Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Flex engine problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
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 ↗For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving. This may be due to break down of the power transfer unit (PTU) fluid caused by excessive heat. If the source of the odor is identified as originating from the PTU, an idler bearing repair kit is available to repair the PTU. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07. If the PTU is determined to be repairable, utilize kit GB5Z-7P258-A and the included instruction sheet. For claiming use causal part 7P258 and applicable labor operations in sec
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 engine failures cluster around several distinct issues that owners document as creating dangerous situations. Sudden total power loss at highway speeds (45–70 mph) appears tied to fuel pump driver module failure; at least two owners lost all engine power in traffic and had to coast to safety. Another owner's engine seized completely at highway speed, and the dealer committed to full engine disassembly or replacement.
The water pump integrated behind the timing chain is a design problem owners highlight repeatedly. It fails around 60,000–130,000 miles, leaks into the oil, and requires 13 hours of labor costing over $2,500 to replace. Owners note Ford is aware of this flaw and a class action lawsuit has been filed.
Carbon monoxide exhaust leaks appear in two separate reports, with one owner hospitalized three times and bloodwork confirming carbon monoxide exposure. The dealer initially found no traces, but a second complaint confirms carbon monoxide leaking from the exhaust.
Additional engine concerns include V6 EcoBoost turbo failure with internal fragmentation, charcoal canister failure (warranty denied), coolant leaks, and raw fuel smell after shutdown (TSB 14-0091 issued but parts unavailable). One owner reported the vehicle rolling backward while parked on an incline, raising transmission/brake concerns. Dealers have refused some inspections outright. Multiple owners received no manufacturer assistance despite complaints being filed.
Same Ford Flex engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure
Loss of engine power due to fuel pump driver module failure, rendering the vehicle undrivable without fuel supply.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shut off while driving; No fuel supply; Vehicle would not restart without repushing start button
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel Pump Driver Module replacement; one owner reported cost over $2500 for this repair plus water pump replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealer performed diagnosis and replacement; class action lawsuit filed per owner
Engine Seizure
Complete engine seizure during highway driving at 70 mph, with dealership noting surprise at the failure and committing to partial or full engine replacement.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power at highway speed; Engine seized; Wrench light illuminated after power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Engine to be completely disassembled, rebuilt or replaced; vehicle placed on indefinite rental
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership working with Ford on engine rebuild or replacement
Carbon Monoxide Exhaust Leak
Abnormal exhaust odor in cabin with carbon monoxide detected in owner's bloodstream. Two separate complaints document carbon monoxide leaking from the exhaust system, with one owner hospitalized three times.
When: Approximately 60 miles on one vehicle; unknown mileage on second
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal exhaust odor in cabin; Severe headaches after driving; Carbon monoxide in blood (per owner testing)
Repairs/costs cited: First vehicle not repaired; second vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First dealer stated no trace of carbon monoxide found; manufacturer notified but no action taken on either vehicle
Water Pump Failure with Timing Chain Integration
Water pump integrated into engine block behind timing chain fails and leaks, requiring 13-hour replacement to prevent engine damage from coolant contamination. Multiple owners report this design flaw.
When: Approximately 100,000 to 130,000 miles; early failure at 60k in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leaking underneath vehicle; Water weeping from pump housing
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump assembly and timing chain replacement required; one owner reported cost over $2500 with 1 week labor; poor design with pump built into engine block
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised one owner to file NHTSA complaint; class action lawsuit filed per owner
Engine Hesitation and Jerking with Check Engine Light
Vehicle hesitates, jerks, and illuminates check engine warning light during driving. One independent mechanic informed owner vehicle was designed this way.
When: Approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitation; Jerking during acceleration; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic could not diagnose or repair; owner did not pursue Ford dealer service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist
Turbo Failure with Internal Damage
V6 EcoBoost engine turbo failure during highway driving with significant internal damage, turbo components fragmenting and being drawn back into engine.
When: After approximately 600 miles of highway driving during road trip
Symptoms owners cite: Significant knocking and popping sounds from engine; Significant loss of power when accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated turbo 'fell apart' with parts sucked back into engine
Fuel Pump Relay/Fuel System Start Failure
Vehicle fails to start with fuel system issues. Owner researched and found multiple complaints regarding 2013-2015 Flex models with similar failures; possible fuel pump relay issue.
When: Vehicle would not start morning after 45-mile drive
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Determined to be fuel-related issue
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspected fuel pump relay but diagnosis not confirmed
Engine Start Failure
Vehicle failed to start. Undiagnosed at independent mechanic and no repair attempted.
When: Approximately 80,250 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle failed to start
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but did not assist
Charcoal Canister Failure
Charcoal canister failed internally, illuminating check engine light after check fuel fill inlet light. Ford denied warranty coverage claiming canister not part of emissions system.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check fuel fill inlet light illuminated first; Check engine light illuminated after
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealer diagnosed internal canister failure; warranty denied by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied coverage, stating canister not part of emissions system
Engine Coolant Leak and Overheating
Engine coolant overtemperature warning while parked, followed by rapid coolant loss. Coolant added with water mix leaked completely within 24 hours.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine coolant overtemperature warning light; Rapid coolant loss; Recurring overtemperature alerts
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant added with 50% water; leaked out completely within 24 hours
Low Oil Pressure and Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
Low engine oil pressure light flashing with burning oil smell and serpentine belt pulley squeaking. Dealer replaced oil sending unit, water pump, and valve cover gaskets.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light flashing; Burning oil smell; Squeaking serpentine belt pulley
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced oil sending unit, water pump, and valve cover gaskets
Turbo Oil Supply Line Leak
Faulty turbo oil supply line leaking, same issue as Ford Recall 16S46. Manufacturer denies coverage for 2014 model year while covering 2016-2017 model years.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Turbo oil supply line leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Repair needed for faulty turbo oil supply line
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford covers Recall 16S46 for 2016-2017 model years but denies coverage for 2014
Raw Fuel Smell After Engine Shutoff
Bad raw fuel smell present after every engine shutoff. Ford dealer identified Technical Service Bulletin 14-0091 for this issue but parts unavailable with no known timeline.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Bad raw fuel smell after engine shutoff
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 14-0091 identified; no parts available and timeline unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 14-0091 issued for this issue; parts not available
Vehicle Rolling Backward While Parked
Parked vehicle on incline began rolling backward without warning while engine running. Center console prevented passenger access to brake and parking brake, resulting in collision with another vehicle.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled backward while parked on incline with engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Two local Ford dealers refused to inspect vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two local dealers refused inspection
Backup Camera Display Inverted
Backup camera image displayed upside down during reverse gear operation. Check engine warning light also remained illuminated.
When: Approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera image displayed upside down; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2014 Ford Flex?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 34,304 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,304; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.