MODEL
Ford Flex
NHTSA safety across every Ford Flex model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Ford Flex we cover (2019 to 2019), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2019 at 74 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The 2019 Ford Flex is a distinctive three-row crossover SUV that carved out its own lane in a crowded family-hauler segment with its boxy, retro-wagon silhouette. Aimed squarely at families who want genuine seating for up to seven and a recognizable identity on the road, the Flex was one of the final model years before Ford discontinued the nameplate, making the 2019 a last-of-its-kind purchase with real safety implications worth examining closely.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on what the data actually tells us, and for the 2019 Ford Flex, the safety picture is decidedly mixed. The NHTSA Safety Index lands at 74 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Average band. That is not a failing grade, but it is not a reassuring one either for a vehicle marketed to families with children aboard. The crash-test story has a significant gap: both frontal and side star ratings come back as Not Rated for the 2019 model year, leaving rollover protection as the only starred data point at 4 out of 5 stars. That rollover result is genuinely decent for a tall, wide crossover, but the absence of frontal and side ratings means shoppers cannot make a complete apples-to-apples comparison against rivals who submitted to the full test battery. Across the 2019 coverage year, Ford issued 4 recalls. Owner complaints total 217, with 4 reported crashes and 3 reported injuries among them. These are unverified allegations, as NHTSA notes, but 217 complaints is a volume that warrants attention. No fires and no deaths appear in the complaint record, which provides some reassurance. Bottom line: the Flex is a characterful, spacious family hauler, but its incomplete crash-test record and average safety index mean safety-first shoppers should weigh those gaps carefully before committing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the 2019 Ford Flex as a polarizing but practical choice, praising its upright, easy-access cabin, generous cargo space, and the way its retro styling stands apart from mainstream crossovers. Most note that interior materials and refinement feel dated compared to newer competitors, though ride comfort on the highway draws consistent approval. Value relative to newer three-row alternatives is frequently flagged as a consideration.
- The 2019 Flex carries an NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, landing in the Average band, which means it does not stand out positively in federal safety evaluations compared to top-rated competitors in the three-row SUV segment.
- Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are Not Rated for the 2019 model year, leaving rollover protection at 4 out of 5 stars as the only starred NHTSA result. Shoppers cannot assess frontal or side impact performance through federal star ratings alone.
- Four recalls were issued across the 2019 model year. Before purchase, verify that any open recalls have been completed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA recall database, as unaddressed recalls can represent real safety risks.
- Owner complaints total 217 for the 2019 model year, including 4 reported crashes and 3 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the complaint volume is high enough that prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA.gov before finalizing a purchase decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Ford Flex with 4 recalls.