Is the 2017 Ford FLEX reliable?

The 2017 Ford FLEX has 53 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford FLEX?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (13 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (13 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Ford FLEX?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SUSPENSION:REAR, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, STRUCTURE:BODY. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Ford FLEX?

The 2017 Ford FLEX gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Ford FLEX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Ford FLEX is approximately $1,758/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.

2017 Ford FLEX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford FLEX has 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 178. The most common issue is suspension problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford flex. the contact stated that while traveling at 45 mph, she depressed the brake pedal as she heard approaching police sirens. as the contact came to a complete stop, she was hit from behind by another vehicle and was thrust into the middle of an intersection. the ai. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

3 crash reports 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

13 complaints

25%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS SHE HEARD APPROACHING POLICE SIRENS. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS THRUST INTO THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE AI
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. SUBURBAN FORD OF STERLING HEIGHTS (40333 VAN DYKE AVE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313, (586) 434-0942) WAS CONTACTED AND IT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. 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 CROSSROADS FORD OF SOUTHERN PINES (1590 US-1, SOUTHERN PINES, NC 28387; 910) 692-8765) WHERE I

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS SHE HEARD APPROACHING POLICE SIRENS. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS THRUST INTO THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE AI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ford FLEX

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K 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+

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)

SUSPENSION:REAR10/02/2020

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 Cost Calculator for 2017 Ford FLEX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,182/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 2017 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

$1,758

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+5%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1758

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 2017 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

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 53 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS SHE HEARD APPROACHING POLICE SIRENS. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS THRUST INTO THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE AI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: LOSS OF POWER, RPM TOO HIGH FOR NORMAL SHIFTING UP TO 6 RPMS. CAT CONVERTER NOISE AFTER CAR SHUT OFF DUE TO GETTING TO HOT. FLUCTUATION RPM AT IDLE. OIL ON TOP OF VALVE COVER. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Component or System Failed: The rearview/backup camera system has failed. The image consistently displays upside down when the camera activates, and at times the camera does not turn on at all. The system remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD SHOWED DISTORTED VIEWS OF ABNORMAL OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CORWIN FORD LOCATED AT 1225 AUTO PLEX WAY, PASCO, WA 99301) FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE
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)