Drivify

2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex is a midsize SUV, rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.

Combined MPG
19
NHTSA safety
Not rated
Starting price
Recalls
3

Watch: Flex reviews

Best Induction Chulha 2026 | Two Best Infrared Induction Cooktops in IndiaThe Gloves Man
Best Gas Lawn Mowers at Lowe’s (2026) – What to Buy & AvoidGarage Gear
The Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptops of 2025Just Josh

Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeAffordable Aluminum
ModelFlex
Model year2018
Vehicle classMidsize SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement3.5 L
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG16
Highway MPG23
Combined MPG19
CO₂ tailpipe468 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$3300

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Flex AWD18 MPG combined
Flex AWD17 MPG combined
Flex FWD19 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City16 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined19 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Flex19 MPG
Class average25.6 MPG

About 26% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$704/mo

estimate — adjust to your quote

Amount financed
$36,000
Total interest
$6,263
Check real rates for this car

Partner offers · may earn us a commission

5-year fuel cost
$10,579

$2,116/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG19
Open full fuel calculator →
Extended warranty & insurance

Protect against surprise repair bills and compare coverage from top-rated providers.

Get quotes

Partner offers · may earn us a commission

Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Rollover

Recalls (3)

  • SUSPENSION:REAR20V072000 · 2020-02-10

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V695000 · 2025-10-13

    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.

    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 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.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY25V732000 · 2025-10-24

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

    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 March 2027.Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.

Compare with rivals

All model years

Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex?

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway).

Is the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex reliable?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex costs roughly $2,116 per year to fuel, or about $10,579 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex?

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Flex is classified as a midsize suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC