2011 Ford Flex Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Flex.

20102012
Complaints
174
Crashes
8
Fires
3
Injuries
17
Fatalities
3
Recalls
2

Worst 2011 Ford Flex Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#155 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:108,279 mi
Crash-related:1
#225 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:88,168 mi
#315 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:75,656 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Ford Flex.

Steering Defects
55
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
108,279
Engine Problems
25
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,168
Transmission / Drivetrain
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,656
Electrical Faults
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
66,344
Seat-Related Issues
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
50,327
Brakes
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
62,824
Engine & Cooling
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
46,276
Fuel System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
78,825
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
61,000
Automatic Transmission
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Child Seat
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Flex. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2011 Ford Flex

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~394,318 vehicles.

16V247000Air Bags:frontal
~695 affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

15V340000Steering:electric Power Assist System
~393,623 affected

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 equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Other Ford Flex Years

2011 Ford Flex — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2011 Ford Flex reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2011 Ford Flex has 174 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 55 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2011 Ford Flex?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (55 complaints, avg 108,279 mi); Engine Problems (25 complaints, avg 88,168 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (15 complaints, avg 75,656 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Ford Flex?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 87,324 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2011 Ford Flex?
NHTSA complaints for the 2011 Ford Flex include 8 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 17 injuries, and 3 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2011 Ford Flex have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 394,318 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2011 Ford Flex?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Ford Flex reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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