minutes of operation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mentioned in context of Takata recall.
Transmission acceleration loss and sensor issues
Transmission fails to accelerate normally; sensor fault warning persists despite replacement.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission doesn't accelerate sometimes; Sensor warning recurs after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replaced twice; warning returned.
Brake and ABS system issues
Recurring brake noise with rotor and bracket wear; ABS system failure; vehicle occasionally loses power and becomes immobilized without brake pedal input.
When: Brake issues repeated 4 times over 8 months; stall occurred without explanation, lasting 30–90 seconds
Symptoms owners cite: Recurring brake noise; Vehicle stops in middle of road without brakes being pressed; Vehicle immobilized but still running; ABS system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes, rotors, and brackets replaced multiple times; ABS system replaced; transmission chain inspection declined by dealership as 'timely, expensive and unwarranted.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no issue found; claimed incident was likely one-time occurrence.
Starting failure with false warning lights
Vehicle will not start and displays false warning lights such as low fuel and AWD check despite fuel tank being three-quarter full.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Low fuel warning displayed with 3/4 tank; Check AWD warning displayed
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Engine stall at speed. Merging on to freeway at 50+ MPH, engine cut off, no power. Assist brakes and steering disabled. Safety issue. Was not able to restart vehicle immediately. Waited 10 minutes and car was able to restart. Car was towed to dealership for diagnosis. *tr
My wife was driving our 2009 Ford flex in a driving rainstorm approximately 500 miles from home and the car died twice. Each time, she called roadside assistance and a tow truck had to come out and pick her up. A local Ford dealer look at the car, but naturally did not find anything wrong. She made it back home and I took it to the dealer we purchased it from (crain Ford + little rock,…
You can be driving down the road, and all your gauges will stop working, and all the warning lights on the dash will light up. The first time this happened my wife got stuck at a gas station all the warning lights were on and the car would not start, people tried to jump it and it would not affected at all. I looked on the internet and found were someone said to beat on the passenger side…
It keeps saying sensor we had replaced twice is still bad. The transmission doesn't accelerate sometimes
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Ford Flex?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 16,225 and 78,496 miles, with the median around 38,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,225; a quarter make it past 78,496. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Ford/Flex.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.