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2015 Ford Flex Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Ford Flex carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and parking brake. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Back-over prevention camera failure.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #16V621000 · Aug 25, 2016

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #15V464000 · Jul 24, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V072000 · Oct 2, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V695000 · Oct 13, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ford Flex.

Reported to NHTSA

Back-over prevention camera failure

BACK OVER PREVENTION

34 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon reversing the vehicle the rearview camera display would display upside down and then display blank and no warning lights were illuminated, however the following warning message would display on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756966
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that on several occasions, while in reverse (R), the image was flipped upside down or the screen was blank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733962
“I am having the same issues that were recalled in the 2019 Ford Flex backup camera. My 2015 Ford Flex backup camera is malfunctioning, going black, flipping the image and flashing randomly. It has progressively gotten worse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686906

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension recall repair parts unavailable

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2021-07

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V072000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425005
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413089
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360614

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door ajar warning and latch failure

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2020-04

“FALSE AND PERSISTENT DOOR AJAR WARNING AND RELATED TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WARNING (WHEN IN MOTION)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133017
“DOOR LATCH FAILURE. NOTICED PROBLEM WITH DOOR AJAR LIGHT LIT FOR A COUPLE DAYS. SUBSEQUENT BATTERY DRAINING PROBLEMS. SEEMS DUE TO KEEPING LIGHTS ON IN CAR BECAUSE IT THOUGHT DOORS WERE OPEN EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SECURELY SHUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302861
“VEHICLE HAS OUTSIDE DOOR LOCK CONTROLS,BUILT INTO THE FRONT DOOR HANDLES. THESE ARE ACTIVATED BY SENSORS BUILT INTO THE HANDLES. OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS THE SENSORS HAVE INTERMITTENTLY.FAILED TO WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322199

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

19 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2025-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact state that while driving on two occasions at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became very stiff. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673311
“ON JULY 5, 2018 I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A CITY ROAD WHEN A WARNING LIGHT WITH THE WORDS "STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE REQUIRED" SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE STEERING STOPPED WORKING ALMOST ENTIRELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110069
“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, SEVERAL WARNINGS QUICKLY APPEARED ON THE DASH THEN SIMULTANEOUSLY ALL POWER STEERING FUNCTIONS STOPPED WORKING AND VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403435

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of power with wrench warning light

POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

21 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2025-01

“WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR 6-21-16 AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE CAR LOST POWER. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER ICON WAS DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876758
“WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH AND THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER - KNOWN AS "LIMP HOME" MODE. CODES CLEAR UPON RESTART. TOOK IT TO DEALER AFTER FREEWAY INCIDENT ON 2/17/19, DEALER FOUND NO CODES, STATED IT WAS MOTOR MOUNT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11184862
“OUR CAR HAS STALLED ON US 4 TIMES, ALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC. 1ST TIME AT NIGHT ON A RESIDENTAL STREET MOVING FORWARD, 2ND AND 3RD TIME WHILE ON A 40 MPH ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, 4TH TIME WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A MAIN ROAD MOVING FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump control module failure preventing start

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2023-01

“OUR 2015 FORD FLEX RECENTLY DIED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, WITH NO WARNING WHEN WE WERE DRIVING WITH OUR 2 YOUNG CHILDREN. THE FORD FLEX ONLY HAS ~45K MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166088
“FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM FAILURE. DIAGNOSTIC CONFIRMED WITH FORD DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500436
“IN OCTOBER 2018, OUR FORD FLEX WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN WE TRIED TO START IT AND IT DID A MINOR CRANK AND THEN NOTHING. IT WOULDN'T START OR DO ANYTHING. WORKED FINE THE NIGHT BEFORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222922

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire while driving

ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2017-07

“DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A CLUNK AND FELT A SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL. PULLED OVER TO CHECK VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAR SOON BECAME ENGULFED AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002837
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHICH WAS ON FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994006

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

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.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

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.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

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.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

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.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

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.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

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.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

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.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

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.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

8 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.

0

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 2015 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.

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