Ford Flex problems
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Ford Flex model years
Common Ford Flex problems
The Ford Flex, a popular full-size crossover car, has been manufactured from 2008 to 2019. While generally reliable, the Ford Flex has had its share of common problems. Electrical issues are one of the most prevalent problems, particularly in the 2013 and 2014 models. These issues can range from minor inconveniences, such as a door light staying on when the car is shut, to major problems like loss of power while driving or a car that won't start. Electrical problems can be unpredictable and costly to repair, making the 2013 and 2014 Ford Flex years to avoid if you want to minimize the risk of these issues.
Engine troubles are another common problem in the Ford Flex, particularly in the 2010 model. Engine failure, blown engines, and check engine lights are some of the issues that have been reported. These problems can be expensive to repair and can cause significant inconvenience for drivers. If you're looking for a used Ford Flex, it's best to avoid the 2010 model if you want to minimize the risk of engine troubles.
Interior and exterior accessory issues are also common in the Ford Flex. These issues can range from air conditioning and heater troubles to stuck seat latches. While not as serious as electrical or engine problems, they can still cause inconvenience for drivers and may require costly repairs.
In addition to these common problems, there have been specific recalls related to the Ford Flex. For example, certain 2018 Ford Flexes were recalled due to loose connections between the power supply, alternator, and regulator, which can increase the risk of fires. Ford dealers were instructed to inspect these parts and verify that they're connected, with any repairs done free of charge. Suspension problems have also prompted Ford to recall certain Ford Flexes from 2013 to 2018, with the rear toe links potentially fracturing due to excessive movement in the suspension and causing the vehicle to crash. The American carmaker has offered to replace both left and right toe links on affected vehicles for free.
To avoid unexpected maintenance and repair costs, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the most common problems of the Ford Flex before purchasing a used one. The 2010 model is considered the worst in the lineup due to its problems occurring at lower mileage. The 2013 and 2014 models are also worth avoiding due to their electrical issues, while the 2010 model should be avoided if you want to minimize the risk of engine troubles. By being aware of these common problems, you can make an informed decision and choose a Ford Flex model that is less prone to issues.
What problems does a Ford Flex have?
Some of the most common Ford Flex problems include alternator, fuel pump control module, and electronic power-steering assist issues.
Is the Ford Flex a reliable car?
The Ford Flex Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $713 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
Do Ford Flex have transmission problems?
Common Ford Flex Transmission Problems
There are a number of design flaws in this transmission, and any one of them could be causing these symptoms. Another common problem is overheating. This happens when the moving parts inside the transmission are creating more friction heat than the ATF can remove.
What are the cons of a Ford Flex?
Here are three cons that stood out the most:
- Low-quality audio system.
- Boring base engine.
- Unimpressive interior.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Flex years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Flex cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Flex model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Flex model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Flex years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Flex car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Flex , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Flex vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Flex model years
A total of 56 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Flex model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Flex model years
There were a total of 53 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Flex model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1473 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Flex . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Flex vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 2FMGK5C81KB
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon turning their vehicle on and putting the transmission into reverse, she noticed that the reverse backup cameras display was upside down. The contact stated that she relies on her backup cameras display in order to conduct her vehicle. The contact drove her vehicle to a local dealer however the vehicle was not diagnosed, The contact was however informed that her vehicles VIN was not included in a recall. The contact stated that she has set an appointment in order to have her vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Ford Flex 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 2FMGK5C84EB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Backup camera is flipped upside down all the time or doesn't work at times.
Ford Flex 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 2FMHK6C86DB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, after coming to a stop and then attempting to switch lanes, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The power steering assist message was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started operating as designed. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 2FMGK5B80KB
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was either blank or upside down. The contact stated that the failure was initially intermittent but later became consistent. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed, and an unknown repair was performed under the warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24030(Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 2FMHK6C85KB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rear park aid camera failure. The camera does not always display when reverse is selected. The camera only shows an upside down image when it displays. The camera displays severe vertical lines when dark, virtually making the display useless. This is a safety issue because I cannot see persons or objects behind me if the camera is inoperable. If the camera is operable, with the display upside down, it is disorienting to use as a means of protecting persons or objects behind me as well as protecting my vehicle from damage. I have not taken it to the dealer for this issue, as it began after the warranty period expired. The problem has not been inspected by a dealer, independent service center, the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. The vehicle has not been recalled for this issue. I find this surprising, given the large number of Ford vehicles which have been recalled for rear camera problems. I also find this to be a somewhat common problem with the Ford Flex across multiple model years, based on viewing of various chat boards found on the internet.
