2012 Ford Flex recalls and problems
The 2012 Ford Flex has 2 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ford Flex vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Ford Flex recalls
Recall 16V-247: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Recall 15V-340: Steering
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
2012 Ford Flex problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 25 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Service Brakes | 8 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 4
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Ford Flex complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Flex years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Ford Flex have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Ford Flex: 16V-247 (air bags), 15V-340 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Flex?
Owners report steering problems most often (25 reports), followed by engine (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.