Of the 41 body complaints filed for the 2019 Ford Flex,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (50%)
50-75k
1 (50%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
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 #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Body accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.
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.
Service BulletinSSM 54601Feb 2026
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
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
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.
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Ford Flex has a pattern of detaching B-pillar trim that owners describe as a highway hazard. The trim—which houses the driver's side keyless entry keypad—fails at speeds of 50 to 70+ mph. Ford uses double-sided tape and electrical harness wires to hold it in place, but the tape fails and the part either flies off the road or hangs by the wires. Owners report it happened during highway driving, car washes, and multiple times on the same vehicle. The part costs $228.83 to replace, but dealers say it's on backorder. One owner zip-tied it; another taped it down. TSB 20-2427 exists but hasn't fixed the problem.
The rearview camera fails in at least 20 reported cases—showing a blank screen, displaying the image upside down, or cutting out intermittently when shifting into reverse. Two owners hit parked vehicles and a dumpster pole because they couldn't see. Infotainment replacement didn't solve it for one owner. Recall campaigns 24V951000 and 25V695000 are supposed to address this, but parts have been unavailable since late 2024.
Windshield trim also detaches, causing water leaks. One passenger-side rear door panel fell off twice—the dealer repaired it, but it failed again and hit another car. A power liftgate on one vehicle won't open at all.
The B-pillar trim (front door pillar trim), which houses the keyless entry keypad on the driver's side, detaches or becomes loose while driving. The trim is held primarily by double-sided tape and the electrical harness of the keyless entry system. When it fails, it either falls off completely (becoming a road hazard), hangs from the wires, or remains loosely attached. Several owners report multiple detachments of both driver and passenger side trims on the same vehicle.
When: Various mileages: 25,000–145,000 miles; failures occur during highway driving, car washes, and at speeds ranging from 50 to 70+ MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Trim piece separates from door frame; Trim hangs from electrical wires after separation; Part becomes a projectile hazard on roadway; Loose whistling sound from B-pillar before detachment; Cold air leak at driver's side door after B-pillar detachment; Electrical wiring exposed after trim falls off
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the part (Ford Part Number BA8Z7420555AC) costs $228.83 for replacement. Some dealers report parts unavailable; some owners have used tape, glue, or zip-ties as temporary fixes. One owner had it repaired at Stevens Ford Jersey City. TSB 20-2427 referenced by multiple owners addresses the issue but does not resolve the root cause. Adhesive-only repair noted as insufficient.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V732000 (Structure) issued; however, parts unavailable at time of complaints. TSB 20-2427 issued to address loose trim but repair parts remain on backorder.
Rearview camera failure (inverted, blank, or inoperable display)
The rearview camera becomes inoperable, displays a black or blue screen, displays an inverted (upside-down) image, shows a narrow view, or fails intermittently. Owners report the failure occurs when shifting into reverse, obstructing visibility. In at least two cases, the camera failure led to low-speed collisions with other vehicles or objects because the driver could not see behind the vehicle.
When: Various mileages: 2,450–117,000 miles; occurs while reversing
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display shows blank or black screen while reversing; Image appears upside down or inverted; Image disappears and reappears intermittently; System displays 'Rear-view Camera Unavailable' message; Narrow view displayed occasionally; Complete camera inoperability
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had the infotainment system replaced at the dealer, but the camera failure persisted. Another owner's dealer diagnosed a failed camera system requiring replacement, but parts were unavailable. Dealer attempt to reset the system on one vehicle was unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 24V951000 and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) issued; parts unavailable at time of complaints. Multiple owners report manufacturer has exceeded reasonable time for recall repairs.
Door/window trim and weatherstripping detachment
The windshield trim and exterior door trim panels detach from the vehicle body. One owner reported passenger-side rear door panel detached twice—initially repaired but the same failure recurred and the panel struck another vehicle.
When: Windshield trim failure at approximately 50,000 miles; rear door panel failures at approximately 5,000 miles (repeated)
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield trim detaches; Water leaks into vehicle (driver's side noted); Rear door exterior trim detaches and flies off; Door panel strikes other vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Rear door panel was initially repaired but failed again with the same part. Subsequent failure resulted in contact with another vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V732000 (Structure) covers trim detachment; parts unavailable at time of complaints.
Power liftgate malfunction
The power liftgate fails to open either manually (via release button inside vehicle) or electronically (via key fob). A warning message indicates the liftgate is not fully closed.
When: Approximately 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate fails to open manually; Liftgate fails to open electronically via key fob; Warning message 'power liftgate not closed' illuminated
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
5 most recent
body · 64,000 mi
· filed 12/17/2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the power liftgate had failed to open manually or electronically while pressing the release button inside the vehicle or with the key fob. A warning message stating that the power liftgate was not closed had been illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
body · 35,000 mi
· filed 12/05/2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image occasionally displayed a blank or blue screen. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the dealer on several occasions about the recall and was…
body
· filed 12/02/2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the driver's side rear door exterior trim had detached and flown off the vehicle. The contact only noticed that the trim had detached after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of…
body
· filed 11/21/2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V732000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera initially displayed an inverted image, but the camera had become inoperable while reversing. The local dealer was contacted. The…
body
· filed 11/20/2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V951000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Had body trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 35,500 and 72,823 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,500; a quarter make it past 72,823. 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?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2019/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.