2013 Ford Flex Review

Name: 2013 Ford Flex
Brand: Ford
Rating: 4.5 (42 reviews)

Price Range: $7,135 - $14,590

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Price & Payment

8 cars

$10,473 avg. price

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Appraise My 2013 Ford Flex

Ford Flex model years

Ford Flex for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Spacious and versatile cabin with genuine three-row space
refined ride
high-tech features
all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine option.

Cons

Standard second-row bench doesn't slide
MyFord Touch interface can be frustrating to use
less maximum cargo space than some rivals.

What’s new

The 2013 Ford Flex receives a significant update this year. In addition to bolder exterior styling, Ford has added a lot of new standard or optional features, including ventilated front seats, the (updated) MyFord Touch electronics interface, automated parallel parking assist, adaptive cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, blind-spot monitoring, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and inflatable second-row seatbelts. Mechanical changes this year include a more powerful base V6 engine and electrically driven power steering on all models. Finally, the Titanium trim level has been retired, but much of its equipment is still available.

Edmunds says

The 2013 Ford Flex has the space, the versatility, the features and the driving dynamics to make it a top choice among large family crossovers.

For sale near Methuen, MA

8 listings

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2013 Ford Flex
SEL Wagon
$8,895
fair price
$903 below market
- 111,982 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, rental vehicle
- 7 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Cos Central Auto (115 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Meriden, CT
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2FMHK6C83DBD12041
Stock: d12041
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2013 Ford Flex
Limited Wagon w/EcoBoost
$7,990
good price
$2,124 below market
- 124,889 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Yonkers Auto Mall (184 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Yonkers, NY
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2FMHK6DT4DBD08552
Stock: Y14212
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-17-2025

See all for sale

Vehicle overview

Since it was introduced four years ago, the Ford Flex seemed like something out of a retro-futurist comic book. We've always liked how it looks, but even more how it works. The 2013 Ford Flex sports an even more avant garde look with a whole new front fascia, headlamps and sleek new trim. Even the traditional blue oval Ford logo was removed from the new, minimalist grille. While this piece of rolling industrial design might not be your thing, there's little debate regarding the Flex's inherent utility, versatility and standard/optional technology.

Seating as many as seven with room to spare, the iconic Ford Flex provides nearly as much interior space and seating/cargo flexibility as a minivan but without the stigma. Access to the Flex's three rows of seating isn't as easy as a minivan's, but it is certainly better than the typical large crossover SUVs thanks to the Flex's lower, more wagonlike stance and standard second-row one-touch tumble feature. Opting for second-row captain's chairs reduces the Flex's seating capacity to six, but the added sliding feature not only increases comfort in that row, but expands legroom in the third row. As such, the 2013 Ford Flex is the rare crossover that allows 6-footers to comfortably fit in (and reach) all three rows.

Many have commented that the Flex seems a tad expensive, but note that even base models are generously equipped with a bevy of comfort and convenience features. Climbing up the trim levels not only adds a dizzying array of technology, but also available high-end interior treatments and cutting-edge safety features that rival those offered in many luxury cars. New options this year include an automated parking system, radar-based adaptive cruise control and collision warning with active brake intervention.

There are a couple downsides to the Flex, however, foremost being the Flex's boxy styling, which some shoppers find off-putting. If that is a problem, the Ford Explorer is mechanically related and similarly equipped. While it can't match the Flex's space and versatility, it does counter with a very similar driving experience. Outside of the Ford family, GM's large crossovers (Acadia, Enclave and Traverse) have room for eight and are long-distance champs. And, of course, a greater amount of practicality can be gained from minivans like the Nissan Quest. But if it were our money, we'd still choose a 2013 Ford Flex.

Performance & mpg

Every 2013 Ford Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque (up from 262 hp and 248 lb-ft in 2012). Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control are standard. All-wheel drive is optional on the SEL and Limited. EPA-estimated fuel economy is anticipated to be 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. Expect AWD to lower those estimates to 17/23/18.

