2010 Ford Flex Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Ford Flex, 9% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Total motor failure when driving! Transmission frequently slips. Motor had to be replaced. When pressure exhaust for ecoboost is redirected to cylinder 3 and 5 the head gasket fails allowing water to enter the head of motor which them steam fries the cylinders. This is very common in the 2010 FLEX with ecboost and need to be recalled asap! Motors up to 100,000. Mine had 74000 when failure occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10940393, filed 2017-01, 74,000 miles“Vehicle was in motion 45+ MPH or so driven on a decline long winding road. Vehicle shifted into first gear from much higher gear causing rapid deceleration and almost rear end collision, pulled in rest area vehicle would not respond to gear select when stopped and went into neutral. Turned off vehicle and put into park let sit and restarted trans worked noticeable thunk when putting into reverse after long driving now, vehicle is all wheel drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11057730, filed 2017-12, 90,000 miles“Power take off unit or power transfer unit started making a loud whining sound starting at 40 MPH. Now being told the unit must be replaced. Looking online and seems to be an issue with the majority of for FLEX and Ford edge.”
NHTSA complaint #11063071, filed 2018-01, 152,000 miles“Sudden leaking ptu caused failure and fluid to catch fire while driving 40 MPH when exposed to exhaust directly under unit . Damage also resulted in transmission housing damage and severe powertrain failure. Ford had two tbs to replace ptu however not issued any recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10482205, filed 2012-10, 62,900 miles“Sitting at red light..foot on brake...car lurched forward almost hitting car in front. This has happened two times. Third time march 29, 2013 car was coasting about 2-5 miles an hour...sudden acceleration so car lurched forward.”
NHTSA complaint #10504998, filed 2013-03, 72,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10160931May 10, 2019On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was…
- 10127405Nov 2, 2017Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset…
- 10095858Feb 27, 2017Some 2007-2016 edge/mkx/flex/mkt/mkz/mks/taurus/taurus police/explorer/explorer police equipped with all wheel drive (awd) and built on or before 30-jun-2016 may exhibit a…
- 10058460May 1, 2015Lincoln/ford: an overhaul transmission motorcraft kit, available for some vehicles, contains an incorrect valve bode separator plate and would need to discard 7z490 part and use…
- 10053274May 27, 2013Ford/lincoln: on some vehicles, transmission 5th gear start at stop, speed control drops or inoperative, backup camera on in drive, 5th gear start from stop and transmission…
- 10039121May 10, 2011Ford: there may be a sluggish acceleration or hesitation feeling when rolling to a stop. This will be followed by a harsh bump.
- 10039053Mar 1, 2011Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10039072Jan 1, 2011Ford: there may be a loss of power, hesitation, surge, or lack of throttle response while driving. The brake over accelerator feature may be activating.
- 10034629Jul 1, 2010Ford/lincoln: transmission built before 6/1/10 with 4th gear start, delay/hesitation on acceleration from a stop-no dtcs. This may be caused by a sticking multiplex shift valve…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 5% |
| 2016 | 8 | 8% |
| 2015 | 11 | 9% |
| 2014 | 10 | 4% |
| 2013 | 11 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 19 | 13% |
| 2010 | 12 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2010 Ford Flex
32 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Ford Flex
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology