Suspension Problems of Ford Flex - part 1

The left driver side rear suspension toe link broke on expressway, resulting in loss of control had to aggressively steer out of a spin. Car was undrivable and had to have towed and repaired, had passenger side rear suspension toe link go bad in December of 2024. Repair documentation available upon request.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Flex 🔎.

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding multiple premature and potentially safety-related failures on my 2019 Ford Flex, purchased new on 11/25/2019. These include: ?? 1. Rear suspension / rear toe link concern although my vehicle is not included in Ford’s rear toe link recall (20s62), it is experiencing the same symptoms: rear-end instability and drifting uneven or premature rear tire wear clunking or loose feeling from the rear suspension I have an appointment scheduled for August 6, 2025 to inspect the rear toe bar links, as I suspect they are defective or misaligned — the exact condition the recall addresses. ?? 2. Water pump failure the engine water pump failed before 100,000 miles, requiring a full replacement. This is a known issue in several Ford engines, and repair was required out-of-pocket despite the vehicle being well maintained. ?? 3. Exterior trim detachment multiple exterior trim pieces detached from the vehicle while driving, posing a road hazard to myself and others. These parts did not appear to be securely fastened from the factory. ?? 4. Premature tire wear rear tires wore out far earlier than expected — possibly linked to suspension or alignment issues, including the toe link concerns mentioned above. ? 5. Ongoing electrical failures since August 2022, I have had to return to the dealership multiple times for electrical system issues: 8/3/2022 11/2/2022 2/14/2024 these included battery/electrical drain issues and warning system malfunctions, which affect the vehicle’s reliability and safety. These problems began less than 3 years after purchasing the car new. These issues raise serious concerns about the overall build quality and long-term safety of the 2019 Ford Flex. I am concerned that my vehicle may have: been excluded from critical recalls, despite showing identical failure patterns undergone multiple early mechanical and electrical repairs developed safety-related defects that compromise both driver & public safety.

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I have a 2014 Ford Flex. My axle shaft came undone while driving. My Ford Flex was manufactured 07 of 13 my mechanic said that there's a recall for your front axle shaft on the passenger side and it falls within the guidelines of the affected vehicles but Ford says that it's not covered. My VIN was never added to the recall and it’s the same exact issue that the others had for that year.

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Subject: request for review: 2017 Ford Flex rear suspension toe link failure outside recall VIN range NHTSA I am writing to formally request a review and consideration of my vehicle's eligibility for recall 20v072000 (Ford recall 20s04), which addresses rear suspension toe link fractures on 2013-2018 Ford Flex models. My vehicle is a 2017 Ford Flex, and it recently experienced a failure of the right rear toe link, consistent with the failure mode described in the recall. However, after contacting my local Ford dealership (rowe Ford, westbrook, me) and the Ford motor company, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the recall coverage. I had the right rear toe link repaired and paid for it. I am concerned that the same issue could occur in my left rear toe link, so I am working to have that part preemptively replaced at my own expense. I believe that the exclusion of my vehicle by VIN may be inappropriate for the following reasons: 1. Model year and component match: my Flex falls well within the model years (2013-2018) covered by the recall, and the failed part is the exact component under scrutiny. 2. Failure occurred during normal driving conditions and almost caused an accident. 3. Ford's recall criteria appear overly narrow, possibly omitting vehicles that still contain defective parts, like my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether the VIN range for this recall should be expanded to include additional vehicles like mine that have experienced identical part failures with potential life threatening safety concerns. I have uploaded invoices from my local dealership repair facility. One invoice is for the work to replace the failed right rear toe link and the other is for preemptive replacement of the left rear toe link that I chose to commission on my own.

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Without warning, the vehicle's power steering stopped working in an intersection while turning. The hazard lights came on automatically and I used my full body strength to steer the car out of the intersection. Inspection showed a computer module failure within the steering rack. Because the computer module is built into the steering rack, the whole steering rack needed to be replaced. This was a critical repair and cost over $3500.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Flex 🔎.

There is a recall 20s04. I was told my car is outside the building date. However, the toe bar snapped. What do I do to get my car entered into the recall, as this is the exact problem it was recalled for.

