Ford Escape vs Ford Flex
For 2008–2020 models, the Ford Flex has 61.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 67.8 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2008–2020), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
67.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Ford Flex
- Complaints
- 22,163
- Sold
- 3,270,750
- Recall campaigns
- 63
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2020. Fewest: 2012 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Ford Flex
61.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 1,897
- Sold
- 309,209
- Recall campaigns
- 14
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2013–2014 and 2019. Fewest: 2008, 2012, 2017 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 66,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 55,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 57,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 96,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 87,198 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Ford Flex?
For 2008–2020 models, the Ford Flex has 61.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 67.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Flex?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Flex is driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration, typically around 66,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Ford Flex years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2020; Ford Flex: 2013–2014 and 2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.