Ford Explorer vs Ford Flex
For 2008–2020 models, the Ford Explorer has 61.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 61.4 for the Ford Flex. 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 Explorer
61.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Ford Flex
- Complaints
- 14,379
- Sold
- 2,347,794
- Recall campaigns
- 67
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2009 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Ford Flex
61.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Ford Explorer
- 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 Explorer or the Ford Flex?
For 2008–2020 models, the Ford Explorer has 61.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Flex has 61.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 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 Explorer and Ford Flex years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016; 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.