How many miles can you get out of a 2009 Ford Flex?

A 2009 Ford Flex typically yields about 340 to 370 miles per full tank, depending on drivetrain and driving conditions.

Understanding the range: key figures for the 2009 Flex

Fuel tank capacity for the 2009 Flex is around 18.5 gallons. The 3.5L V6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic, has EPA estimates that vary by drivetrain: roughly 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive (FWD) and 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for all-wheel drive (AWD). Those figures translate into approximate mixed-range expectations per tank.

Estimated range by drivetrain is shown below. The figures assume a full tank and typical mixed driving, but real-world results will vary based on traffic, terrain, and payload.

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with 3.5L V6: about 360–370 miles per tank in mixed driving (EPA combined near 20 mpg).


• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with 3.5L V6: about 340–350 miles per tank in mixed driving (EPA combined near 19 mpg).

In practical terms, highway-only driving can push range higher—potentially into the 420–450 mile territory on a long, steady trip—while heavy city driving typically reduces the overall range.

Fuel economy and tank capacity details

These specs are useful for planning long trips and estimating daily fuel costs. The Flex’s 18.5-gallon tank capacity combined with its V6 economy yields a wide but predictable range pattern, with highway efficiency improving the per-tank distance.

Tips to maximize miles per tank

To stretch the range of a 2009 Ford Flex, consider the following practices that influence fuel economy:

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance.


• Drive with smooth acceleration and deceleration; avoid abrupt starts and stops.


• Lighten the load—remove unnecessary cargo and roof racks when not in use.


• Use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speeds and optimize efficiency.


• Maintain the vehicle with regular oil changes, clean air filters, and proper engine tune-ups.


• Plan routes to minimize hills and idling; combine trips when possible to avoid cold-start inefficiencies.

Following these tips can help you approach the upper end of the expected range, though actual mileage will still depend on conditions and driving habits.

Summary

For planning purposes, expect roughly 340–370 miles per tank in mixed driving for a 2009 Ford Flex, with potential increases on long highway trips and decreases under heavy city traffic. Real-world results vary, but understanding tank size (about 18.5 gallons) and EPA estimates for your drivetrain can help you estimate trips and fuel costs more accurately.

How many miles will a Ford Flex last?

A Ford Flex can last for 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, and some owners have reported reaching over 300,000 and even 500,000 miles. The vehicle's longevity depends heavily on consistent and quality care, especially addressing potential issues with the water pump, which is linked to the timing chain in some models and can cause catastrophic failure if it leaks coolant into the engine's oil. 
Factors that influence longevity

• Routine maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for longevity. This includes regular oil changes, coolant checks, and other preventative measures. 
• Water pump: This is a known point of concern for some Ford Flex models, as the water pump can fail and leak coolant into the oil pan, potentially destroying the engine. 
• Owner-reported high mileage:
  • Numerous owners report well over 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, sometimes with only a water pump replaced. 
  • One owner reported over 520,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. 
• Driving conditions: Parking indoors during the winter can help prevent rust and protect components, which can improve overall mileage. 

What to watch for

• Listen for noise: Pay attention to the engine and listen for any new or unusual noises that could indicate a problem with the timing chain or water pump. 
• Check the coolant: Consistently check your coolant level. A low level could be a sign of a leak. 
• Consider a timing chain service: While not a scheduled replacement item, some mechanics recommend a check around 120,000 miles to proactively address any potential issues. 

How many miles can a 2009 Ford Flex go?

Typically, you can expect a Ford Flex to last around 200,000 miles with excellent care, according to carparts.com. Making it to this age requires care and maintenance on your end, along with excellent driving. Of course, there will always be some factors that are more out of your control than others.

Is the 2009 Ford Flex reliable?

The 2009 Ford Flex has a reliability rating of average to above-average, with many owners achieving over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, it is prone to certain common problems, such as issues with the internal water pump, which can lead to coolant leaking into the engine oil, and transmission or power transfer unit (PTU) fluid leaks. Other reported issues include brake noise, a broken center console latch, and potential climate control system problems.
 
This video discusses the top 5 problems with the Ford Flex SUV from 2009 to 2019: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · May 18, 2023
Strengths

• Longevity: With good maintenance, the Flex can be a long-lasting vehicle, often exceeding 200,000 miles. 
• Comfortable ride: The vehicle is known for its smooth and comfortable ride. 
• Spaciousness: It offers a large and versatile interior with ample cargo space. 
• High owner ratings: Many owners rate it highly for comfort, interior, and overall reliability. 

Common problems and potential issues

• Internal water pump: The internal water pump is a notable weak point. A failure can cause the pump to leak coolant into the oil, which can be catastrophic for the engine. 
• Transmission/PTU leaks: Fluid leaks from the transmission or power transfer unit (PTU) at the axle area are a known problem. 
• Brake issues: Owners have reported issues with brake noise, such as grinding or grunting from the front brakes, and problems with the rear brakes dragging. 
• Center console latch: The latch on the center console is prone to breaking. 
• Climate control: The climate control system and the A/C fan speed can be unreliable, with issues like the fan speed changing on its own being reported. 
• Frame rust: In some cases, frame rust has been reported, even on vehicles that were rustproofed when new. 

What to consider

• Maintenance history: Due to the potential for major issues like a water pump failure, it is crucial to have a thorough maintenance history. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended to check for leaks or other potential problems.
• Model year differences: While the 2009 model year is discussed here, it's worth noting that later model years may have fewer issues. 

Can a Ford last 300,000 miles?

With proper care, a Ford truck can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. That's equal to 15 to 20 years of regular use. Some high-mileage Ford trucks have even passed the 400,000-mile mark, especially those with consistent maintenance and responsible driving.