2011 Ford Flex steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V340000Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

  Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

What owners say

1. Filed May 10, 2026MIBrakesSteeringSuspension

   I have had this vehicle since about August 2025, the brakes and wheel bearings have failed twice, the strut failed, the power steering system has messed up repeatedly, the coolant came FLYING out of the car (while parked) FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! There have been multiple warning lights on since I got the vehicle and I have been told they are just sensors from multiple mechanics and that they don't mean anything. As it relates to the issues, the brakes, calipers, and wheel…

   NHTSA complaint #11736911 · source
2. Filed Oct 22, 2025MIElectrical SystemLightingSteering

   I had changed all my bulbs and fuses to my car for my brake lights several times and they still don’t work. My car almost got hit with me and my kids in it due to my break lights not working. Also my car keeps saying service advance trac and keeps saying it every time I drive. My car also keeps running out of power steering fluid every two week I have to add more to keep it from making that loud noise while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11694945 · source
3. Filed Aug 18, 2025170,000 miKSSteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA…

   NHTSA complaint #11681381 · source
4. Filed May 8, 2025WVSteering

   Electric Power Steering lights up and steering wheel locks up, can hardly make it move at it. We turn the car off and turn it back on. Sometimes the power steering returns, sometimes it doesn't and we can't drive the car. We called the dealer after this happened and they said it was an ECOBOOST Flex and wasn't included in the Safety Recall 15S18 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (.gov) Jul 1, 2015 — If any "loss of steering assist" DTCs are present, replace the…

   NHTSA complaint #11659824 · source
5. Filed Dec 30, 2024118,000 miCASteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4-months later.…

   NHTSA complaint #11633160 · source
6. Filed Jan 26, 2024MISteering

   Loss of power steering driving down interstate. Service power steering and service advance Trac lights came on. Had to call for tow

   NHTSA complaint #11568134 · source
7. Filed Jan 18, 2024125,436 miCABrakesEngineSteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact would make several attempts to start the vehicle to regain normal functionality; however, the failure would recur within several hours or several days. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH in a School…

   NHTSA complaint #11566270 · source
8. Filed Nov 8, 2023133,827 miFLSteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated when he first entered the vehicle and started the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact turned the steering wheel to the left and right and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated he contacted an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was…

   NHTSA complaint #11554138 · source
9. Filed Oct 9, 2023COSteering

   While on a trip in the local area to a state park, a warning came on whilst driving to "service power steering now". Driving was normal and we got to our destination 5-10 miles or so later. On returning to the car after parking and starting up the car the steering wheel was "bricked" and didn't want to turn. At first we thought it might be a flat tire. It took lots of effort to turn the wheel. As we were far from any service in the area I managed to drive the vehicle home…

   NHTSA complaint #11548966 · source
10. Filed Sep 11, 2023KYSteering

    Power steering went out while backing out of a parking spot and warning popped up on dash with power steering fault and making the wheel super stiff and hard to turn

    NHTSA complaint #11543766 · source
11. Filed Aug 7, 2023176,000 miFLTowedEngineSteering

    The contact's grandmother owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the rack and pinion, and power steering pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11536835 · source
12. Filed Mar 6, 2023ILSteering

    I was leaving out one morning and it was hard for me to steer my wheel. I reversed just fine but when i tried turning to leave out it wouldnt steer. There werent any messages on the dash or any other signs of any defects. This is only the second year of me having this vehicle. Ford flex 2011. There is a recall 15S18.

    NHTSA complaint #11510312 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology