2016 Ford Flex
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2016 Ford Flex maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford Flex.
For oil changes, the 2016 Ford Flex takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Ford Flex, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2016 Ford Flex have reported 5 common issues including "Internal Water Pump Failure (3.5L V6 / EcoBoost)", "Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Fluid Leak and Failure" and "MyFord Touch Infotainment Freezing and Black Screen". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2016 Ford Flex. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2016 Ford Flex uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford Flex. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2016 Ford Flex.
Common problems reported by 2016 Ford Flex owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Internal Water Pump Failure (3.5L V6 / EcoBoost)
Like the Taurus and Explorer on the same platform, the Flex's 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost engines have an internally mounted water pump driven by the timing chain. When the pump seal fails, coolant leaks into the engine oil, causing a milky oil appearance and potential bearing damage if not caught early.
Replace the internal water pump, timing chain components, and related seals. This requires removing the front timing cover and is a major repair. Monitor engine oil regularly for coolant contamination. If coolant has mixed with oil, flush the engine thoroughly before reassembly.
Est. Cost: $1,500 - $3,500Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Fluid Leak and Failure
The PTU on AWD Flex models is prone to overheating and fluid leaks from the output shaft seal. The PTU is located in a hot area near the exhaust, and Ford did not initially recommend regular PTU fluid changes. Low or degraded fluid causes gear whine, grinding, and eventual PTU failure.
Drain and replace the PTU fluid with Ford-specified 75W-140 synthetic gear oil every 30,000 miles. If the PTU is already making noise, replacement is necessary. Install an aftermarket PTU cooler to prevent future overheating. Replace the half-shaft seals if leaking.
Est. Cost: $100 - $200 for fluid change; $800 - $2,000 for PTU replacementMyFord Touch Infotainment Freezing and Black Screen
The MyFord Touch infotainment system is notorious for freezing, going to a black screen, and rebooting randomly while driving. Bluetooth connectivity drops frequently, navigation becomes unresponsive, and the backup camera may not display. The system's slow processor struggles with basic operations.
Update to the latest MyFord Touch software version via USB download from Ford's website. Perform a master reset if the system is consistently unresponsive. If the APIM module hardware has failed, it needs replacement. Some owners upgrade to a SYNC 3 retrofit for improved reliability.
Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $500 - $1,200 for APIM replacement; $800 - $1,500 for SYNC 3 retrofitBrake Caliper Sticking and Premature Rotor Warping
Front brake calipers on the Flex tend to stick due to corroded slide pins, causing uneven brake pad wear and premature rotor warping. Symptoms include a pulling sensation during braking, a pulsating brake pedal, and excessive heat from one front wheel.
Clean and lubricate the brake caliper slide pins with silicone-based brake grease. Replace warped rotors and worn brake pads as a pair. If the caliper piston is seized, replace the caliper. Lubricate slide pins during every brake service to prevent recurrence.
Est. Cost: $300 - $700 for front brake job; $200 - $400 per caliper if replacement neededDoor Ajar Warning Light Stays On (Door Latch Sensor)
The door ajar warning light stays illuminated even when all doors are closed. This can prevent the interior lights from turning off, drain the battery, and disable the remote start feature. The issue is caused by a failing door latch switch or corroded wiring in the door jamb.
Diagnose which door is triggering the warning using a scan tool or by observing which dome light zone stays on. Replace the affected door latch assembly or clean the corroded connector. Apply dielectric grease to the connectors to prevent future corrosion.
Est. Cost: $150 - $4003 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2016 Ford Flex. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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. The recall began October 28, 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.