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 ↗2018 Ford Flex body problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 16 body complaints filed for the 2018 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
Among the 7 model years of Ford Flex in our records for body problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Body accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body 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 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2019 Flex vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of adhesion of the front door upper moulding to the door. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reapply adhesive tape to the front door trim panel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Flex has a pervasive trim detachment problem. Owners consistently describe B-pillar and A-pillar trim separating while driving—sometimes at highway speeds, sometimes at 25 MPH—and flying off the vehicle, creating hazards for following traffic. One owner had to hold the B-pillar in place while driving. Drivers have lost trim pieces on both driver and passenger sides, and one was only held by electrical wires. Owners received recall notification (Campaign 25V732000, Structure), but dealers cannot complete repairs because parts are unavailable and Ford has provided no timeline for delivery.
Beyond the pillars, door components are failing. A keypad on the driver's side door detached on the highway, broke in half, and flew off while still partially plugged in and striking the vehicle. Door trim pieces have snapped and separated. One owner reports a door latch that won't engage, leaving the door unable to close or lock.
Camera and rear-door issues add to the list. The back-over prevention camera intermittently shuts off or displays upside down or with lines across the screen (Campaign 25V695000, parts also unavailable). The rear cargo door cannot be opened when the battery dies—no mechanical override or emergency lever exists.
Finally, one owner reports a sharp metal protrusion at the wheel-well area where the fender meets the plastic cowling; it punctured two front-right tires at low speeds during turns.
Same Ford Flex body reports on nearby years: 2019
Failure modes owners describe
B-Pillar and A-Pillar Trim Detachment
Exterior trim pieces on B-pillars and A-pillars detach while driving, creating road hazards. Multiple owners report both driver and passenger side trim separation.
When: 40,500 miles, 47,401 miles, 100,000 miles, and at undisclosed mileages; instances occur at speeds ranging from 25 MPH to highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Trim piece separates and flies off vehicle; Road noise and air entering through gap where trim was attached; Trim only held in place by electrical wires (keyless entry)
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable for recall remedy (Campaign 25V732000). One owner sourced replacement trim from junkyard and temporarily adhered it. Dealer repairs requested but refused or delayed pending part availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V732000 (Structure) issued. Dealers unable to complete repairs due to parts not being available; no timeline provided for part availability.
Door Keypad/Entry Button Detachment
Keypad on driver's side door becomes dislodged while driving, flopping around and striking the vehicle and window before separating completely.
When: While driving on highway; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Keypad becomes dislodged and flails against car and window; Keypad breaks in half and flies off vehicle; Bottom half remains plugged in and continues to strike vehicle while moving
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; incident reported as hazard.
Door Trim Separation
Trim pieces on driver and passenger side doors break or detach, with pieces separating and becoming road hazards.
When: At undisclosed speeds; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Door trim breaks in half; Trim piece separates and flies into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired.
Door Latch Failure
Door latch will not engage, preventing door from closing or locking properly.
When: Occurs when shutting door; mileage and exact timing not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not close; Door will not lock
Rear Door Lock Inaccessibility with Dead Battery
Rear cargo door cannot be opened when vehicle battery is dead, with no mechanical override or emergency lever available.
When: Occurred with dead battery; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Rear door locks and cannot be opened without electrical power; No mechanical means to open door in emergency
Back Over Prevention Camera Malfunction
Reverse camera intermittently shuts off or displays image incorrectly; related to recall Campaign 25V695000.
When: 68,000 miles and at undisclosed mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Camera intermittently shuts off in reverse; Camera display upside down; Camera displays lines across screen
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) issued; parts unavailable for recall remedy.
Sharp Metal Protrusion at Wheel Well
Sharp metal piece protrudes from body where plastic cowling meets fender, puncturing tires when wheels retract into well.
When: Occurred at low speeds (5 MPH) during turns; tire damage required replacement twice on front right wheel
Symptoms owners cite: Tire puncture from metal protrusion; Metal sharp edge exposed at fender/cowling junction
Repairs/costs cited: Two tire replacements required; metal protrusion not addressed.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V732000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side door B-pillar trim had become loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Flex is a super long vehicle with large rear latch door that accesses back half of car. Today, taking dog to vet, put him in crate in back, behind another crate, through rear door. However, battery was dead. Now needed to get dog out to go in another vehicle -- but rear door locked and there was/is no way to open the back up to get him out with dead battery. Only with electricity. So I had…
Had body trouble with your 2018 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 body problem on the 2018 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 40,500 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,500; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/2018/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.