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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-FORD-FLEXNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2013 Ford Flex problems
The 2013 Ford Flex has 578 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 6 active recall campaigns.
The 2013 Ford Flex has 578 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 189 complaints, typically surfacing around 60,385 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Flex?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 149 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 70,000–134,000 mi
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Ford Flex SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Ford Flex? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 189 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,385 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 149 owner reports
· tends to show around 104,064 mi · ~$700 to fix
body — 43 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,235 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
engine — 19 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,807 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 104,064 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Flex· electrical
Car battery dying. Said synch line is in, but it's not. Door ajar lights for both driver and passenger side are always on. When come to a stop, beeps and says engine on, shift to park. Can't lock doors. Have to manually lock doors, otherwise the alarm always goes off. So cannot…
3 out of the 4 doors on the flex will not lock, I called Ford again today and was told we are not a part of the 2.4 million cars recalled. My children cannot lock the doors while we are traveling and it is very concerning to us, Ford suggested I pay for new locks and if we are…
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,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford flex. The contact stated that the door ajar warning indicator illuminated even when the doors were closed. The contact stated that due to the failure, the interior lights did not cease to function, the doors would not lock, and the horns would…
Had a problem with your 2013 Ford Flex?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3
A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 578 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Ford Flex has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Ford Flex?
The 2013 Ford Flex is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 149 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 70,000–134,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford Flex?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 189 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,385 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Ford Flex a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 578 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 60,385 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford Flex?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 189 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,385 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 60,385 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Flex has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Ford Flex?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 578 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Flex.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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