Owners consistently report that the backup camera fails to display a usable image in reverse—usually upside-down, black/blue screen, or completely unavailable. The problem typically starts between 25,000 and 37,000 miles. Camera operation is intermittent in many cases, cutting in and out over 75% of the time. Some owners say the camera stays on while driving forward, showing an inverted feed. Parking guide lines also disappear.
Owners are frustrated by dealer parts shortages and high replacement costs (around $700). One dealer confirmed he received six replacement cameras at once because they "go through them so quickly," suggesting a systemic defect. Ford has issued backup camera recalls for other 2019 models under recall 24V951, but affected 2019 Flex owners report their VINs are not included in the recall—despite describing identical symptoms to recalled vehicles.
One owner documented a separate issue: battery corrosion, cracking, and leaking around 26,000 miles, followed by starter failure and A/C compressor seizure. Multiple repairs did not resolve the starting problem. Another owner faced complete starting failure at 87,000 miles after battery replacement and work on all battery-connected components.
Isolated reports mention unintended radio operation and fuel gauge inaccuracy. One owner reported the door keypad detaching and flying off at 110,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
Reverse Camera Image Malfunction
Backup camera displays incorrect or unavailable image in reverse, including upside-down display, black/blue screen, intermittent operation, or complete failure. Parking guide lines also fail to display in some cases. Camera may continue displaying upside-down live feed while driving forward after shifting out of reverse.
When: Typically between 25,000 to 37,000 miles; one owner reported failure at less than 25,000 miles. Problems began as early as January 2023 for some owners and have persisted for months to years.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display upside down; Camera screen black or blue; Camera unavailable warning message; Intermittent camera operation; Camera cuts in and out more than 75% of the time; Delayed or no image in reverse; Parking guide lines not displaying; Camera remains on while driving forward, showing inverted image
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement camera costs approximately $700. Dealerships indicate cameras are in high demand and frequently out of stock or unavailable. One owner replaced camera at 36,000 miles; camera worked 90-95% of the time after replacement but failure recurred. Dealerships have not inspected wiring or electrical components in some cases despite owner requests.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued NHTSA recall 24V951 for similar backup camera issues on other 2019 Ford model lines, but some affected 2019 Flex owners report their VINs are not included in the recall. Some owners cite they are unable to complete recalls due to lack of available parts at dealerships. No recall has been issued specifically for the 2019 Flex for this issue, despite multiple reports indicating it is widespread.
Battery Corrosion and Starter Failure
Battery exhibits severe corrosion, cracking, and leaking; fails to retain charge. Accompanied by starter failure and A/C compressor seizure in one case. Multiple battery replacements and repairs have not resolved starting issues.
When: Approximately 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at complete stop; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated; Vehicle fails to restart after stalling; Battery corroded and fractured; Battery smoking; Battery leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced; failure persisted. Battery replaced twice at dealership; still no successful start. A/C compressor found to have disintegrated and seized, A/C clutch failed and stuck. Vehicle not repaired at either dealership visited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Contact related failure to NHTSA Campaign Number (redacted) for Electrical System. Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline. Vehicle was not successfully repaired despite multiple attempts.
Starting System Failure
Vehicle fails to start or requires jumpstart; independent restart after jump-start fails. Occurs after battery replacement and replacement of all battery-connected components.
When: 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Requires jumpstart; Failed restart after jumpstart; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced battery and all components connected to the battery; vehicle still failed to start independently. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Contact related failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 18V548000 (Electrical System). Manufacturer opened a case and referred contact to NHTSA Hotline.
Door Keypad Detachment
Keypad detaches from door and hangs down while driving. Three-quarters of the keypad separated and flew off. Keypad buttons still functioned after reattachment.
When: Approximately 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Keypad hanging down from door; Abnormal sound from exterior; Partial detachment of keypad
Repairs/costs cited: Owner taped keypad to door to prevent water entry. Vehicle was not taken to dealer or mechanic for repair.
Radio Unintended Operation
Radio turns on when vehicle is off and keys are not nearby. Radio may turn off during driving and remain off for extended periods, or turn on at full volume while vehicle is parked and unattended. Possible electrical system issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio turns on when car is off; Radio turns off while driving; Radio remains off for days; Radio turns on at full volume while parked
Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
Fuel gauge does not register properly the amount of gas in the tank, even when tank is filled. Creates uncertainty about fuel level.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not register full tank correctly; Inaccurate fuel level reading
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.