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 ↗2013 Ford Flex electrical problems
moderate 189 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
189
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 189 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Flex, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 11 model years of Ford Flex we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 189.
Electrical accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
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.
For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable
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. 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 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant electrical failure in this cluster is the door latch integrated sensor malfunction. Owners report that the door ajar warning illuminates and stays on permanently even when all doors are fully shut. This occurs on one door or multiple doors—front passenger, front driver, rear passenger, or rear hatch—often one door at a time or sequentially over time. The sensor appears to lose electrical connection under normal use, sometimes exacerbated by braking, turning, or cold/wet weather. Failures typically begin between 32,000 and 69,000 miles but can recur within 6–12 months after the same sensor or latch assembly has been replaced.
When the door ajar sensor stays active, the interior dome lights remain illuminated continuously or for 30 minutes or longer after the vehicle is parked. This constant lighting drains the battery, often requiring replacement within months. Simultaneously, the automatic door locking system fails to engage when the vehicle is in motion, and manual locks immediately unlock after being pressed—a critical safety issue when children are in the vehicle. The alarm system also triggers randomly at night while the vehicle is locked and parked, sometimes multiple times per hour, further draining the battery.
Owners report repair costs of $230–$700 per door latch assembly; parts are frequently on backorder, indicating widespread failure. Dealership representatives openly acknowledge the door latch sensor is a common and known problem on the Flex but deny warranty coverage beyond the initial period, claiming it is a wear item. Some dealerships attempt temporary fixes such as cleaning the sensor contacts with compressed air or oil, but these do not resolve the underlying failure. Owners also report fuel pump module failures (separate from door latch issues) and climate control malfunctions after jump-starting the vehicle.
Same Ford Flex electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Door ajar sensor/latch switch malfunction
Door latch integrated sensor fails to recognize when door is closed, causing false 'door ajar' warning to stay illuminated on instrument cluster even when door is fully shut. Affects individual doors (front passenger, front driver, rear passenger, rear hatch) or multiple doors on same vehicle. Switch mechanism in door latch assembly appears to lose electrical connection under normal conditions or when vehicle brakes, turns, or in certain weather.
When: Typically 32,000–69,000 miles; some cases earlier; some owners report recurrence after prior repairs within 6–12 months
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar warning light remains on despite all doors closed; Interior dome lights stay on continuously or for extended periods (30 minutes or longer after parking); Doors fail to lock automatically when vehicle in motion; Manual door locks immediately unlock when vehicle in motion; Chime or beep alerts randomly during driving or at stops; Message to 'Shift to Park' appears on dash at low speeds; Alarm triggers randomly at night or after locking vehicle; Dome light glare impairs nighttime visibility
Repairs/costs cited: Door latch assembly or sensor requires replacement; latch part costs cited as $230–$700; shops report parts frequently on backorder; some owners report 'cleaning' sensor as temporary fix; some dealerships recommend oil or compressed air cleaning as stopgap; multiple owners cite need to replace same door sensor/latch within 6–12 months after prior replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall 16S31 (NHTSA 16V621) addresses fuel pump module loss of power; does not cover normally aspirated engines or address door latch failures. Ford has issued unspecified Service Bulletins for door latch issues on Flex, Edge, Explorer, Taurus. Some dealership reps acknowledge door latch sensor is common problem on Flex but deny warranty coverage, citing 'wear and tear.' Ford Customer Satisfaction Program recall 19N09 covers driver door latch only, limited to vehicles less than 7 years old at time of recall issuance.
Battery drain due to dome light and alarm failures
Interior lights remain illuminated when vehicle is parked or during driving due to faulty door sensor; alarm system cycles on and off repeatedly due to intermittent or false door ajar sensor signals; combination causes battery to drain completely in days or weeks, requiring replacement.
When: Occurs in parallel with door ajar sensor malfunction; battery drain observed within months of sensor failure onset
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies after vehicle parked for several hours; Interior lights remain on all night despite vehicle locked; Alarm goes off randomly in middle of night while parked and locked; Dome light cannot be manually turned off; Battery dies after short periods of parking (a few hours); Battery requires jump-start or replacement; multiple replacements needed
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement cited at $200 per unit; owners report multiple battery replacements within 1–2 years due to recurring drain; cleaning door sensor contacts temporarily alleviates symptom in some cases but does not resolve underlying latch failure
Fuel pump module/relay failure (limited recall scope)
Fuel pump control module (part AA8Z-9D370-B or similar) loses power to fuel pump, preventing engine start or causing engine stall while driving. Ford recall 16S31 (NHTSA 16V621) covers only EcoBoost turbocharged engines; owners with normally aspirated engines report identical component failure but fall outside recall eligibility.
