Bought the vehicle brand new in 2010, regularly maintenance every 3000 miles. In the winter of 2018 the vehicle started showing signs of water pump issues. Heat stopped working, antifreeze levels low, and finally temperature gage reading hot. Took vehicle to local repair garage and was informed that the INTERNAL water pump had went bad. The oil and antifreeze have mixed and per repair company no guarantee what damage was done due to the 2 mixing. Vehicle has been parked since December since repair shop estimated $4000 to $6000 to replace motor, which they recommend due to the fluids mixing and not knowing the extent of damage done.

WATER PUMP LEAKED THE ANTIFREEZE IN THE OIL TANK, NEVER GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY WAS NOTORIOUS. I CHECKED THE OIL DEEP STICK AS SOON AS I NOTICED THE WATER COOLANT SPILLED AND ENGINE SMOKING.... IT WAS MILKY! TOOK IT TO AAA RECOMMENDED MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS MAJOR WORK. PROBABLY BETTER TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. 20+ HOURS OF LABOR DUE TO THE WATER PUMP BEING LOCATED RIGHT BETWEEN THE CABIN AND ENGINE. NOT COUNTING THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL SEALS AND CHECK BEARINGS IF DAMAGED.

We have a 2010 Flex which has seen mostly highway miles. This vehicle since purchased has been in to the garage for regular oil changes, and every six months has had new tires purchased because they wore so quickly due to the rear vehicle parts, such as tie rod, bearing and brakes. This usually is around $2500.00 to $3000.00 for replacing parts. Tires are hard to get when needed, no options for after market parts.

We are told by the garage, the water pump is a wearable component and the seal was worn and allowing leaking coolant to enter the engine oil. This has caused us to have to decide to either rebuild the engine or purchase a new engine.

Ford has a terrible design for 2010 Flex vehicles. Maintenance costs for this vehicle are extremely high and the tires are over $300.00 each and have to be replaced at least once a year if not twice, otherwise they will fray. This vehicle needs to have the tires rotated every oil change to try to extend the life of the tires.

This Ford vehicle was purchased because the Ford Escape I purchased brand new in 2009, was driven back onto the lot within 8 months because of a shaft problem and the dealership would not and could not allow me to drive the vehicle again ....I was told " your lucky to be alive".

I won't buy a brand new Ford again! After reading this will you?