2012 Ford Flex Technical Service Bulletins

47 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Ford Flex. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM).
• 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
• 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet…
• 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist.
• 10180428Sep 25, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil…
• 10164508Aug 9, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found…
• 10164497Aug 7, 2019Electrical system. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable…
• 10163573Jul 2, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
• 10160931May 10, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. On 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 not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter…
• 10156877Feb 7, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling, Equipment. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
• 10155565Feb 7, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
• 10153969Jan 17, 2019Equipment. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
• 10152473Nov 14, 2018Engine cooling. For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the…
• 10137131Apr 11, 2018Equipment, Engine cooling. Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving. This may be due to break down of the power transfer unit (PTU) fluid caused by excessive heat. If the source of the odor is identified as originating from the PTU, an…
• 10137113Mar 30, 2018Equipment. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems.
• 10136597Feb 14, 2018Equipment. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.
• 10140323Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access.
• 10138524Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access.
• 10127405Nov 2, 2017Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 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 procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the…
• 10095858Feb 27, 2017Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 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 ticking and/or knocking noise coming from the driveline area. To identify this noise, refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 100-04, and follow the symptom chart. If the source of the noise is identified as the ptu and/or internal to the ptu…
• 10095184Jan 24, 2017Equipment. Replacing the original equipment sync/navigation system with either an aftermarket sync/navigation kit or modifying original sync/navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any ford, mercury or lincoln vehicle. Only approved genuine ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems.
• 10095154Jan 10, 2017Engine. To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored fluorescent engine oil dye is available. Workshop manual (wsm), section 303-00 has been revised to reference the new white-colored dye. The new white fluorescent dye provides a distinct white glow to identify engine oil leaks. The new white fluorescent dye requires a pure uv diagnostic inspection lamp. The white-colored…
• 10095995Nov 17, 2016Steering. Some 2010-2016 epas equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises. The workshop manual (wsm) diagnostic procedures have been updated in section 211-02. When diagnosing and repairing epas steering noises use the updated procedures.
• 10091151Oct 17, 2016Brakes. Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps…
• 10090681Oct 17, 2016Brakes. Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps…
• 10109079Sep 30, 2016Seat belts. Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. The Workshop Manual, Section 501-20A General Procedures has been updated with a locked seatbelt retractor releasing procedure.
• 10109070Sep 21, 2016Engine cooling, Engine. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes…
• 10078990May 13, 2016Electrical system. Siri eyes free functional issues using bluetooth and apple ios 9.2 and 9.2.1
• 10078988May 11, 2016Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Air conditioning (a/c) inoperative - diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0645
• 10205031Apr 20, 2016Equipment. Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
• 10057834Jul 1, 2015Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Ford: no service action is recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway speeds when the rear door window(s) or sunroof are open.
• 10058460May 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Lincoln/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 bt4z-7z490 to prevent harsh downshifts. Model 2010-12 edge, mkx, flex, mks, mkt, taurus.
• 10057486Oct 27, 2014Engine cooling. Ford: with auxiliary climate control system on, can smell an exhaust odor in vehicle. Like sulfur, after hard driving conditions or acceleration. Model 2009-14 flex. *pe. Update. 06/11/15.
• 10056789Aug 1, 2014Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Ford: an intrusion of water, from moveable moonroof, due to an overflow of trough rails when drain system has over capacitized. Model 2011-14 flex.
• 10056147May 30, 2014Engine, Engine cooling. Ford/lincoln: some vehicles, with aluminum valve cover, will experience an excessive condition of smoking engine oil and/or consumption of oil, from tail pipe, during normal engine temperature operation. Model 2010-2014 flex, taurus, explorer, mks, mkt.
• 10056139May 19, 2014Engine cooling. Ford/lincoln: some vehicles may experience a rough idle, in gasoline turbocharged direct injection (gtdi) engine, may occur after hot start. Model 2012-2014 flex, taurus, explorer, mkt.
• 10056207May 1, 2014Brakes. Ford/lincoln: due to corrosion buildup between brake pad and anchor bracket, vehicle experience a rear brake drag condition and need to be checked for debris and/or corrosion. Model 2011-2014 explorer, flex, taurus, edge, mkx, mkt, mks.
• 10056170May 1, 2014Seats. Lincoln/ford: on some vehicles and trucks, there is a popping, squealing, binding or grinding noise come from power seats when moving backwards or forward. Model 2009-2015 f-150, taurus, flex, mkt, mks, f-super duty, explorer.
• 10055003Jan 20, 2014Equipment. Ford/lincoln: some vehicles will experience a lack of air conditioning (ac) performance, with dual engine cooling fans, while stationary or moving at slow speeds, and/or overheat. Model 2011-2012 taurus, mks, explorer, flex, mkt.
• 10054930Jan 15, 2014Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford/lincoln: when all doors are closed, the door ajar lamp will illuminate. Model 2011-2013 edge, explorer, flex, mkx, mkt.
• 10054740Dec 16, 2013Engine cooling. Ford/lincoln: due to a lack of performance by air conditioner, while stationary or overheating or slowly moving, dual engine cooling fans may not be working and possibly need to reprogram the pcm. Model 2011-2012 taurus, flex, mks, mkt.
• 10054966Oct 1, 2013Fuel system. Ford/lincoln: on some vehicles, there is a situation regarding the fuel gauge with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b2879 or p1243 and workshop manual has been updated to include the dtcs. Model 2011-2014 flex, mkt.
• 10053459Jun 1, 2013Engine. Ford/lincoln: long block engines shipped with cam sensors, crank sensor, crank sensor tone wheel, coolant inlet tube, the components must be swapped over engine being replaced to replacement engine before engine is installed.
• 10053422Jun 1, 2013Electrical system, Equipment. Ford/lincoln: on certain vehicles, the intelligent access or push button start may have an intermittent ikt, similar symptoms as discharged ikt battery. Models 2012-2013 f-150, f super duty, expedition, navigator, flex, edge, explorer, taurus, mustang.
• 10052787May 13, 2013Wheels. Ford/lincoln: on some vehicles, when accelerating from stop or shifting between drive/reverse and/or reverse/drive, a noise is heard like pop, ting, click, coming from front wheel area. Models 2011-2013 taurus, explorer, flex, mks, mkt.
• 10053408May 1, 2013Equipment. Ford: on various vehicles with my touch,after any apim programming, replacement or disconnect from front display interface module (fdim), touchscreen calibration must be performed. Model years 2011-2013. No models listed.
• 10053358May 1, 2013Engine cooling. Ford: on some vehicles, the intake air system components may have engine oil accumulation, in left hand valve cover baffle migrating through fresh air intake of positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system. Models 2011-2013 edge, explorer, mkx, taurus, mks, mkt, flex.

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