2019 Ford Flex Reliability
The 2019 Ford Flex has 261 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about backup camera / back-over prevention and body structure. Compared with nearby Flex model years (2017–2019), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Flex's typical year, while the 2017 has a cleaner record.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
261
NHTSA owner complaints
4
Recall campaigns
4
Complaints citing a crash
0
Complaints citing a fire
2019 Ford Flex complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 model year, filed between 2019 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 147 | 56% |
| Body structure | 59 | 23% |
| Unknown or other | 54 | 21% |
| Electrical system | 23 | 9% |
| Visibility / wipers | 12 | 5% |
| Engine | 6 | 2% |
| Suspension | 6 | 2% |
| Lane departure | 4 | 2% |
2019 Ford Flex recalls
4 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2019 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V548000 | Aug 20, 2018 | Electrical system — alternator/generator/regulator | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc. |
| 24V951000 | Dec 20, 2024 | Backup camera / back-over prevention — sensing system / camera | 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. |
| 25V695000 | Oct 14, 2025 | Backup camera / back-over prevention — sensing system / camera | 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… |
| 25V732000 | Oct 24, 2025 | Body structure — body | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving. |
How the 2019 compares with nearby Flex years
Verdicts compare these Flex model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 42 | 4 | Unknown or other | Solid |
| 2018 | 69 | 3 | Unknown or other | Solid |
| 2019 (this page) | 261 | 4 | Backup camera / back-over prevention | Avoid |
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 2019 Ford Flex
- Backup camera: shift into reverse and make sure the image comes up quickly and clearly every time.
- Body: look under the car for rust or damaged subframe and rocker areas, and check panel gaps for signs of repair.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Visibility: test the wipers at every speed, washers, defrosters and the climate system (fogging is a common complaint).
- Recalls: confirm each of the 4 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 2019 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.
2019 Ford Flex reliability FAQ
Is the 2019 Ford Flex reliable?
The 2019 Ford Flex has 261 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about backup camera / back-over prevention and body structure. Compared with nearby Flex model years (2017–2019), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Flex's typical year, while the 2017 has a cleaner record.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Flex problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Flex are backup camera / back-over prevention (147), body structure (59), unknown or other (54), electrical system (23). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2019 Ford Flex have recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2019 Ford Flex, including 18V548000 (electrical system — alternator/generator/regulator) and 24V951000 (backup camera / back-over prevention — sensing system / camera). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2019 Ford Flex compare with the 2018 and 2020 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2018 has 69 complaints and 3 recalls (solid). The 2019 has 261 complaints and 4 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2019 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 2019 Flex, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.