2016 Ford Flex reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2016 Ford Flex — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 117
- 85 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- 20 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 3
- see below
- Reported harm
- 5 reported crashes · 3 injuries
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesComplaint rank
#3,767
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs Ford median
-220
median 338 across 514 Ford records
Vs 2014-2018
-180
median 298 complaints in 596 records
Top component share
17%
Electrical System: 20 complaints
What owners report fails — 2016 Ford Flex
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13
- BACK OVER PREVENTION 11
- SUSPENSION 10
- POWER TRAIN 8
3 recalls on record for the 2016 Ford Flex
- NHTSA 25V695000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CA A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing th
- NHTSA 20V072000 · 2020 · SUSPENSION:REAR A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 16V925000 · 2017 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLIN An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2016 Ford Flex
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2016 Ford Flex units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford Flex reliable?
NHTSA has 117 consumer complaints on record for the 2016 Ford Flex and 3 recalls. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (20 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2016 Ford Flex units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Flex?
Owners most often report problems with: electrical system (20), unknown or other (13), back over prevention (11), suspension (10). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2016 Ford Flex?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.