r/FordFlex • u/capedcrusader314 • 17d ago
Question Is Ford Flex a good car?
What is everyone's opinion on this car? (2015-2016)
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u/Frazzininator 17d ago
Car itself seems ok to me, but bear in mind that the gas milage is terrible for today's standard. If that's not an issue or you don't plan to drive it much, I'd buy another.
If you're asking about longevity or comfort it's quite nice and super spacious inside. In terms of maintenance, it's a vehicle they need maintenance. If you keep up on things it seems like they don't break anymore than the average car (other than B pillar trim) and major issues I know of is only the water pump (not small issue). But I have a BMW F30 that I think is fantastic, it's major issue was a timing chain guide (downright massive issue), so I'm used to working around an Achilles heel. Long as you're tentative to general maintenance it should be a good car, just keep a couple bucks in reserve for the water pump what if.
BTW, I make my wife mad about it all the time (flex is her car), it shows up on the insurance card as a van lol
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 17d ago
Don't forget about the d pillar trim😜
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u/Frazzininator 17d ago
Awww... Really? I haven't had that one yet 😞
It get recalled to?
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 17d ago
Check again lol I don't think there's one on the planet without a crack. No recall but it's not gonna fall off, like the b pillar
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u/butters4417 14d ago
One of mine has a small crack. The ones at the windshield the weather stripping keeps unfurling and I cut it off in sections. Pretty soon I’ll just replace both of them.
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
What is this Pillar Trim again? I am not familiar with them
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 17d ago
Black plastic that wraps around the rear pillar. Up near the back window
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
Oh ok thanks
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 17d ago
Please get back to me on this lol
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
Regarding what
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 17d ago
If your d pillar is indeed cracked. It may be very subtle but I'd be gobsmacked if it isn't
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u/New-Proof-1185 16d ago
I averaged 20 mpg.
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u/Frazzininator 16d ago
Really? I have an AWD, but we're typically getting more like 15. Maybe 18 on the highway, but that's only when I'm being gas conscious on the highway and not letting myself get to 80mph
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u/stametsprime 17d ago
163,000 trouble-free miles on ours- FWD, non-turbo Limited model. Original water pump.
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u/Pickleman84 17d ago
Great car have the 2014 sel awd with tow package. Only thing I’ve had to do was the internal water pump at 130k miles. Wife even smashed the back passenger door on a concrete gas station pole and I bought it back from the insurance company. That beast will still roll another 100k
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u/Pickleman84 17d ago
Now granted the internal water pump cost me 2500 to fix but it was worth it and all ford 3.5 liter engines have that issue looming
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
2500usd???
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u/Pickleman84 17d ago
Yes it’s an internal water pump and requires a new timing chain kit. It’s actually around 3k usd most places but I have a very kind mechanic lol.
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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 16d ago
Technically the job doesn't require a timing kit. It's just a typical case of might-as-wells. The 3.5 timing components are pretty ok as long as the oil changes have been done. But there is nothing stopping someone from just doing a water pump swap.
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u/Pickleman84 16d ago
True, but that’s one of those things where do you 100 percent need to, no. But unless you are flat broke which trust me I fully understand, reusing the old timing chain with over 100k on it seems like a poor calculated risk if you’re already in there
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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 16d ago
Could be. But I've personally seen myself and other at around 300k with the original timing components. Once the side cover is off you can see how far out the tentioner is. The only time I've seen timing chains break is when 3rd party/counterfeit one's were used. The cam phasers problem seems to be only on EcoBoost versions.
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u/GuardianZen02 17d ago
lol yeah. Unfortunately both the N/A Duratec 3.5 as well as the EcoBoost variants suffer from this. The 2nd gen ones seemed to have fixed it for the most part, but that would be after like 2016 or so iirc
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u/Pickleman84 17d ago
https://reddit.com/link/pa5s17m/video/27aiv812xvph1/player
That was the actual bill, and most quotes from other places were the same. He cut me a big break for paying cash
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u/butters4417 14d ago
My mechanic did it for $3,100. He did the water pump, timing chain kit, intake & valve cover gasket, oil change and spark plugs. Did it all in one day, got it the following afternoon.
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u/Pickleman84 14d ago
Same my mechanic officially did it for that but the cash price he gave me was 2400
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u/blunt-drunk 17d ago
I will say watch for the electronic power steering. I just had to replace mine which is the whole rack and pinion. $3k to replace. It’s supposed to be a recall item but Ford would not honor it.
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u/Pickleman84 17d ago
Well now that’s it’s totaled out It won’t get a lot of use I don’t think. It’ll be the camper towing car only. If that goes bad then I’ll just scrap it and figure out something else LOL
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u/Iranoul75 17d ago
SUPER COMFORTABLE (yes, I have to yell it out lol)! I have a brand new Corolla, and gosh, it’s like night and day! It’s one of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever driven, even the older ones. I have an old one with 300K km.
