The 2010 Ford Flex carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering frontal. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering assist fault.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign #16V247000 · Apr 26, 2016
Issue: 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."
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Ford Flex.
STEERING
28 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2025-09
“On the road and power steering went out and was super hard to turn”
“POWER STEERING ASSIST AND ADVANCETRAC BOTH FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. IT IS SHOWING ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION SCREEN. THERE ARE NO CODES WITH A CODE READER”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2024-03
“THE CALIPER BROKE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, LEAVING MY BRAKE ENGAGED. HAD TO GET NEW CALIPERS, BRAKE PADS, AND ROTORS. THE CALIPERS WERE ON BACK ORDER FROM FORD FOR 2 WEEKS. *TR”
“2010 FORD FLEX FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE DUE TO GRINDING AND WEAR. BACK BRAKE CALIPERS AND BRAKES REPLACED DUE TO STICKING AND UNEVEN WEAR ON TIRES. *TT”
SUSPENSION
5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2024-04
“Rear suspension toe-link failure on left side. Incident occurred without any notice at speed of approximately 30-35 MPH on highway after pulling away from having stopped for traffic light at intersection”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE”
ENGINE
4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2019-10
“WE HAVE REPLACED THE TURBOS IN OR FORD FLEX ECOBOOST 5 TIMES WITHIN 2.5 YEARS!! THE FRONT AND REAR TURBOS BOTH JUST WENT AGAIN WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER!! WE WERE FINALLY TOLD BY A LINCOLN MECHANIC THE ISSUE IS A BAD/FAULTY OIL SEPERATOR MADE BY FORD”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURBOS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURBOS WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR, ALONG WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SOME SENSORS”
ENGINE
10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2023-10
“MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 45MPH. ENGINE HAS 108,000 MILES. NOW ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON US HWY 41 IN LAND O LAKE FL, REPAIR ESTIMATED AT $6500”
“WATER PUMP LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL, WHAT SHOULD BE A $500 AT MOST REPAIR IS GOOD TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF POOR WATER PUMP DESIGN”
AIR BAGS
5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2018-03
“SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER SIDE IMPACT. ONLY STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED”
“ON MARCH 11TH, THE FORD FLEX COLLIDED AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN AN EXPEDITION TURNED UNSAFELY LEFT IN FRONT OF THE WEST BOUND FLEX. ALTHOUGH THE AIR BAGS INFLATED, THEY QUICKLY DEFLATED BECAUSE OF TWO LARGE HOLES. SEE THE PHOTOS”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2012-04
“2010 FORD FLEX. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING PROBLEM WITH BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED WITH THE BRAKES ONLY HAPPENED FOR A SHORT TIME AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL HOURS”
“2010 FORD FLEX BAD BRAKE ISSUE. I LIVE AT HIGH ALTITUDE AND HAVE A FORD FLEX ECO BOOST THAT PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY UP UNTIL ABOUT 21K MILES WHEN WE HAD A BRAKE FAILURE, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR”
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2019-12
“THE CAR'S FUEL GAUGE WILL SUDDENLY DROP TO EMPTY AND THE CAR WILL RUN OUT OF FUEL. BY DOING SOME RESEARCH THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FLEX AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS”
“THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WE HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY TWO TIMES THE GAUGE WILL SAY 70 MILES TO EMPTY AND 30 SECONDS LATER GOES TO ZERO THE CAR RUNS OUT IF GAS IN THE CAR SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR I HAVE ALSO RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE STREET”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
12 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
9
complaints mentioning a crash
2
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Ford Flex reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.