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 2FMHK6C87KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 2019 Ford Flex Back-up camera view is always upside and sometimes delayed or unavailable when the car is put into reverse. Software updates are current. The camera going out, delayed, and being upside down when backing up is definitely a safety issue. There are no longer wheel guidance lines available. The car is 5 years old and the camera worked for about the first two years. There were no warning signs for the problem. Thought a recall would be issued.
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 2FMHK6C81KB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The Back up camera failed several times. When vehicle is put into reverse the screen would be black and after some time a message indicating failure to connect to camera would appear.
Ford Flex 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 2FMHK6D8XFB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rearview camera issues- Camera does not come on 90% of the time. Will get an error that camera requires service. I brought this ford's attention when a similar recall went out on the Bronco, as I also own a Bronco. I was advise a there was no details available
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: 2FMHK6C85KB
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Back up camera fails to operate
Ford Flex 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 2FMGK5B83DB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: There is a power steering assist fault. Mine failed. This is a known issue That was recalled for the model year of my car, but my car apparently falls outside of the recall.
Ford Flex 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
- VIN: 2FMHK6C85EB
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was fishtailing, causing the contact to lose control of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was causing the tires and brakes to wear out prematurely, and had caused the tires to cave in. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V393000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Ford Flex 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 2FMGK5B84GB
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The message that the camera was unavailable was displayed on the screen. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Ford Flex 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 2FMHK6DT6DB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Ford Flex 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 2FMHK6C84EB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked next to the trash can, the contact exited the vehicle to put trash from the trunk into the trash can, the contact shifted the gear shifter but was unsure of what gear was selected. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling forward. The contact was able to shift the gear shifter while the vehicle was moving forward and then shifted into reverse and was able to stop the vehicle upon striking a tree. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 80,000
Ford Flex 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 2FMGK5D86KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and needed to be jumpstarted. Upon replacing the battery and jumping starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the independent mechanic replaced the battery and all components connected to the battery; however, the vehicle failed to independently start. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V548000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Latest 5 recalls Ford Flex
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 25 recalls for different components of the Ford Flex.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Flex 2016
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- 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 service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Flex 2013
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- 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 service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Flex 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- 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 service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Flex 2015
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- 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 service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Flex 2018
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- 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 service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Latest negative Ford Flex car reviews
Latest positive Ford Flex car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2014
2021 UPDATE: Our Ford Flex has been a great ride even after 150,000 miles! We recently passed it on to our teenage daughter and it's one of the top 4 cars for new drivers according to her driving course. We've had a few repairs, including a leak in the fuel intake valve and a steering and air conditioning issue, but they were all fixed within 6 months for a total of about $1500, inclusive of standard maintenance. We still highly recommend this car! 2018 UPDATE: With 124,000 miles, our Ford Flex is still going strong! 2017 UPDATE: My husband now uses this car as his company car and we put a ton of miles on it in the last year. We recently travelled to Disney and discovered a dead battery one morning when trying to start up the car. We realized this was the original battery at well over 100k miles! We got a new battery, even though the mechanic said we could possibly clean it up from the corrosion and keep it going for awhile. Other than that, we have had no issues with this car. If you're looking for a spacious vehicle without the stigma of a minivan and without the gas guzzling of an SUV, the Ford Flex is the perfect option for you! We have three large dogs and two kids, so when we need to take the entire family, including our furry friends, on a long trip, we don't have many options. My husband, who is 6'7I really enjoyed both the minivan and the Flex. The minivan had a lot of space, but for an everyday car, the Flex is definitely the better option. It's comfortable to ride in and can fit up to 7 people, which is perfect for when the in-laws come to visit. Although it doesn't have as much interior space as the minivan, we were able to solve that problem by adding a roof rack and tow hitch. We were originally planning on trading in our current Flex for a new one with those options, but we found that adding a hitch from U-Haul was a much cheaper alternative. However, the placement of the hitch is too low and we often scrape it over humps when it's loaded. I would recommend getting a dealer-installed version that sits higher on the frame and cuts out part of the plastic bumper.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Last year, a little plastic trim piece flew off my Ford Flex - the piece that goes from the body to the roof of the car by the window. I took it to 32 Ford, and they said it was the manufacturer's fault, so they fixed it for free. However, just 5 days ago, the same piece from the other side flew off. I was surprised - do pieces of cars just come flying off? Since 32 Ford has closed down, I went to Beechmont Ford, and they charged me $269.29 to get it fixed. I'm a bit confused. Should I buy another Ford? Should I go back to that dealership? Or should I just go back to Toyota, where I never had car parts fly off before?