I was driving down the road, heard a pop, fishtailed then rolled over 1. 5 times into a ditch. A rear suspension part broke, indicated by groves made at the scene and camber of tire after accident. The rollover could have seriously injured myself or my passenger. The police report refers to a mechanical failure. No warning signs from the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was fishtailing, causing the contact to lose control of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was causing the tires and brakes to wear out prematurely, and had caused the tires to cave in. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v393000 (power train); however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

I was driving around 55 and suddenly lost control and fish tailed to the right, then to the left over the center line, then back to the right. Luckily no other vehicles on the road. The rear driver side toe link broke. I discovered there's a recall for this exact problem with the exact possible worst case scenario that I went through. [Ford recall code: 2oso4] this recall includes "2013-18 Ford Flex and Lincoln mkt vehicles built at oakville assembly plant, sept. 12, 2011, to June 1, 2017" my vehicle was manufactured at the same plant in 02/12 but for some reason is not qualified. I think my 2012 model needs to be included in this recall, obviously. I talked with Ford dealer and Ford customer service and they said they would pass this info to NHTSA. I had both links replaced at a local mechanic and hope to get reimbursed in the future.

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While traveling at highway speeds 75+ a loud bang and then control of vehicle was hard to keep on road, swerved left then right, left rear quarter panel hit guard rail and caused car to spin around and went sideways and backwards down a 30 ft embankment. Fortunately did not roll. Left side tires came off of rims and damage to driver side door was done. Highway patrol had car towed to holding lot, where I then got car towed to my mechanic. The left side lateral stabilizer rod had broken due to rusted part, causing left rear wheel to go out of alignment. The rubber boot on the rod was attached, rust was internal would never had known about a problem. Had both lateral rods replaced tires re-balanced and alignment done.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Flex 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle with an unknown yellow warning light on the instrument panel. The contact's partner was called to the scene and upon inspection of the vehicle, both rear wheels were misaligned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured toe link. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) which was linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the recall. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and a case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Front tires look and stay really low no matter how much air is put in. It's leaking brake fluid. The emergency brake barley lock. Also transmission is horrible.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Flex 🔎.

Steering locked up lower control arm snapped at the ball joint where it's connected to cv axel. Sent my car into the rails and nearly. Killed me and my passenger.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 20 mph, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact met his daughter who had pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The contact noticed that both rear tires were toed outward. The rear passenger’s side tire was toed out more than the driver’s side. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,700.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle would fishtail while turning or switching lanes. The contact stated that the vehicle feels wobbly in the rear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic that stated that the tie rods were malfunctioning and needed replacement. The independent mechanic informed her of a recall that relates to the issue. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension). The contact stated that the manufacturer was not notified of the failure however, the dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Unknown I was on the highway during dry conditions, and very suddenly fishtailed and swerved into another lane. Caused an accident. Could have been much worse. Rear driver's side wheel is not facing forward - tow driver says looks like a broken toe link. Insurance company has possession of the vehicle and will likely total the car, with no inspection by a repair shop.

The front end suspension club is very hard when towing and seems to be harder to steer while under load. Fists says there is nothing wrong but there is a substantial clunk when towing.

The cars rear toe link broke while driving. It cause the vehicle to go out of control and wreck I to the guard rail. Another motorist hit the car as it was wrecking. The local Ford dealership confirmed that the rear toe link failed and replaced them with redesigned ones that are safer. I had to pay for this repair, the tow charges and my insurance is fixing the other car that hit me.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the suspension suddenly failed causing the rear end of the vehicle to become unstable and the vehicle fishtailed. The driver was able to drive to the side of the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence and upon inspection it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side toe link had fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 57,000.

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. Vehicle swerved uncontrollably to right at approximately 45 degrees, then began slow drift to left during which I was finally able to regain control by applying throttle pressure and torque to front wheels to pull it forward. This fortunately occurred on a multi-lane roadway with no other traffic to either side of vehicle. No insurance claim has been filed as vehicle was otherwise undamaged during this event, but it was towed to vogler Ford, carbondale, IL, where it remains in their service lot. It is available for inspection. I do not know if they have discussed this situation with any Ford motor CO. Personnel.

Vehicle was shaking in the rear area for some time at highway speeds. I took the vehicle in to the local tire shop to get the alignment checked. After that the vehicle still shook. I took the vehicle back to the tire shop and the alignment was already off quite a bit in the back tires. I took the vehicle in to the local Ford dealership and was informed that the rear passenger toe link was cracking. This was replaced and the vehicle still shakes/vibrates a little bit at highway speeds. After tire rotation ,the vibration is getting better. The toe link had caused the tires to wear down inconsistently, which caused the secondary vibration.

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger's side wheels went to left while turning left; however, the rear driver's and passenger's side wheels were going in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Awd indicator states off while driving at times without warning. Also leaking sludge. Now need to replace ptu and Ford awd vehicles are known for this issue. . . Needs to be recalled as system can fail and explode. . This is supposed last the lifetime of the vehicle and is not set up for maintenance causing the system to fail. I am replacing with a unit that can be serviced every 30k miles. This is a safety issue.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph the steering wheel felt like it slipped. There were also unknown noises from the steering wheel when turned left. The brake warning light was illuminated on the panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with the NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension). The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

The vehicle was repaired under recall 20v-072. This was for the rear suspension toe link. The replacement rear suspension toe link on the right side has cracked. This was discovered when the right rear wheel was removed for tire replacement. I have a photo of the failed toe link part.