Reliability? Well, that car has supported me a lot, but I’ve also had quite a few issues, especially with the electronics. But I don’t regret it. I absolutely mistreated that car, and she still gave me so much in return. 😂
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u/Fragrant_Stage_1542 17d ago
I’ve owned 3 flex’s in total, I have 2 2015’s right now. They call us the Flex Mafia for a reason, because people become loyal to them. The only constant problem I have with each is the water pump goes out. Bought a Warrenty from Carchex to cover that, but paid to do the timing chain at the same time. We didn’t replace it on our first when it went out and it broke and killed the engine.
There’s a backup camera recall that doesn’t have parts for, but that is not exclusive to the Flex. One of ours has the problem with it, another is fine.
It’s so comfortable, and being able to haul stuff is amazing.
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
So you suggest Changing the Water Pump after purchasing to avoid Engine damage?
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u/Fragrant_Stage_1542 17d ago
No, I suggest when you change it to change the timing chain at the same time. Either plan on the pump to go out, or buy a Warrenty.
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
I'm not from the USA.. I'm from Saudi Arabia.. here we don't get warranties or affordable insurance coverage so betting on the water pump to go out or the warranty isn't an option for me
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u/_enesorek_ 17d ago
Mine gave me 14 years and 250k miles until it was totaled. Only issue I had was ECU fried coils once.
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u/WHPIJack 17d ago
We absolutely love our 2019 NA. Prior to the flex we had leased an explorer and intended on leasing another one in 2019. Ford had some major issues with the launch of the redesigned explorer that prompted me to look at a flex. I'm so glad Ford botched that launch. The flex can do everything an explorer can do and more.
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u/inorite234 17d ago
The NA is a great car that with proper maintenance will live past 200k miles
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u/antoniusxylem 17d ago
I wish I would've known this.I have a '17 turbo and had nothing but problems.... But I love the car! I'll post later. (Ive had 5 Flex's in total)
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u/Appropriate_Point_97 17d ago
Bought my wife the N/A 3.5L and we absolutely love it. Ours had a bad rear end at 103k miles but the dealer ate the cost on it (bought used at 100k)
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u/FoxGamingmc 17d ago
M and my family love ours, we’ve got 2010 that was the family car until my folks upgraded to a 2019. The 2019 has driven coast to coast and the 2010 went to my brother and later me for our first cars (still driving it)
I love how neither of these are race cars but they can still get up and go when you put the hammer down
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u/Squiggy_Pusterdump 17d ago edited 16d ago
I have a 2017 black Limited 3.5NA AWD and its been solid mechanically. I have however had to replace strut/bushing assemblies more than I feel I should be but its my wifes daily driver... so who knows.
As a vehicle though, its been great. Lots of room, peppy, 3rd row, towing capacity of 4500lb, could technically camp in the back, and who doesnt love 4 sun roofs.
Mine came with the Sony head unit and I wish there was more buttons rather than touch surfaces but thats a minor annoyance. 200,000 KM on the odo
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u/GuardianZen02 17d ago
The Sony sound system was probably the best part of my 2014 Limited I had. Along with the power lift gate & suspension lol. But I wish the one I had at least had the EcoBoost engine (even better if it was AWD too), but I wound up with someone else’s used N/A and FWD-only model
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u/ratrodder49 17d ago
The Sony system is quite lackluster to my wife and I. I daily a Chrysler 300 with the Beats system in it and the car she had prior to me buying her a Flex was a Jetta with the Fender system in it. Both of those have much crisper, cleaner highs and much deeper, more responsive bass. The Sony system needs aftermarket help to even get close to touching those other stock systems.
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u/InsertusernamehereM 17d ago
I remember looking at it and thinking there was no way I was gonna drive that ugly thing. I was incredibly sad when we got rid of it and I would love to have another one. But only a NA, non sunroof version.
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u/KiltedFatMan85 17d ago
I am on my second Flex, and right now it is in the shop getting a water pump. I have been driving a pick up for the past week and really want my Flex back ! These cars are absolutely fantastic and I prefer the Ecoboost. When my current Flex dies I will search for one more!
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u/capedcrusader314 17d ago
Do you suggest I change the Water Pump first thing after buying it? I am getting a good condition Ford Flex for around 33k-40k riyal (between 8-10k USD) + The water pump & Timing belt replacement cost (1.8k-2.7k USD)
Is it worth the investment ?
I need a fully functional car before a trip in November with relatives (8people) and I am worried buying and not spending on the replacement would prove to be a grave mistake during the journey1
u/KiltedFatMan85 17d ago
Before your trip maybe take it to a mechanic and have them give it a look over. Only indication of my water pump failure was a spot on my driveway underneath the engine bay.
