2013 Ford Flex Reliability
The 2013 Ford Flex has 580 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and steering. Compared with nearby Flex model years (2011–2015), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Flex's typical year, while the 2012 has a cleaner record.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
580
NHTSA owner complaints
6
Recall campaigns
11
Complaints citing a crash
1
Complaints citing a fire
2013 Ford Flex complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 model year, filed between 2012 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 201 | 35% |
| Steering | 149 | 26% |
| Unknown or other | 78 | 13% |
| Body structure | 69 | 12% |
| Fuel / propulsion system | 59 | 10% |
| Exterior lighting | 37 | 6% |
| Engine | 33 | 6% |
| Stability control | 24 | 4% |
2013 Ford Flex recalls
6 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2013 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V227000 | May 31, 2013 | Fuel system | Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may… |
| 14V393000 | Jul 2, 2014 | Powertrain / transmission — axle assembly / axle shaft | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and… |
| 15V340000 | Jun 2, 2015 | Steering — electric power assist system | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles… |
| 15V812000 | Dec 2, 2015 | Fuel system | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to… |
| 16V621000 | Aug 25, 2016 | Fuel system — delivery / fuel pump | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump… |
| 20V072000 | Feb 10, 2020 | Suspension — rear | 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. |
How the 2013 compares with nearby Flex years
Verdicts compare these Flex model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 144 | 2 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2012 | 65 | 2 | Steering | Solid |
| 2013 (this page) | 580 | 6 | Electrical system | Avoid |
| 2014 | 249 | 4 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2015 | 116 | 4 | Backup camera / back-over prevention | Caution |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2013 Ford Flex
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering and clunks over bumps; power-steering faults show up at low speed.
- Body: look under the car for rust or damaged subframe and rocker areas, and check panel gaps for signs of repair.
- Fuel system: smell for fuel around the car, watch for hesitation or stalling, and check for a lit check-engine light.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 6 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2013 Ford Flex can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2013 Ford Flex reliability FAQ
Is the 2013 Ford Flex reliable?
The 2013 Ford Flex has 580 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and steering. Compared with nearby Flex model years (2011–2015), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Flex's typical year, while the 2012 has a cleaner record.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Flex problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex are electrical system (201), steering (149), unknown or other (78), body structure (69). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2013 Ford Flex have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Flex, including 13V227000 (fuel system) and 14V393000 (powertrain / transmission — axle assembly / axle shaft). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2013 Ford Flex compare with the 2012 and 2014 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2012 has 65 complaints and 2 recalls (solid); the 2014 has 249 complaints and 4 recalls (avoid). The 2013 has 580 complaints and 6 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2013 Ford Flex?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Ford Flex research
Other Ford Flex model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2013 Flex, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.