While driving around February 20th, 2022 we started swerving uncontrollably and almost ran into the curb and flipped while going about 40 mph. My husband put on breaks but it felt like we were sliding on ice. . . . Without any ice on the road. We almost flipped and were very shaken, and lucky. We got vehicle to firestone and they said our left rear toe link had broke. Supposedly our vehicle year is not part of the recall, I think it should be. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Flex 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel suddenly jerked to the left causing the vehicle to fishtail and cross the median line. After regaining control of the steering, the driver was able to safely park on the side of the road. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear driver’s side wheel was angled outward and out of position. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer was diagnosed that the rear toe link had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,150.

I am writing you in regards to NHTSA # 20v-072, Ford recall # 20s04. I own a 2012 Ford Flex. It was not included in this recall. The recall included Ford Flex years 2013 through 2018. Though my SUV wasn’t included in the recall for the defective toe links, my SUV’s toe links were found to be defective on June 1, 2015 at taylor Ford in michigan. At that time my vehicle had 56,071 miles on it and was still under warranty. My toe links were replaced with part 5a972 which is the same part that is now the cause of Ford recall 20s04. On 11-6-21 we took my SUV, with 96,930 miles, into belle tire for brake work and tire rotation. At that time we were told that the toe links were defective and needed to be replaced and that my tires were bad and needed replacement too. The tires and toe links had been replaced at Ford 40,859 miles prior! at this point we investigated and found the recall for the toe links. We had never been notified by Ford even though part 5a972 which was later found to be defective, had been put on our SUV in 2015. A Ford part employee has confirmed that this part is defective. The defective part is a welded part and the part Ford is using to replace this part is a forged part. Defective toe links are very dangerous. The defect can cause loss of steering/control of SUV. I have contacted multiple levels of Ford customer care with no response and no assistance offered. My SUV is currently at a Ford service center waiting for Ford to respond so that my SUV can be repaired. I'm unable to drive while waiting because this is very dangerous. It is also very expensive to repair.

The contact owns a 2014ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 45mph when the contact heard a noise coming from the vehicle and shortly after lost control of the vehicle resulting in the contact hitting a parked vehicle with no air bags deploying. There were 3 injuries the son and daughter sustained bruising over arms and legs. The mother sought medical treatment and sustained injuries to the back. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot then towed to an insurance lot where it is awaiting diagnosis. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Toe link snapped. Driver rear. . Then passenger rear a few weeks later. The driver almost lost control of vehicle.

On 7-28-21, the right rear toe link broke while I was driving, the wheel was sticking out and could not be driven. I have the old broken part and loose part. On 7-30-21, I had the broken part on right rear replaced and the left rear part was loose and replaced also. As far as safety goes, it had to be towed to shop to get off the road, and could not drive. On 6-17-21, I took my car to tom holzer Ford in farmington hills, mi, to be inspected, because I was hearing a clunking noise on the right back side of the vehicle. After the serviceman at tom holzer test drove the car, they informed me the steering and suspension were okay. I have the paperwork stating it was okay. I have been leasing this car for 3 years and was now going to buy the car after my lease was done. I took it in to make sure, if there was a problem, it would be taken care of under 3 year warranty. I purchased the Flex on 7-19-21. And on 7-28-21, the toe link broke. I was not told that I should have taken it to a Ford dealer, if something broke. But I did ask my salesman, at the time I bought the car, if they would take care of the problem, if something broke in the near future. He said to contact him, and he would see what would they could do. I had to pay $95. 00, to tow it 5 miles, to white lake auto repair, which is 1 mile from my house. The total of the repair was $485. 00, completed on 7-30-21. The service manager, at tom holzer, said Ford will not reimburse me. He said I should have brought the car to their dealership. My husband worked for Ford for 42 years. We have been a loyal Ford family all these years, and have never had a problem like this. Being that I had the car checked out before the 3 year warranty, and the service department said it was okay, I feel I should be reimbursed for the repair, whether I took it to them, or to a repair shop near my home, which we totally trust. Also, there were no warning lights or messages that came on in the car.

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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated the alarm and sensors were activated without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 144,284. Parts distribution disconnect.

Tl the contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called rusty eck Ford (7310 e kellogg Ave, wichita, KS 67207, (316) 685-9211) to confirm that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.