Optional on the Flex Limited is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (dubbed EcoBoost) that produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The last EcoBoost-equipped Flex we tested hit 60 mph in a swift 6.6 seconds. Fuel economy drops to 16/21/18.

Properly equipped, both powertrains are rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

Safety

The 2013 Ford Flex comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. A blind-spot warning system with cross-traffic alert is optional on the SEL and standard for the Limited. Optional for both are second-row inflatable seatbelts. The Limited is also available with collision warning with brake support.

In Edmunds brake testing, both a Flex Limited with the standard 3.5-liter engine and an EcoBoost model stopped from 60 mph in 128 feet -- average for the class.

Driving

The 2013 Ford Flex isn't all that inspiring from behind the wheel, but it certainly is not disagreeable, either. The ride is always comfortable -- even with the bigger wheels -- soaking up bumps in the road with luxury car ease. The base V6 is adequate for a vehicle this size, motivating the Flex with enough gusto to keep up with competing crossovers. The twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, meanwhile, invigorates the Flex Limited with more of a sport wagon demeanor thanks to its extra power and tighter suspension tuning. An uncharacteristically responsive electric-assist power steering system has been incorporated into all 2013 Flexes, providing for easy parking chores as well as excellent stability on the open road.

Interior

The 2013 Ford Flex interior retains its generous proportions and high quality, following the trend set in both the recently all-new Explorer and refreshed Edge with a dashboard design makeover incorporating the available MyFord Touch system. This interface consists of three display screens and the ability to input commands for various audio, phone and navigation functions via voice, touch controls or buttons on the steering wheel. It's a smart idea in theory, and it does provide some nice customization possibilities. Unfortunately, there's a learning curve involved, and even with this year's update, we've found the system can be slow to respond and the touchscreen's icons are difficult to locate and press on the move.

Overall, the Flex's interior is great, with abundant soft-touch materials and an attractive, upscale design. The spacious layout comfortably affords seven-passenger seating rivaling that of a minivan. Even the third row is accessible and sufficiently scaled for adults. The optional reclining and heated second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six, but comfort increases. Their ability to slide forward also expands third-row legroom. With either configuration, the standard power-tumbling mechanism for the second row makes getting into the third row a snap. The Flex can hold a maximum of 83 cubic feet of stuff behind the first row. While this may be less voluminous than some minivans and several large crossovers, the Flex's conveniently boxy shape makes the most of what it has.

2013 Ford Flex models

The 2013 Ford Flex is a large crossover/wagon available in six- or seven-passenger configurations. There are three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited.

The base SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, cruise control, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), front seat manual lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split second-row seat (with a passenger-side auto-fold feature for easy access to the third row) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Also standard is the base version of Sync (voice-activated calling via Bluetooth, vehicle health report and 911-assist free for the life of the vehicle).

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, foglamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power front passenger seat and satellite radio. Also included is the MyFord Touch electronics interface, which includes a large central touchscreen, two secondary touchscreens in the gauge cluster, enhanced steering-wheel controls, enhanced Ford Sync features (turn-by-turn navigation and traffic reports), two USB ports, an SD card reader and an audio/video input jack.

The Limited adds 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, driver memory functions, power-adjustable pedals, perforated leather upholstery (third row vinyl), a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet, a rearview camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio.

Most of the Limited's extra features are available on the SEL within option groups 201A and 202A. The Titanium package (SEL and Limited) is essentially an appearance group that adds 20-inch wheels, a black-painted roof, different exterior and interior trim, and faux-suede upholstery inserts.

Optional on every trim level are roof side rails, second-row inflatable seatbelts and sliding-and-reclining second row captain's chairs with a center console. The SEL and Limited can be equipped with multipanel rear sunroofs (Vista Roof) and a tow package. Stand-alone options for the Limited include a refrigerated compartment in the optional second-row console and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Limited further offers exhaustive options within groups 301A and 303A. These features include 20-inch wheels, an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, a one-touch power-fold and -tumble third row, second-row heated seats, 10-way power front seats with ventilation and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column.