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Vehicle year: 2019
The Ecoboost is just as fast as a V8 and has plenty of room. It also has lots of sunroofs and the power folding seats come in handy. It's a low ride and easy to get in, plus it has all the latest tech.
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Vehicle year: 2014
This is one of the best cars you can own! The driver's cockpit is amazing, providing a comfortable and commanding feel as you drive. You can choose between the basic PRNDL or the Sport Mode of shifting, which is an absolute blast! The car is not only beautiful, but it also handles superbly, making it a real head-turner. The sound system is great, with Sirius XM, CD and AM/FM, and the voice control system is very handy. Additionally, the Sync system for your mobile device is a great feature. This is definitely one of the most technically advanced vehicles you can own!
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Vehicle year: 2009
We are thrilled with our new Flex! The exterior is bold and eye-catching, making it stand out from other crossovers. The interior is the best that Ford has ever produced, with plenty of room in all seats, including the third row, even for someone as tall as me (6'2''). The car has six passenger seating and plenty of cupholders, and we love the great options like auto-folding second row seats and ambient lighting. The exterior colors are also fantastic. While some may not be fans of the exterior design, we believe that the interior more than makes up for it. We highly recommend giving this car serious consideration when shopping for your next vehicle.
Are you having problems with your Ford Flex?
Orval Rohan 2024-11-29
Vehicle year: 2016
Although the car has not given us any mechanical problems, we have found it uncomfortable to drive on long trips due to leg and neck cramps. The touch screen can be distracting and the visibility is poor. Additionally, the electronic turn signal is not to our liking. We have also experienced issues with the low front bumper hitting curbs and cracking, which can be expensive to repair. Despite these challenges, we have owned the car for over seven years and have driven 120,000 miles. While we are ready to move on to a new vehicle, we appreciate the reliability it has provided us. Despite experiencing multiple issues with our car, we have been able to handle them with confidence. We recently had to replace a second wheel bearing and had an issue with the bolts holding the rear end, but we were able to address these problems effectively. Although we still owe 13 months of financing at $471.00 per month, we have been able to manage the average repair cost of $850 per year over the past five years. We are confident in our ability to continue maintaining this car until we are able to afford a new one.
Patrick Koelpin 2024-11-17
Vehicle year: 2015
My 2015 Flex Limited has been a disappointment due to poor workmanship, cheap materials, limited range for a high-end vehicle, poor mileage, and a noisy interior.
Riley Jakubowski 2024-11-08
Vehicle year: 2011
I have a family of 5 and that's why we bought this vehicle. While the vehicle is great in handling the road, we did experience some issues with power steering and air conditioning. We initially paid over $1000 for repairs, but unfortunately, the steering pump broke and we had to pay for additional repairs. Additionally, we have had some difficulty with the Ford Sync system, as it is not working properly with our phone and updates are not easy to perform. Despite these challenges, I believe that this vehicle has a lot of potential and would recommend it to those who are willing to invest in proper maintenance and upkeep.
Jordyn Boehm 2024-10-23
Vehicle year: 2014
I bought my flex usec from Carmax. The styling is really nice, with a two-tone red and black roof. However, I'm not a fan of the interior, which is two-toned with dark grey leather and a light beige roof. My biggest complaint is the handling in the rain. Every time I run over a puddle, it feels like the water grabs my wheels and jerks the car, which can be scary. I was hoping that purchasing new tires would help, but unfortunately, it didn't. That's the main reason why I'm considering getting a different vehicle. Additionally, the maintenance costs are high and it's not very fuel-efficient. Despite these negatives, it's a pleasure to drive in dry conditions and there's plenty of room inside.
Erwin Wehner 2024-10-11
Vehicle year: 2016
I purchased this car brand new in 2014. Unfortunately, at 19k miles, I started to hear a clicking noise every time I did a U-turn or accelerated while turning. I took it to Galpin Ford and they told me it was the axle, which they fixed. However, at 27k miles, the same clicking noise came back and I had to get a new axle again. At 35k miles, my steering went out, but luckily it was in a parking lot. Unfortunately, the clicking noise returned and I had to get a new power steering and another axle. At 46k miles, the car left me stranded four times. By this time, the axle was clicking again, there was a bad exhaust smell when the car accelerated, and the car would not turn on. After fighting with Ford to cover the repairs, since the vehicle was out of warranty, I finally got it fixed. However, at 57k miles, the smell is back and the axle is clicking again. I decided to call a Lemon Law firm instead of Ford. I would advise staying away from Ford as they may look nice, but they are not reliable cars.