2017 Ford Flex Safety Report
2017 Ford Flex Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Ford Flex
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Ford Flex. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (37) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Ford Flex with 48 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Ford Flex before buying across this generation. |
Ford Flex Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Flex years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Flex | 48 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ford Flex | 76 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ford Flex | 187 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ford Flex | 93 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2017 Ford Flex Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Ford Flex, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlySuspension
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Ford onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper issues Ford onlyBack Over Prevention
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Ford onlySeat Belts
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Ford onlyStructure,Back Over Prevention
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure,Back Over Prevention issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Flex
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Flex receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Ford Flex
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Flex
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Flex:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rearview Camera System The rearview camera system in the 2017 Ford Flex has been recalled due to potential failure or distorted images, increasing the risk of back over accidents. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Structure A structural recall has been issued for the 2017-2019 Ford Flex, involving issues with the body structure that could affect vehicle safety. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention system, specifically the rearview camera, has been recalled due to potential failure or distorted images, increasing the risk of back over accidents. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Suspension Suspension issues, particularly with the rear suspension, have been reported, which can affect vehicle stability and handling. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Flex:
Issues with the rearview camera system, including failure and distorted images, are common.
Structural issues, particularly with the body, are reported.
Problems with the back over prevention system, including the rearview camera, are frequent.
Suspension issues, especially with the rear suspension, are reported.
Recall Details for the 2017 Ford Flex
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Ford Flex by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 servi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Consequence: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Ford Flex
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Ford Flex with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V732000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were ...
Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its own while the vehicle was parked. There have been occasions where I came outside and found the liftgate open overnight in my driveway. Thi...
My 2017 Ford Flex has an open safety recall for the rearview camera system (Ford Recall 25S49 / NHTSA Recall 25V695). The recall states the camera may display a blank image or show the message “Camera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My vehicle is actively experiencing this exact failure. The screen frequently displays “Camera Unavailable,” preventing the rearview camera safety...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was blank or inverted while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact s...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Flex. The contact stated that months after a routine service appointment with a local dealer, the rear-view camera failed to operate as designed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not available....
While driving down the highway the black door panel next to the window flew off from the front passenger door and the rear drivers side passenger door. These were not loose or of concern previous to this happening. My concern when this happened is that it would hit another driver's vehicle and damage it, or potentially cause an accident because I was on the highway. Had I been on our pedestrian s...
The rear seat belts come unbuckled. I was driving and about to get on a highway, and my children told me their seat belts unbuckled, another time it happened while I was driving in town. There's been a few others times too. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer to check it out. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No lights came on when the seat belt unbuckled. It has been happening on...
Back up camera has distorted image & blank screen
Backup camera frequently goes blank. I noticed an active recall for other ford vehicles and wanted to report I’m having the same issue with my 2017 ford flex, so I’m hoping the flexes will be added to the recall.
The backup camera failed in my 2017 Ford Flex. It has gotten worse over time and now doesn’t come on at all or just for a second or two. I get a blue screen of death most of the time. It makes it much unsafer to parallel park and backup into a parking spot. Every time I try to use it I get an error message saying the camera is not working. This message stay on the car screen until I press the ...
The rear-facing camera in the tailgate of my 2017 Ford Flex is defective and is experiencing the same issue included within the recent NHTSA Campaign # 25V572000. The fact that the 2017 Ford Flex is not included within the recall is highly suspect and should be investigated further. Our safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the driver could accidentally back up into an object or...
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: This malfunction severely impairs rear visibility when reversing, creating a significant safety hazard...
My back up camera not working blanking out dorstort screen
This be chile was purchased by me when living in the United States and imported when I moved back to Canada. The Rear Camera frequently shows as not working, goes blank or picture breaks up. It’s an on going problem, which makes parking and backing up problematic
When I go in reverse my camera suddenly turns off or goes upside down risking property damage and personal injury. It doesn't happen every time just out of know where.
Subject: Request for Review: 2017 Ford Flex Rear Suspension Toe Link Failure Outside Recall VIN Range To: NHTSA I am writing to formally request a review and consideration of my vehicle's eligibility for RECALL 20V072000 (Ford Recall 20S04), which addresses rear suspension toe link fractures on 2013-2018 Ford Flex models. My vehicle is a 2017 Ford Flex, and it recently experienced a failure ...
My car is making a weird popping noise accompanied by a slight jolt when it’s changing gears while driving. I was told the 2017 ford flexes where part of the campaign number 22S43 a recall affecting the 2017 Ford Flex primarily concerns a potential issue with the transmission shifter cable bushing, which could become damaged or missing, potentially preventing the transmission from properly shiftin...
My cv joints are popping I wanted to make sure this didn't have any recalls on it before I fixed it
Engine stopped turning while car was in motion, which shut the car down. An oil pump failure is suspected.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started wobbling. The contact then stated that the vehicle suddenly changed and drove as if the vehicle was merging, while intending to drive straight. The stability track warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension toe lin...
Showing 20 of 37 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Flex
Has the 2017 FORD FLEX been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 FORD FLEX has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 FORD FLEX have?
The 2017 FORD FLEX has 37 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD FLEX?
The 2017 FORD FLEX does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD FLEX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 FORD FLEX involve unknown or other (9 complaints), suspension (9 complaints), electrical system,unknown or other,visibility/wiper (2 complaints). Other affected components include back over prevention, seat belts, structure,back over prevention.
How many crash reports does the 2017 FORD FLEX have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2017 FORD FLEX out of 37 total complaints (5.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 FORD FLEX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 FORD FLEX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 FORD FLEX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 FORD FLEX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 FORD FLEX?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 FORD FLEX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 FORD FLEX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 FORD FLEX is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 37 complaints, 4 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 FORD FLEX?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 FORD FLEX are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), 2. SUSPENSION (9 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), 4. BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints), 5. SEAT BELTS (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 FORD FLEX?
Be aware of recalls related to the rearview camera and structure, and have these issues addressed promptly. The 2017 FORD FLEX has 37 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 FORD FLEX?
The 2017 FORD FLEX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 37 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Rearview Camera System and Structure.
What are the known issues with the 2017 FORD FLEX?
Known issues with the 2017 FORD FLEX include: Rearview Camera System, Structure, Back Over Prevention System, Suspension. These are based on patterns found across 37 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford Flex?
Yes, there are recalls for the rearview camera and structure.
What are the common issues with the 2017 Ford Flex?
Common issues include problems with the rearview camera, structure, back over prevention system, and suspension.
What should I do if I notice issues with my 2017 Ford Flex?
Contact Ford or a dealership to check for recalls and address any issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls related to the rearview camera and structure, and have these issues addressed promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Flex
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Flex. The data includes 37 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15