Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Ford FlexRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Flex. Most complaints involve suspension (13) and back over prevention (7). The EPA rates it 17–19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17–19mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Oct 2025
Owner complaints
42
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: body

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

StructureReported Oct 24, 2025NHTSA 25V732000

Back over prevention: camera

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Oct 14, 2025NHTSA 25V695000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

SuspensionReported Feb 10, 2020NHTSA 20V072000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

42 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2017 – Jul 2026
  1. Suspension13
  2. Back over prevention7
  3. Visibility/wiper4
  4. Structure3
  5. Electrical system3
  6. Steering3
  7. Seat belts2
  8. Wheels2
  9. Power train2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Flex model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2009181
2010139
2011144
201266
2013581
2014249
2015117
2016104
201742
201869
2019263
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

13 reports1 crash
“Subject: Request for Review: 2017 Ford Flex Rear Suspension Toe Link Failure Outside Recall VIN Range To: NHTSA I am writing to formally request a review and consideration of my vehicle's eligibility for RECALL 20V072000 (Ford Recall 20S04), which addresses rear suspension toe link fractures on 2013-2018 Ford Flex models. My vehicle is a 2017 Ford Flex, and it recently experienced a failure of the right rear toe link, consistent with the failure mode described in the recall. However, after contacting my local Ford Dealership (Rowe Ford, Westbrook, ME) and the Ford Motor Company, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the recall coverage. I had the right rear toe link repaired and paid for it. I am concerned that the same issue could occur in my left rear toe link, so I am working to have that part preemptively replaced at my own expense. I believe that the exclusion of my vehicle by VIN may be inappropriate for the following reasons: 1. Model year and component match: My Flex falls well within the model years (2013-2018) covered by the recall, and the failed part is the exact component under scrutiny. 2. Failure occurred during normal driving conditions…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2025Suspension, Wheels, Unknown or otherODI 11672460

Back over prevention

7 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V829000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image while in reverse(R). In addition, the contact stated that the driver’s side B-pillar trim had become loose and could potentially detach from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2026Structure, Back over preventionODI 11752577

Visibility/wiper

4 reports
“My 2017 Ford Flex has an open safety recall for the rearview camera system (Ford Recall 25S49 / NHTSA Recall 25V695). The recall states the camera may display a blank image or show the message “Camera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My vehicle is actively experiencing this exact failure. The screen frequently displays “Camera Unavailable,” preventing the rearview camera safety feature from functioning when the vehicle is put in reverse. I received the recall notice in October 2025. Since then I have contacted my Ford dealership several times and have been told that parts are still not available to repair the recall. Ford initially provided an estimated remedy date of January 2026. This date was later moved to June 20, 2026. I was recently informed that the date has now been removed completely and there is no estimated timeline for when the recall repair will be available. The safety recall remains unresolved while the defect continues to occur on the vehicle. The rearview camera is an important safety feature that assists drivers when reversing. I am submitting this complaint because the recall repair has been delayed for many months while…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11723530
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Flex FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162319$3,300468
Flex AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162218$3,450491
Flex AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
152117$3,650523
  • Flex FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Flex AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Flex AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo
    15 city · 21 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Ford Flex as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 11210Vehicle 11209
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Flex questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Flex have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Ford Flex problems?

Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (13), back over prevention (7), visibility/wiper (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Ford Flex get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Flex at 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026