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 ↗2014 Ford Flex electrical problems
moderate 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 49 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 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
Owners have filed 49 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Ford Flex in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Protection Strategy. Follow the procedure outlined to prevent replacement of th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Ford Flex electrical complaints break into two major buckets: fuel system startup failures and pervasive door-latch sensor errors.
Fuel pump control module failures cause the engine to crank but not start, or stall without warning at highway speeds. Recall 16V621000 (effective December 2016) addresses the fuel pump electronic module (PEM) overheating and cutting power, but owners report their VINs fall outside the recall coverage despite matching the failure pattern. Replacement part GA8Z-9D370-A fixes the issue when installed, but some dealers cannot source the part. Failures occur across low and high mileage (38k to 99k miles).
Door latch sensor malfunctions are widespread and stubborn. The sensors falsely report doors as open or ajar even when firmly closed. This keeps interior lights on permanently, drains the battery, prevents door locks from engaging while driving, and triggers the alarm unpredictably at any hour. Owners report slamming the door up to 50 times to clear the warning temporarily. Replacement sensors cost $400+, but failures often occur on multiple doors of the same vehicle sequentially. Ford dealers acknowledge the problem but claim certain VINs are not covered by recalls.
Secondary electrical failures include keyless entry fob recognition loss, backup camera malfunction (inverted or blank display), window/sunroof inoperability from body control module failure, and audio/HVAC system failures. Several owners report discontinued parts (remote function actuator module, body control module) that cannot be replaced.
One incident involved a child locked inside when the keyless system failed in freezing weather; Ford roadside assistance and SYNC support had no protocol to help.
Same Ford Flex electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel pump control module / fuel pump electrical failure
Fuel pump loses electrical power due to overheated fuel pump electronic module (PEM), preventing engine start or causing stall during operation. Owners report the vehicle cranking but not starting, or stalling without warning at highway speeds. Multiple owners report the issue occurs intermittently, making dealer diagnosis difficult. Recall 16V621000 covers certain 2013-2015 models with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines but does not cover all affected VINs.
When: Intermittent; reported at low mileage (38k) and higher mileage (95k); cold weather may be a factor. Failures documented from 34k to 99k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start; Engine stalls without warning while driving; Engine stalls at highway speeds (40 mph, 70 mph); No restart after stall; Check engine light and fault codes illuminate (code 90627 reported); Starting system fault message
Codes mentioned: 90627
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) replacement, part number GA8Z-9D370-A cited. Dealers may be unable to diagnose without recurring failure. Independent mechanics replaced the module with success. Cost estimates not provided by most owners; one noted fuel pump + fuel module replacement occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V621000 (effective 12/1/2016) for 2013-2015 Ford Flex with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost; covers fuel pump electronic module (PEM) inspection and replacement at no charge. Some owners report their VIN is not included in recall despite meeting recall criteria. Ford customer service: 1-866-436-7332. Recall number 16S31. Manufacturer advised some owners VIN not covered and referred to NHTSA.
Door latch sensor malfunction (passenger and driver doors)
Door latch sensors falsely report doors as open or ajar even when doors are firmly closed. The sensor failure triggers door-ajar warning lights and prevents the vehicle's central locking system from functioning while driving. Owners report repeated attempts to close the door (up to 50 times) to clear the warning, and the warning may reappear intermittently while parked or driving. This is a widespread problem affecting both front and rear doors on the same vehicle.
When: Occurs each time door is opened; intermittent while driving or parked. Failures reported from 30k to 99k miles. Initial occurrence in mid-2015 on some vehicles; later recurrence on other doors.
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar warning light remains on despite door being closed; Interior dome lights stay on continuously; Doors fail to lock while vehicle is in motion; Car alarm activates unpredictably (day or night); Door chime rings constantly; Warning light cycles on and off while driving or parked; Battery drained due to lights remaining on
Repairs/costs cited: Door latch sensor replacement required on affected door(s). Owner reports $413.40 for rear passenger door sensor replacement (2016). Typical repair involves replacing the faulty latch sensor; electronics may need cleaning. One owner reports independent mechanic cleaning the electronic door system without full success. Multiple owners report requiring replacement of multiple door sensors (passenger and driver) on the same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recalls for door latch issues on certain model years (September expansion mentioned); however, not all affected 2014 Flex models are covered. Dealership representatives acknowledged the problem occurs but stated vehicle VINs are not covered by current recalls ('mostly happened on the driver door'). Ford service initially refused warranty repair on out-of-warranty vehicles. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) exists per one owner but repair not covered.
