Makes›Ford›Flex›2013

2013 Ford Flex

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Ford Flex
Pictured: 2010 Ford Flex Limited 1 -- 11-25-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
5dr Cuv AWD Sel/Limited/Titanium, 5dr Cuv FWD Se/Sel/Limited
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
202 in
Curb weight
4,469–4,839 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints554 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 127 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Ford Flex is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 202 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,839 lb (5dr Cuv AWD Sel/Limited/Titanium).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 14% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Flex — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Flex →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr Cuv AWD Sel/Limited/Titanium202 in76 in67.7 in118.1 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,839 lb54/46
5dr Cuv FWD Se/Sel/Limited202 in76 in67.7 in118.1 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,469 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Flex FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+14%$3,350437
Flex AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+11%$3,550471
Flex AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+5%$3,700481
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.6 MPG2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Ford Flex.

Similar 2013 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Ford Flex (this car)20 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2013 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated11
2013 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated5
2013 Ford Expedition16 MPGNot rated0
2013 Nissan Pathfinder22 MPGNot rated11
2013 Dodge Durango19 MPGNot rated11

Recalls (6)

Suspension › Rear · Feb 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V072000 · 211,207 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Aug 25, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V621000 · 77,502 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V812000 · 868 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V340000 · 393,623 vehicles

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.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V393000 · 83,250 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
Fuel System, Gasoline · May 31, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V227000 · 390,783 vehicles

Problem
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Ford Flex is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

554Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
66,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System196
Steering143
Unknown Or Other76
Fuel/Propulsion System57
Structure › Body55
Exterior Lighting36
Engine31
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)24
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/05: 224/06: 324/08: 124/09: 124/10: 324/11: 124/12: 125/01: 325/02: 225/03: 125/04: 125/05: 125/06: 425/07: 425/08: 225/09: 325/10: 225/11: 225/12: 226/02: 226/03: 126/04: 126/05: 226/09: 224/0524/0924/1225/0325/0625/0925/1226/04max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Ford Flex buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 196 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Steering — 143 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 57 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Flex years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Flex19202 inNot rated4258
2018 Flex19202 inNot rated369
2017 Flex19202 inNot rated442
2016 Flex19202 inNot rated3101
2015 Flex20202 inNot rated4116
2014 Flex20202 inNot rated4244
2012 Flex19202 inNot rated252
2011 Flex19202 inNot rated2112
2010 Flex20202 inNot rated185
2009 Flex19202 inNot rated189

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →