Is the 2014 Ford FLEX reliable?

The 2014 Ford FLEX has 323 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Ford FLEX?

Top problems: STEERING (66 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (56 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (49 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Ford FLEX?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, SEATS, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT, SUSPENSION:REAR. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Ford FLEX?

The 2014 Ford FLEX gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2014 Ford FLEX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 Ford FLEX is approximately $1,617/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2014 Ford FLEX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2014 Ford FLEX has 323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 178. The most common issue is steering problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford flex. while driving approximately 20 mph, the steering wheel locked up and made a loud grinding noise while being turned. there were no warning indicators. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and recommended that the steering module needed . There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 11 crash reports 9 injuries

323

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

66 complaints

20%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE BEING TURNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED
• AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE STEERING GEAR DISABLES ELECTRIC POWER-STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING, MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. RECEIVED A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED" WARNING. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING N ABOUT 50 MPH ON I-95 IN JARRETT, VA. ON MAY 27, 2016.
• POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND WE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. *TR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE BEING TURNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Ford FLEX

Based on 210 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 65K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 36K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 78K mi · 44 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 57K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 47K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 64K mi · 38 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 71K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25/08/2016

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 Cost Calculator for 2014 Ford FLEX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Ford FLEX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,617

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1617

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford FLEX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2014 FLEX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 323 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FLEX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE BEING TURNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS PUTTING OUR 20 MONTH OLD SON IN VEHICLE. SHE PLACED HER PURSE WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY FOB INTO CAR AND CLOSED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. SHE FOUND THE VEHICLE NOW ENTIRELY LOCKED AT ALL DOORS AND WOULD NOT OPEN DESPITE THE KEY FOB BEING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT IS BELOW FREEZING OUTS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FLEX. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,539.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON SIDE OF ROAD, ON AN INCLINE FACING UPHILL, WITH ENGINE RUNNING. 2 ADULT PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE. WITHOUT NOTICE VEHICLE BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. PASSENGER TURNED WHEEL IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP VEHICLE ON CURB. CENTER CONSOLE PREVENTED PASSENGER FROM BEING ABLE TO ACCESS VEHICLE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)