Keyless entry system malfunction / vehicle lockout with child inside
Keyless entry system failure caused complete vehicle lockout with child inside in freezing weather. When the key fob (containing the wireless transmitter) was placed inside the vehicle and the rear door was closed, the vehicle automatically locked all doors and would not unlock despite the fob being inside. Ford Roadside Assistance and Ford SYNC were unable to assist or provide emergency access; dealership ultimately provided a 5-digit security code to unlock the vehicle.
When: Single incident reported; timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: All doors and hatches lock automatically when fob is inside vehicle; Vehicle will not unlock via key fob; Wireless entry disabled when transmitter is inside locked vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership provided 5-digit security keypad code after verification of ownership. No formal repair documented; appears to be a design vulnerability rather than a component failure requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Roadside Assistance initially declined to help and directed owner to SYNC, which also declined. No procedure or emergency protocol in place for roadside assistance to unlock vehicle. Dealership had access to security code but roadside assistance lacked this capability. Complaint emphasizes lack of training and emergency response procedures among Ford support channels.
Remote function actuator module failure / keyless entry fob recognition failure
Key fob intermittently fails to unlock the vehicle and displays 'No Key Detected' message. Owners report the vehicle fails to recognize the key fob despite it being present and functional. Multiple repair attempts (key fob battery replacement, fuse replacement, key fob replacement) provided temporary relief but failure recurred. Diagnosis eventually identified the remote function actuator module as the cause, but the part has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
When: Failure reported at approximately 99,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to unlock using key fob; Vehicle fails to start; 'No Key Detected' message displayed; Intermittent keyless entry failure
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob battery replaced, two unknown fuses replaced, key fob replaced; all temporary solutions. Remote function actuator module identified as root cause but the part is no longer manufactured. Vehicle remains unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed the failure as remote function actuator module requiring replacement. Manufacturer confirmed part is discontinued and cannot be obtained. Manufacturer case opened but no resolution offered. Manufacturer advised filing NHTSA complaint.
Body control module (BCM) failure / window and sunroof malfunction
Body control module failure caused all four power windows and the sunroof to become inoperative. Master window switch was previously replaced by dealer, but failure recurred, indicating the issue is not the switch but the BCM. BCM is no longer manufactured, leaving the vehicle unable to be repaired.
When: Failure at approximately 95,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All four power windows inoperative; Sunroof will not open
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module (BCM) replacement needed but part no longer manufactured. Master window switch was replaced previously without resolving the issue. Vehicle remains unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified BCM as the failed component. Part is no longer manufactured. Manufacturer advised filing NHTSA complaint; no other remedy offered.
Front control interface module failure / climate control and audio system malfunction
Front control interface module (infotainment/climate control processor) failed, causing audio and HVAC controls to become unresponsive and malfunction dangerously. The failure sequence is typically: audio stops, HVAC turns off, then defrosters activate at full blast without warning. On a hot day with a full vehicle, this created unsafe temperature conditions inside the car.
When: Unspecified; reported as occurring without warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Audio system unresponsive; HVAC system stops functioning; Defroster activates at full blast without user input; Loss of climate control; Dangerous heat buildup in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnosis: software update attempted. Second diagnosis: PCM replacement performed. Final diagnosis and repair: Front Control Interface Module replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in complaint.
Multiple electrical fault codes and warning system malfunctions
Vehicle displays a cascade of false or erratic warning messages and alerts, including 'Engine On,' 'Driver Door Ajar' (when closed), 'My Key Active Drive Safely,' 'Liftgate Ajar,' and 'Vehicle Approaching from Left' (with no vehicle nearby). Owners describe random dinging and alerts both while driving and parked, occurring continuously. Owners suspect an underlying electrical system failure triggering multiple false sensor inputs.
When: Intermittent, occurring while driving and parked. Can occur multiple times daily.
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous random dinging while driving and parked; False 'Driver Door Ajar' alert; False 'Liftgate Ajar' alert; False 'Vehicle Approaching' collision warning (with fast dinging); Multiple cascading warning messages; Potentially startling collision warnings when no vehicle is present; Unprompted 'Ford Vehicle Report' call initiated while driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one owner suspected a recall was applicable but had not been completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; one owner received a recall notice earlier in the year but was not provided followup information about parts availability.
