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2018 Ford Flex Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Ford Flex carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering rear and camera. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “B-pillar and A-pillar trim detachment.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign #25V732000 · Oct 24, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Ford Flex.

Reported to NHTSA

B-pillar and A-pillar trim detachment

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738522
“The trim on the driver's door broke in half causing it to fly into the traffic behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710136
“While driving on the Gerald R Ford Fwy in Michigan my driver side pillar with my key pad flew off and detached from my vehicle. Part flew off, hit the back window of my vehicle and almost hit another vehicle that was driving behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696174

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hankook Optimo tire vibration and chunking

WHEELS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2020-02

“MY FORD FLEX IS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES. AT APPROXIMATELY 9,500 MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309236
“HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRES CHUNKING AT 24100 MILES SEVERE ENOUGH TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289992

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera failure in reverse

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2026-05

“The backup camera on my Flex has stopped working. It displays a scrambled image or nothing at all and an error message saying the ‘camera is not available’. This is dangerous, as I could back up and injure someone”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682030
“The rearview camera for parking assistance displays a blank, distorted, or inverted image when in reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666716
“As stated in the current 2019 Ford Flex recall; the rear camera system either flickers intermittantly or does not work at all - leaving a significant blind spot at the rear of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633684

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

APIM/SYNC 3 module failure disabling audio and camera

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11 → 2025-12

“APIM or SYNC 3 malfunction. Navigation failure and not working properly alerts, clock in car not set correctly and won’t allow owner to fix it, no audio at all, no panel touch tones, popping/cracking intermittent throughout car, Bluetooth connection drops, slow glitching screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705823
“Audio throughout the entire vehicle are malfunctioning as well as the reverse camera malfunction. This has caused a collision the 11th of October”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697154
“Rear camera malfunctioned screen showed “camera not available” didn’t alert any noise or warnings and a tree hovered slightly into parking spot and smashed in my rear window. Audio inside car malfunctioned as well (no musics, etc) and the touch pad tones stopped making sound”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension toe link fracture

SUSPENSION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2026-05

“Wile driving 40 mph, the right rear tire locked up and I had to counter steer aggressively to avoid spinning out and hitting oncoming traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740622
“The Left driver side rear suspension toe link broke on expressway, resulting in loss of control had to aggressively steer out of a spin”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691272
“There is a recall 20s04. I was told my car is outside the building date. However, the toe bar snapped”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624362

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of steering control

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2024-04

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584056
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE (IT WAS IN MOTION), ON HWY 290 (NEAR MANOR, TX), THE STEERING ON OUR 2018 FORD FLEX SEIZED UP AND THE CAR WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383237
“STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN NOV. 2018 IT HAD ABOUT 60MILES ON IT AND WAS THE LAST FLEX ON THE LOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2023-03

“The vehicle proceeded to run the red light and hit the front passenger side of my vehicle at a high rate of speed and sent my 2018 Ford Flex spinning through the intersection. Not a single airbag went off in my vehicle, that is terrifying to me being a father of 3 young children”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510323
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297344

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

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)

4 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2018 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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