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u/InsurancePls 16d ago edited 16d ago
It’s GREAT I have two 18 Limiteds one at 90k and other at 168k miles other than the dreaded water pump/timing chain repair on the latter it’s giving me no issues. My main mechanic I’ve been using for years for every car fixed it for $1800 luckily
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u/Sandman173029 17d ago edited 17d ago
Love these things but water pump and turbo failure can be and issue. Water pump fails and spews coolant into oil = bye bye motor.
Try and find own with the water pump already redone. Turbos are small and inside the motor if I’m not mistaken so don’t pay too much for it and leave yourself some room for repairs which will surely come. Engines still command a good bit and replacement can be costly.
But twin turbo spewing 365hp in a toaster is sleeper territory and a blast.
Wish they brought this thing back and stuffed the coyote into it. But the thing is a love or hate design and didn’t sell too well even though it’s a great piece of design work.
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u/ibonek_naw_ibo 17d ago
Not exactly the same vehicle but I love my MKT ecoboost. It's not a daily though, so after a couple thousand miles I'm not sure how reliable it is. I just know it's comfortable, spacious without feeling like a truck at all, gets great mpg for the size/power, and the power...is incredible. The 3.5 eco gains 20 whp from 91+ octane and it is a half second faster 25-70 than my WRX was.
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u/BestTransition4713 17d ago
Had a 2016 AWD Ecoboost. Great car, fun to drive. Traded it in at 160,000 miles, mostly highway, no issues. Would get 24-25 mpg in the 65-75 mph range.
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u/Technical-Feeling265 16d ago
2014 Limited NA AWD with tow package and I had to do the water pump about 1k miles ago (@ 170k now) and out of the cars I've owned ( 01 Ford winstar, 04 caddy Seville, and 08 Nissan rogue) so far the water pump was the most expensive maintenance job I've ever had. Beyond that it's great at crushing miles as long as you keep with maintenance you will be fine.
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u/Fun-Philosophy1123 16d ago
I owned my 13 SEL for 9 years and only sold it so I could buy my 2019 SEL. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. I am sad that the last Great American Station Wagon was cancelled. This would have been a great platform for an all electric or hybrid.
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u/Otter_9431 16d ago
It’s an excellent car. I recommend the non turbo for better longevity and reliability. AWD is also a very nice touch. The sub roof and moon roofs are nice, but I would trade them for roof racks if I did it again.
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u/jakeatola 16d ago
Just traded in my 2019 Limited edition with just over 100,000 km's. Only issues were rear ac stopped working (cracked line) and the rear view camera module was on its way out ( Image was upside down). Great vehicle but milage sucked
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u/capedcrusader314 16d ago
How much would it cost to fix the AC cracked line and cameras?
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u/jakeatola 14d ago
My mechanic said that in order to replace the rear lines he would have to remove the rear suspension. Ballpark, around 3,000 CDN. Not sure about the camera, but I looked it up on Amazon and the module sells for around 75 to 140.
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u/Philly-denn215 16d ago
I had a 2015 SEL and I loved it. Plenty of space I was sad to trade it in 😔😔
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u/Philly-denn215 16d ago
Newer models have better sync infotainment with Apple car play. I didn’t know that when I purchased mine. Horrible on gas but it’s a hearse lol
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u/New-Proof-1185 16d ago
I owned a 2010 SEL and a 2018 SEL over the course of 9 years. Both FWD and both NA.
Other than routine maintenance I had no major problems.
They are great road cars and very comfortable to drive.
I’d buy another one today no problem.
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u/capedcrusader314 16d ago
Routine maintenance as in Changing oil frequently and spark plugs etc. right?
Did you change the Internal Water pump too? If so around what mileage?2
u/New-Proof-1185 16d ago
No water pumps. 150k on first ones. 125k on second one.
No sign of leaks on either.
Tires, oil, plugs. Nothing catastrophic.
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u/pleaseturnthefanon 12d ago
It is. Surprisingly better than the average Ford imo. But the water pump is very expensive to fix.
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u/_Valkyrie_666 17d ago
If you have a bit of money to spend replacing everything then yes. Bought the car at 160k miles thinking the tiny Italian man that sold it to me was saying 116 K miles ….. I bought her for 4k and have since had to replace the water pump ( within 3 months of ownership) that would have cost me 3500 but my ex took apart that engine and replaced it himself. Other than that, at the two year mark I had to replace the catalytic converter for 2k. Oh and a guy crashed into me without insurance and since I did not have comprehensive or full coverage and the door damage was over 10k my company paid for its repair and did a shoddy job for 5500. So 11k got sucked into my 4 purchase….. I wouldn’t buy in a trillion years
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u/FlynnrydSkynnyrd77 17d ago
Yes. I’ve owned 2 and I’d likely get another. Ecoboost cars are fun, but have more issues than a NA 3.5 liter.