Whether you see the Ford Flex as a shoebox or as the grooviest thing on four wheels, it has definitely lasted longer than most first thought it would. However, just because it has disproven the naysayers doesn’t mean it’s not without its issues.
Are there any water pump recalls on the Ford Flex?
As of September 2020, none are related to the water pump. However, there are a few others you should know about:
- Alternator and starter cables may be loose
- Rear suspension toe links may fracture
- Oil leak from turbocharger
- Fuel pump malfunction may cause engine stall
- Parking brake may not fully engage
While there may not be any water pump problems on the Flex, the ones we just mentioned are currently affecting other Flex owners right now. Are you 100% sure yours isn’t affected? Let’s look at each of these recalls in detail and then show you how to see if your Flex is included.
Alternator and Starter Cables May Be Loose
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V548000
Ford recalled some 2019 Ford Flex vehicles in August of 2018 due to its electrical system. This small number of vehicles had power supply cables in the starter and the alternator that did not have a properly secured design.
This can lead to an electrical arc occurring.
In situations where these cables were not secured properly, the electrical arc can occur randomly. This can cause an increase in the risk of fire.
To fix this, Ford alerted all owners. They had the vehicle owners bring the cars into the dealership to inspect the starter and alternator power supply cables.
This ensured they were secured properly. If not, they corrected the problem. These repairs began in September of 2018.
Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V072000
Ford recalled 2013 through 2018 Ford Flex vehicles and other models for a problem with the suspension system in February of 2020. In these vehicles, the rear suspension toe links may fracture.
This occurs due to the increased stress on the rear suspension system.
Ford alerted that if the fractured rear toe link occurred, this could lead to the vehicle suddenly changing in its handling. This can increase the risk of an accident occurring.
Ford let owners know of this problem and had the dealerships replace the rear suspension toe links. This repair took a bit more time because new parts were not readily available.
It is expected that repairs will occur in September of 2020.
Oil Leak from Turbocharger
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V925000
In December of 2016, Ford recalled the 2016 and 2017 Ford Flex and other models due to a problem with the engine and engine cooling system.
This impacted only those vehicles with a 3.5L GTDI engine in them. In these vehicles, improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil. This leak can occur on engine components.
Should an oil leak like this happen onto hot engine components or near another ignition source, it can increase the risk of a fire. This creates an accident and injury risk.
Ford let Ford Flex owners know about the problem in the recall. They then inspected the system in each vehicle and replaced the turbocharger oil supply tubes as needed. These repairs occurred starting in January of 2017.
Fuel Pump Malfunction May Cause Engine Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V621000
In August of 2016, Ford recalled the 2013 through 2015 Ford Flex with a 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engine. A problem with the vehicles’ fuel systems was determined. In these cars, a part within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may lead to overheating.
This can cause a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump itself.
In situations where a driver is operating the vehicle, and an overheating occurs, this can cause a loss of power to the fuel pump. This can lead to the engine stalling out, increasing the risk of an accident.
It may also lean to the vehicle not starting, which can increase the risk of a crash.
To fix this problem, Ford alerted owners to bring vehicles in for an inspection. Dealerships inspected the fuel PEM component to determine the part number.
If it was an impacted part, they replaced the fuel PEM. These repairs began in December of 2016.
Parking Brake May Not Fully Engage
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V464000
In July of 2015, Ford alerted of a problem with the parking brake on some models. This recall was for some 2015 Ford Flex vehicles made between May 4, 2015 and May 21, 2015. The parking brake may not properly engage when the driver places the car in the proper position.
Because of this problem, the vehicle fails to meet the requirements under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Braking System.”
In situations where the parking brake fails to engage fully, and the engine and transmission are in any gear other than “Park,” this can put the driver at risk. The vehicle may roll away. Injuries can occur, as can a crash.
To fix this problem, Ford alerted owners to bring their vehicles in for a repair of the parking brake system. They replaced the brake control assembly as needed. This began in September of 2015.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on the Ford Flex?
Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to learn about the Ford Flex recalls. Enter the VIN or the make, model, and year of the vehicle into the system. A list of recalls will display if there are any for your vehicle.
If there is a VIN available, the site will provide information about pending or uncompleted recall service calls. Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 to find out how to have these repairs taken care of quickly and properly if you own the vehicle.
