MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Ford Flex

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
217Complaints
2Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD FLEX

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.

VERDICT

The 2019 Ford Flex earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13264

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record13.25/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

STRUCTURE:BODY25V732000

Risk: 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 remedy is available, anticipated 1st Quarter 2027.Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve

Reported 2025-10-24

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V695000

Risk: 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification le

Reported 2025-10-13

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V951000

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S75.

Reported 2024-12-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR18V548000

Risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S25.

Reported 2018-08-20

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

217 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsBack Over Prevention 118Unknown Or Other 46Structure 43Electrical System 22Visibility/Wiper 11Engine 5

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13264), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Flex 2019. Class rank 82 of 93 in SUV 2019. Methodology · Disclosure