no report yet
Structure: body
Risk. Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Ford FlexProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 69 owner complaints about the 2018 Ford Flex, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-695 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Ford Flex has problems
69 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Structure
14Back over prevention2 crash/fire/injury
12Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
9Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
2Steering
2Wheels
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Lane departure
2Power train
64 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 19 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 14 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 4 |
| Suspension | 9 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 6 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 Ford Flex recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Flex year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Flex median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Ford Flex safety ratings
2018 Ford Flex SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Ford Flex, and the recalls they led to.
- B-Pillar Trim DetachmentLed to recall 25V-732
In owners' words
What Flex owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V829000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and had replaced the part on three separate occasions. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would appear blank and other times the camera not available warning message would display. The contact received…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V732000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver-side B-pillar trim with the Security Key…
Own a 2018 Flex?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.