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.
Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2019 Ford FlexRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 263 owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Flex. Most complaints involve back over prevention (148) and structure (60). 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
263
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
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 prevention: camera
Remedy pending
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
263 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2019 – Nov 2026
- Back over prevention148
- Structure60
- Electrical system23
- Visibility/wiper11
- Suspension7
- Engine6
- Lane departure4
- Steering3
- Power train3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Back over prevention
148 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); 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. While reversing, the rear-view camera intermittently failed to display an image, and the front driver’s side B-pillar trim was loose. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 50,000.”
Structure
60 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that while in Reverse (R), the rearview camera displayed an upside-down image, posing a safety hazard while attempting to attach a trailer to haul. A local dealer was contacted and confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Electrical system
23 reports
“My vehicle keeps stalling while driving down the road. The vehicle suddenly loses power and stops on the roadway. No indicator lights come on and after several times pushing the push ignition button the car will start. This has happened on several occasions.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flex FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Flex AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Flex AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Ford Flex as of Nov 7, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2019 Flex questions
How many recalls does the 2019 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 2019 Ford Flex problems?
Owners filed 263 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (148), structure (60), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2019 Ford Flex get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Ford Flex at 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026