FORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE IS A SITUATION REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2879 OR P1243 AND WORKSHOP MANUAL HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE DTCS. MODEL 2011-2014 FLEX, MKT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Flex fuel system problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
When does it fail?
Of the 12 fuel system complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Flex, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 4 model years of Ford Flex we track for fuel system problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 12.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Flex fuel-system complaints center on engine stalls and start failures. Owners describe sudden shutdowns at 30–65 mph with no warning lights, followed by inability to restart or a 5–10 minute wait before the engine turns over. Multiple owners traced their VINs to NHTSA Recalls 16V621000 (fuel pump electrical module overheat) and 15V812000 (fuel filler inlet), yet dealerships confirmed their vehicles were not included despite matching the documented symptoms exactly.
Fuel pump replacement is the standard diagnosis, but several owners report the failure recurred even after that repair. One owner replaced the pump three times without resolution. Dealers also cite spark plugs, canister purge valves, throttle body assemblies, and unknown sensors, suggesting troubleshooting is inconsistent and ineffective.
Secondary issues include strong gasoline odor inside the cabin and fuel spilling backward from the filler inlet during refueling. One owner reported rapid fuel consumption after refueling. A single narrative describes unexpected acceleration, brake failure, and camera blackout at 67,000 miles; the mechanic could not reproduce it.
Dealership delays are another friction point: one owner received a recall notice but could not secure an appointment before vacation despite calling multiple dealers. Ford's customer service offered no support beyond "you're safe if you don't smell gas."
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Electrical Module Overheat / Loss of Electrical Power
A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat, causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump. This results in engine stall or failure to start. Owners report sudden engine shutdown during normal driving with no warning lights, inability to restart for several minutes, and eventual successful restart.
When: Mileage ranges from 18,200 to 158,000 miles; failures occur during low-speed traffic, highway driving at 35-65 mph, and at rest.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during driving; Vehicle fails to start or restart; Loss of electrical power (radio off, heat failure); No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle restarts after waiting 5-10 minutes
Codes mentioned: 16V621000, 16S31
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement (multiple owners report replacement; one owner replaced three times without resolution); fuel module replacement; fuel pump flushing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) issued; however, multiple owner VINs reported as not covered by recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms.
Fuel Pump Failure - General
Fuel pump fails to operate, preventing engine start or causing loss of power during operation. Distinct from electrical module overheat in that the specific root cause is not identified as thermal.
When: Mileage from 77,000 to 158,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Loss of motive power while driving; Engine dies or does not respond to accelerator; Backward roll after stop (fuel starvation symptom)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement recommended by dealers and independent mechanics; repairs not always completed by owners due to cost or vehicle not covered by recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 16V621000; manufacturer advised owner to report to NHTSA Hotline.
Fuel Odor and Fuel Filler Inlet Issues
Strong gasoline odor present in cabin during normal operation; fuel spills back out of filler inlet during refueling. Dashboard warning message 'check fuel filler inlet' appears. Suggests fuel system seal or vent malfunction.
When: Mileage from 100,000 to 222,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong fuel odor inside cabin; Constant fuel smell during driving; Gasoline spills out of filler inlet while refueling; Dashboard warning: 'check fuel filler inlet'
Codes mentioned: 15V812000
Repairs/costs cited: Cause not determined in narratives; no repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) exists; however, affected vehicles reported as not included in recall despite matching symptoms.
Engine Stall / No-Start with Unresolved Root Cause
Engine stalls at various speeds or fails to start; diagnostic attempts identify multiple potential causes (spark plugs, canister purge valve, throttle body, unknown sensor) but repairs do not resolve the issue. Suggests intermittent electrical or fuel delivery fault.
When: Mileage from 18,200 to 122,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at 30 mph and other speeds; Vehicle fails to start; Failure recurs after initial repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement attempted but failed; canister purge valve and throttle body assembly replacement recommended but not completed; unknown sensor and fuel pump diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner directed to report to NHTSA.
Fuel System Electrical Glitches and Unverified Electrical Faults
Owner reports unknown electrical failures affecting fuel system operation, brake engagement, and camera illumination. Mechanic unable to duplicate the failure despite fuel sensor and ACL modulator repair attempts.
When: Approximately 67,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Independent acceleration without warning; Brake pedal fails to engage properly; Loss of motive power and deceleration; Back-over prevention camera fails to illuminate in reverse; Unknown electrical failures inside and outside cabin; Intermittent failure to start
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel sensor repaired; ACL modulator repaired; failure recurred and mechanic unable to duplicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified by email.
Rapid Fuel Consumption
Vehicle consumes fuel at an abnormally fast rate soon after refueling, suggesting fuel leak or canister purge malfunction.
When: Mileage unknown.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle consuming fuel rapidly after refueling; Intermittent door unlock failures (possible related electrical issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; VIN reported as not under recall.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor of gasoline was constant. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2013 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 67,000 and 135,717 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,000; a quarter make it past 135,717. 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 $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system 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.