Engine stall without warning (fuel system related)
Engine stalls unexpectedly during driving at various speeds, often without warning indicators. Vehicle may restart normally or require towing. The stall can occur in school parking lots, on highways, or during normal operation. One recall (16V621000) covers certain VINs for fuel pump control module failure, but parts may not be in stock.
When: Intermittent; can occur at low speeds (school parking lot) or highway speeds (40, 70 mph). Failures documented between 34k and 99k miles. One complaint notes stall recurred 30+ days after initial failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Loss of engine power while driving; Vehicle does not restart without towing; Check engine light and traction control light illuminate; Multiple engine-related codes displayed after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and fuel control module replacement may resolve the issue. Stalling issues related to fuel system electrical failure (see fuel pump control module entry). Dealers may lack parts in stock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V621000 issued for certain 2013-2015 models. Owners report Ford states parts are not in stock and no alternative vehicle is provided during recall repairs, placing customer at risk for known safety problem.
Backup camera malfunction / inverted or blank display
Rear backup camera fails to display, displays an inverted image, or displays a distorted/blank image when reversing. The failure makes it unsafe to back the vehicle because the driver cannot see behind the vehicle. Some cameras fail intermittently (work for ~5 seconds then go blank); others fail completely. This issue has persisted for 7-8 years on some vehicles without being diagnosed or repaired.
When: Long-term issue; complaints indicate the problem has existed for 3-8 years without resolution.
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display blank or not displayed when reversing; Camera image inverted or displayed upside-down; Camera image distorted; Camera works intermittently (5 seconds then blank)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic confirmed camera malfunction via diagnostic codes but unable to completely diagnose the root cause. Repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2019 Ford Flex rear camera issue but not for earlier model years. Multiple owners note this is a major issue since 2013 affecting all Ford Flex vehicles, but no recall covers the 2014 model year.
Radio / audio system failure
Audio system produces extreme static noise, crackling, and ear-piercing sounds, followed by complete loss of radio function. The radio turns on but produces no sound regardless of volume setting. Bluetooth pairing results in silence for both parties.
When: Unspecified timing.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud crackle and ear-piercing static noise from speakers; Radio becomes unresponsive to channel changes; Complete loss of audio output; No sound regardless of volume setting; Bluetooth calls produce silence on both ends; Failure occurs while driving and parked
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Instrument cluster display / fuel economy display freezing
Instrument cluster display froze while displaying fuel economy information (MPH, miles per gallon readout). Display remained frozen at stated value regardless of actual driving speed, indicating a software or processor malfunction in the instrument cluster.
When: First freeze at 19.4 MPH; second freeze at 21.1 MPH (after service call).
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy/MPH display freezes at specific value; Display does not update to reflect actual driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; complaint does not indicate whether issue resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Vehicle fire from electrical system
Vehicle caught fire while parked at owner's work. Ring camera footage showed visible sparks coming from underneath the vehicle that morning before departure. Owner drove approximately 9 miles to work, unaware of the issue. Emergency services extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was deemed a total loss. Root cause indicates electrical/ignition fault.
When: Sparks visible in morning before departure; fire occurred during or shortly after 9-mile drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible sparks from underneath vehicle; Vehicle caught fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Cold weather starting failure
Vehicle fails to start in cold weather conditions with no warning indicators illuminated. Cause could not be determined by dealer diagnostic testing.
When: Cold weather condition; failure at approximately 65,818 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start in cold weather; No warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed contact that VIN was not included in any recalls.
Electrical system wiring damage / broken wires
Check engine light came on accompanied by loss of power to some computer systems. Root cause identified as broken wires in the electrical system.
When: Couple months after purchase; failure at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of power to computer systems
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (specific code not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Broken wires identified and (presumed) repaired at dealership; specific repair details not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford flex. The contact stated that the vehicle could not start and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump and the fuel module were defective and the battery died. It was unknown if the vehicle was repaired or if the dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
My pregnant wife was putting our 20 month old son in vehicle. She placed her purse with the keyless entry fob into car and closed the rear passenger door. She found the vehicle now entirely locked at all doors and would not open despite the key fob being inside the vehicle. It is below freezing outside and our son is now locked into the car and getting colder. My wife called me. I had her call…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 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 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 45,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2014/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.