When: Occurred at various mileages; owners report failure after vehicle parked for short periods or during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after being parked; Engine stalls without warning while driving; Lights and radio remain operational even though engine does not turn over; No warning lights or error messages prior to failure
Codes mentioned: 16S31 (Ford recall number), 16V621 (NHTSA complaint number)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump module replacement costs $856 reported; extended warranty coverage partial only; dealer unable to diagnose same-day; vehicle tow and rental car costs incurred out-of-pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall 16S31 limited to EcoBoost engines only; VIN lookup may show vehicle not covered despite having identical defective component; owners report shock that identical failure in normally aspirated engines not covered by same recall
Door lock failure (cannot lock or doors unlock while driving)
Automatic door locking system fails to engage when vehicle in motion; manual door locks immediately unlock after being engaged; child safety locks do not function. Doors remain unlocked during driving, creating safety hazard for child passengers.
When: Occurs during periods when door ajar sensor is active or intermittently malfunctioning
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not lock when vehicle in motion; Doors immediately unlock after manual lock is engaged; Child safety lock feature does not prevent door opening; Passenger able to open door while vehicle moving at speed; Auto-lock feature does not engage when vehicle put into gear
Repairs/costs cited: Correction requires door latch assembly replacement; cost $230–$700 per door; some owners report inability to remedy without replacing latch
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program recall 19N09 applies to driver door only; limited to vehicles less than 7 years old at recall issuance; passenger and rear doors excluded
Climate control malfunction after jump-start
After battery depletion and jump-start, climate control system malfunctions; heater engages to full blast with no ability to turn off; all climate controls become disabled. May represent electrical short or module reset issue triggered by jump-start procedure.
When: Occurs after jump-starting vehicle due to battery drain or electrical fault; reported in winter months
Symptoms owners cite: Heater runs at full blast without ability to turn off; All climate control buttons disabled or unresponsive; Excessive cabin heat; vehicle difficult to drive; Radio also turns off during malfunction; Climate control system resets after unplugging battery for 30 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced heater blower (temporary fix); later replaced resistor (temporary fix); disconnecting battery temporarily restores function; removing fuses to radio and climate control module provides temporary relief; owners report issue reoccurs randomly
Ignition key switch false alarm chime
Ignition key switch dings or chimes repeatedly even when key not inserted or not fully turned; dinging cannot be silenced without removing key multiple times.
When: Occurs intermittently or continuously; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key switch emits repetitive ding sound; Chiming persists despite key not being in lock cylinder; Dinging only stops after key inserted and turned back and forth, then removed
Synthesized from 189 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
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 lock the hatch. This is a safety and theft problem. Interior lights stay on for hours at a time. Cannot see when backing…
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 recalled they will reimburse me.
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…
We have a 2013 Ford flex limited and we bought it used with 50000 miles and when we bought it the door sensor was bad the dealer ship said they would fix it 7 months of fighting them and then they decided to fix it so here I am siting in the dealer ship ready to pick up my car and now they tell me another door sensor is bad this is dangerous do to the light staying on at night this needs to be…
The issues arises when the door latch and integrated sensor fail to recognize the door being closed properly. A display on the dash will inform the driver of the which door is "ajar". The vehicle will not chime and interior lights will turn off if the vehicle is put in drive and driven. The safety concern is that the vehicle will now not allow the doors to locked while parked or in motion. An…
Interior lighting has no manual off switch and remains on during driving due to incorreclty reported "door ajar"
On the evening of 12/18/15 (10:00pm), after starting up the car, none of the controls located on the steering wheel and steering wheel column would operate. I had no turn signals and no wipers and no cruise control. A minor inconvenience was that I could not operate any systems nor the radio from the steering wheel. After turning off the vehicle at home the car acted as though the key was…
The driver door always says its open and the light on the inside to the car stay on until the vehicle is driven at a certain speed, the alarm also randomly comes on. The car battery stays dead because of this problem. The car will be off and the alarm will be set the alarm will sound so I cannot lock my doors.
The door ajar light comes on when the door is closed causing the interior lights to turn on. At night this is a problem. The alarm goes off at random times during the day & night. This has been going on for over a month as of 12/18/15.
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 189 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 145 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 43,000 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 74,000. 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/2013/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.