Compare 2013 Ford Flex trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts

$185/mo

$203/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2013 Ford Flex has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 14 among Minivans. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average

#9 out of 14 among Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$589/yr

vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan

Frequency

1.35x/yr

vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan

Severity

18.4%

vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V072000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20S04
Manufactured from:: 2011-08-25 to 2017-06-01
Number of vehicles affected:: 211207
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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. 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.

Recall Number:: 16V621000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 16S31
Manufactured from:: 2011-09-12 to 2015-05-29
Number of vehicles affected:: 77502
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are currently not available. An interim notification was mailed to owners on September 15, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

Recall Number:: 15V812000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13S04-S1
Manufactured from:: 2012-12-06 to 2013-01-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 868
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

Recall Number:: 15V340000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 15S18
Manufactured from:: 2012-02-28 to 2010-09-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 393623
Defect Description:: Ford Moor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Defect Consequence:: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Recall Number:: 14V393000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 14S10
Manufactured from:: 2011-09-12 to 2013-11-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 83250
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Defect Consequence:: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Recall Number:: 13V227000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13S04
Manufactured from:: 2011-09-12 to 2013-01-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 390783
Defect Description:: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Ford Flex Owner Reviews

4.5

42 reviews

5(76%)

4(9%)

3(11%)

2(2%)

1(2%)

See all 42 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Back to my Flex

charliedee, 06/12/2013

2013 Ford Flex Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Roughly 8 months ago, I traded in my 2012 ford flex limited for a 2013 Ford C Max Hybrid. (I had owned a 2009 and 2011 Ford Flex previously) Although the C Max was OK, I found that I wasn't driving enough miles to save that much gas money. Was giving up a lot of room and comfort, so went back to the Flex. The Ford Flex is by far the favorite car of my wife and I. I am a retired …

Great car

jasons78, 08/11/2014

2013 Ford Flex SE 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I bought this car over the weekend and tried a few different cars, including the CX 5, the Equniox, the Murano, the Durango and both the Ford FLEX 2012 and 2013. I loved the Flex for it's quite ride and great handling. Of the vehicles I tested the Flex and the Equinox had the most comfortable ride and of those 2 I preferred both the price and options on the Flex. The Flex has a long …

not another minivan!

fireman0175, 02/01/2014

2013 Ford Flex Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

We got rid of an Odyssey after 12 years and bought the Edge. Had it for two years and found it too small for 4 and a dog. Checked out the Flex one day and it was really a pleasant surprise. Big seats that heat and cool, powerful engine for passing. AWD for the snow and ice we have. It rides like a heavy car use to ride, but handles like a dream. Drove in two mountain passes with 4-5 …

2012 Flex Limited

2012_flex, 02/19/2013

2012 Ford Flex Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

My work takes me all over the southern half of Florida, averaging about 500 miles per week... I needed good gas mileage! I have three children (one who is over six feet tall) and we like to take road trips... I needed comfort and "real" seating space. I wanted quality and unique style... I did not want every other look-alike "euro-bubble" design. After very exhaustively researching all …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Ford Flex, so we've included reviews for other years of the Flex since its last redesign.

See all 42 reviews of the Ford Flex

Write a vehicle review

2013 Flex Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$185/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Flex include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

2013 Ford Flex Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Methuen, MA

2013 Ford FlexSEL Wagon

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2013 Ford FlexLimited Wagon w/EcoBoost

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2013 Ford Flex models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Ford Flex Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Back to my Flex

Great car

not another minivan!

2012 Flex Limited

2013 Flex Highlights

Safety

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2013 Ford Flex
SEL Wagon

2013 Ford Flex
Limited Wagon w/EcoBoost