10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,583 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Flex steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Flex Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #49

Nov 072023

Flex

  • 133,827 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,827.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #48

Oct 082023

Flex

  • miles
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 albeit with much effort. If my wife had been driving and the steering had gone out there is a high likelihood of an accident. After doing some research when we got home this has all the signs of the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) going out. I have looked on Ford's website for recall and there is not one according to my VIN. The vehicle in question is a 2011 Ford Flex 3.5 Ecoboost AWD.

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #47

Sep 112023

Flex

  • miles
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

- Crestwood , KY, USA

problem #46

Jun 152023

Flex

  • 176,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 mileage was approximately 176,000.

- Sunrise, FL, USA

problem #45

Apr 012023

Flex

  • miles
Power Steering Has Failed. My mechanic says the Rack and Pinion needs to be replaced.

- Rapid City, SD, USA

problem #44

Oct 122022

Flex

  • miles
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.

- Granite City, IL, USA

problem #43

Jan 062023

Flex

  • 148,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality intermittently. The traction control warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #42

Oct 242022

Flex

  • 156,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The power steering sensor fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was due to the electrical pump. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

- Altadena, CA, USA

problem #41

Jun 012022

Flex

  • 151,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver shifted to park(P), turned off, and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering wheel. The contact was able to continue to drive to his destination. The contact stated that her husband had experienced the failure several times on different occasions. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

problem #40

Jul 252022

Flex

  • 139,037 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the service power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering seized. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,037.

- North East, MD, USA

problem #39

Mar 202022

Flex

  • 192,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while reversing and make a right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called a second local dealer; Allan Vigil Ford (6790 Mt Zion Blvd, Morrow, GA 30260: (678) 364-7350) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #38

Oct 222021

Flex

  • miles
When I put my car in reverse, it is very hard to turn the steering wheel. I called my local Ford dealer and have an appointment for service. Inspection will occur tomorrow (10/26/21). I have not used the car since I noted the problem on 10/22/21.. However, if I were to use my car, I might have an accident due to the extreme steering difficulty. I went to www.safercar.gov to look up recalls based on my VIN number. No recalls came up. Then I went to the "Safety Issues & Recalls" section of the NHTSA website. There I found that certain 2011 Ford Flex vehicles were recalled, beginning on 7/21/15. This recall was to check the Power Steering Control Module for Diagnostic Trouble Codes. I never received any notification regarding this recall. So I called Ford Customer Service and gave them Ford's recall # 15S18. A recording gave me the same information I got from NHTSA's Safety Issues & Recalls. I asked to speak to a rep and eventually spoke to a supervisor. They both told me that my vehicle does not qualify for recall, even though I'm currently having problems with the power steering which fits the reason for recall. They said this was because my VIN number does not fall into the batch of vehicles recalled. They recommended that I contact the NHTSA to report my vehicle's problem. My question is that since my vehicle is currently experiencing the very same problem that triggered the recall of certain 2011 Ford Flex vehicles, why can't my 2011 Ford Flex be included in the recall? To answer your other questions above: My vehicle's problem will be confirmed by a Ford dealer tomorrow (10/26/21). There's been no inspection by manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others. I do not recall any warning lamps, messages or anything prior to the failure.

- Wappingers Falls, NY, USA

problem #37

Oct 162021

Flex

  • miles
Problem with the power steering control failure...Clearly that is a known problem for Ford Flex that can cause people to crash during this issue...Mi car is 2011 Ford flex limited....

- Haines City , FL, USA

problem #36

Oct 132020

Flex

  • 171,334 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, she heard an alarm and became aware that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact called cleveland Ford located at 2496 S lee hwy, cleveland, tn 37311, (423) 218-1622 and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 171,234.

- Apt C T, TN, USA

problem #35

Aug 172020

Flex

  • 140,000 miles
My vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort is required at lower speeds. It feels unsafe when steering at low speeds.

- Grass Lake, MI, USA

problem #34

Jul 152020

Flex

  • 140,000 miles
My steering wheel will consistently lose power steering in a turn esp[ecially noticeable at low speeds. It appears to only happen when I'm turning left at this point. I have checked fluids and there is no damage to the steering box.

- Grass Lake, MI, USA

problem #33

May 312020

Flex

  • 100,000 miles
While turning my steering wheel to park my car my steering wheel detached from the column.

- West Allis, WI, USA

problem #32

Apr 222020

Flex

  • 160,000 miles
The steering rack and pinion went out on my 2011 Ford Flex. The is a recall on Ford Flex 2011-2013 but Ford keeps telling us it is not under warranty!!! we had this replaced and it went out again 4 months later. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed by Ford.

- St. Francis, MN, USA

problem #31

Nov 232019

Flex

  • 141,000 miles
There are power steering recalls for 2011-2013 Ford Flex vehicles. I have been having intermittent issues with the power steering my 2011 Ford Flex. It has occurred 3 times now, and has resulted in having to drive the vehicle without power steering 1 time. Currently my Ford Flex is not being shown as being included in recall 15V340000. It is equipped with the electronic power steering - the same type of steering system that is in the other recalls. It might be worth looking at expanding on that recall to include any vehicles with that electronic power steering system and that power steering rack. Ford technicians have identified the issue I am having as an issue with the electronic power steering system. I will likely have to pay to get this fixed myself.

- Oak Harbor, WA, USA

problem #30

Jul 032019

Flex

  • 111,500 miles
As I was driving on the highway at approximately 60 mph, a warning bell sounded and electronic message appeared indicating an electronic power steering assist failure. I was able to slow down and turn off the road, but no power steering was available.

- La Junta, CO, USA

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