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Ford Flex Single Generation (2009-2019)

2009–2019 · D4 · suv

Three-row full-size crossover built at Oakville Assembly in Ontario on Ford's D4 platform (a variant of the Volvo-derived D3). Engine lineup: 3.5L naturally-aspirated Duratec V6 (262 hp at launch, 287 hp from 2013) and the optional 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (355 hp, bumped to 365 hp in 2013). 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD. A 2013 refresh brought the new front fascia, MyFord Touch, and the EcoBoost power bump. Consumer Reports ranked it the most reliable large SUV during its run. Total production just over 300,000 units across one 11-year generation.

Watch out: EcoBoost 3.5L (the GTDI engine shared with the Taurus SHO and F-150) has well-documented carbon buildup on intake valves - direct-injection means no fuel washes the valves, so a walnut-blast cleaning around 80-100k is the typical preventive. Water-pump failures on the 3.5L Duratec are the higher-profile issue: it's an internal pump driven off the timing chain, and failure dumps coolant into the oil pan - a full timing-cover-off repair. PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failures on AWD examples are also well-known and typically tied to skipped fluid changes (Ford did not originally publish a service interval).