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 ↗2016 Ford Flex electrical problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 19 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Flex, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Electrical accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this update is being performed. Verify the Installation Is Complete message displays in the touch screen. If the original USB is not available, go to website https://syncnavigation.com/ford/home or https://syncnavigation.com/lincoln/home to download the files once more for the affected vehic
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Flex models describe recurring electrical failures across multiple systems. The backup camera is the most common complaint: the system shows unavailable messages, displays images upside-down or distorted, flickers on and off, or goes completely black. Some owners note the camera works intermittently, then stops working altogether. Multiple owners compare their failures to Ford recall campaigns for backup cameras on other 2016 models.
The SYNC system and APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) also fail completely in at least one case, disabling hands-free calling, auxiliary input, USB ports, and windshield defrost controls.
Door-ajar sensors malfunction despite doors being closed, triggering continuous warning chimes and leaving interior lights on. One owner reports simultaneous "Transmission Not In Park" error messages while the vehicle is moving. In one high-mileage case (220,000 miles), the push-to-start button failed and the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven; attempts to remove the battery produced sparks at the negative terminal.
Owners also report intermittent "No Key Detected" warnings while driving and a backup camera that stayed locked on the display while the vehicle was moving forward, disabling radio controls and voice commands. One complaint cites a persistent gasoline smell the dealership blamed on undercoating, though the dealership acknowledged the Flex shares a platform with police vehicles known for gas emission leaks. Several owners note dealerships are unwilling to diagnose intermittent issues or charge $300 just for initial electrical diagnosis.
Same Ford Flex electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Rear backup camera malfunction
The backup camera stops working, shows an unavailable message, displays upside-down or distorted images, flickers, or shows a blue screen. Owners report intermittent operation, complete failure, and image corruption. Multiple owners note similar issues across 2016 Flex models and compare to Ford recall campaigns for other models.
When: While in reverse; started after several months of ownership through vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Camera unavailable message; Image upside down; Blue screen; Black screen; Flickering on and off; Distorted image; Touchscreen does not change to camera view; Intermittent operation then complete failure
Codes mentioned: Camera unavailable warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite similarity to Ford backup camera recalls on other Ford makes/models for same year range. Dealers charge $300 for diagnosis alone; parts and repair costs not cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) mentioned in one narrative; parts not yet available at time of complaint.
APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) failure
The APIM unit, which controls SYNC functions and cabin climate control, stops working completely. Owners lose all hands-free phone features, auxiliary input, USB port, and cannot control windshield defrost or cabin vent selection.
When: Failure mileage and timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: SYNC functions inoperative; Hands-free phone connection failure; Aux input not working; USB port not working; Windshield defrost inoperable; Cabin vent selection inoperable; Hands-free phone and SYNC will not connect; Unable to enter correct date in system
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs or parts cited in narratives
Push-to-Start button failure
The vehicle becomes inoperable after being parked; the Push-to-Start button will not function with no warning light illuminated. Vehicle also unexpectedly stalls while driving.
When: At approximately 220,000 miles; stalling occurred while driving at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Push-to-Start button does not function; Vehicle inoperable when parked; Vehicle unexpectedly stalls while driving; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: When owner attempted battery removal, sparks came from the negative terminal, indicating potential electrical issue. No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) recall issued; parts not yet available at time of complaint. Manufacturer advised to remove battery.
Key detection and engine control issues
The vehicle displays 'No Key Detected' warning light while driving. Owners question whether the engine will shut off if this occurs while the vehicle is in motion, raising safety concerns about unintended stalling.
When: While vehicle in motion and while parked
Symptoms owners cite: No Key Detected warning light illuminates while driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or cited
Door ajar sensor malfunction
The door ajar warning light illuminates on the instrument panel and warning chime continuously sounds despite all doors being checked and confirmed fully closed. Interior lights remain on while driving. This sensor malfunction causes battery drainage and raises safety concerns.
When: Upon vehicle start and while driving; one complaint also reports 'Transmission Not In Park' error flashing simultaneously with false door ajar warning while vehicle is moving
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar warning light illuminates despite all doors closed; Warning chime continuously rings; Front interior lights remain on while driving; Interior lights shut off above certain speed but warning light and chime persist; Transmission Not In Park error flashing while driving; Battery drainage
Codes mentioned: Door Ajar warning, Transmission Not In Park error
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed in narratives
Backup camera lockout with secondary system failures
The backup camera stays locked on while driving, remaining visible on the main display and obstructing the driver's view. When the camera is locked on, radio controls and voice command cease to function, creating a safety hazard. Vehicle requires power cycling (off and on) to restore normal operation, with issues recurring.
When: While driving; one instance required one hour parked before functions returned to normal
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display locked on while vehicle driving forward; Radio controls inoperative while camera locked on; Voice command inoperative while camera locked on; Display distraction hazard
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; power cycling temporarily restores function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated they cannot service the vehicle unless the malfunction is currently occurring at the time of service visit.
Gasoline odor from vehicle
Owner reports a persistent gasoline smell inside the vehicle that started after the first oil change. Dealership blamed undercoating but owner confirms the smell is definitely gasoline. The dealership acknowledged that the Flex shares the same base platform as police vehicles that have had gas emission leaks. Smell comes and goes while engine is running, whether parked or moving.
When: After first oil change, several months after purchase; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline odor inside vehicle; Smell comes and goes intermittently; Odor present while engine running, parked or moving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to test vehicle over extended period; no diagnosis or repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership noted that 2016 Flex shares platform with police vehicles known to have gas emission leaks
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Gas smell and electronic issues. I bought my vehicle brand new. I first noticed smelling gasoline after the first oil change, so I had driven several months.the dealership blamed it on my undercoating stating that's what I'm smelling.it's gas definitely.I asked them to drive it a week since the smell comes and goes.they refused.it still does it and I have given up trying to get the dealership to…
Door sensor states door is ajar when it is closed, causing battery drainage and safety concern about doors
The back up camera works when it wants to.
Hands free phone and sync will not connect. Not able to enter the correct date. 05/2023.
I am getting a "Transmission Not In Park" error that will also sometimes flash "Door Ajar" while driving. Door appears to be closed - not sure if it's latched, transmission is obviously NOT in park because the car is moving. I'm concerned that this shouldn't be driven and is a safety issue.
Rear Backup Camera malfunction. Screen goes black or upside down.
Backup camera is malfunctioning and showing not available. Can't see behind the vehicle.
Same issue as ever expanding recall for safety camera backing up. Blue screen, camera not available warning that does not go away while driving, black screen, upside down screen, distorted screen, and intermittantly operational and then not!
My 2016 Ford Flex’s reverse camera has been shorting out, blinking off and on. If the camera does come on the picture is upside down. This has been happening for over a month and I have not had it looked at. This is similar to the most recent back up camera recall for other Ford vehicles for this year range.
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Ford Flex?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 152,789 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2016/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.