2011 Ford Flex Steering Problems

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 bearings have given out twice WHILE DRIVING without any sort of warning up until they seized! The strut on the front passenger side has broken for no known reason and the power steering system has been non stop eating power steering fluid with no leaks. Since I have gotten this vehicle, I have put OVER 7,000 dollars worth of work into it. This went to fixing the brake calipers, brakes, rotors, all the steering mechanisms (tie rods, sway bars, etc.) and wheel bearings twice, trying to figure out why coolant flew out of the vehicle for no known reason, trying to figure out where the power steering fluid is going, all to no avail. I have had multiple mechanics look at and check all the components of the vehicle, and they can't even figure out what is going on other than things just fail without warning non stop. There is something wrong with these vehicles, EVERY SINGLE OWNER OF A 2011 FORD FLEX THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO HAS SAID THE SAME EXACT THING, THEY ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUES AS I AM, AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY! THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED AND A CHECK FOR THE PRICE OF A PERFECT 2011 FORD FLEX GIVEN TO EVERY 2011 FORD FLEX OWNER, THEN THEY NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE STREETS AS THEY ARE A DANGER TO THE PEOPLE DRIVING THEM AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS AS WELL AS PASSENGERS IN THE FLEX AND ANY OTHER VEHICLE! A 2011 FOR FLEX IN PERFECT CONDITION IS WORTH APPROXIMATELY $15,000, FORD SHOULD BE SUED FOR THIS! My vehicle is available for inspection when necessary, thank you!

NHTSA ID

11736911

Incident

May 2, 2026

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 ID

11694945

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

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 Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11681381

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Mileage

170,000 mi

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 power steering gear assembly. It seems that this is the exact problem as noted in the recall but Ford dealership will not fix it for free. Ford gave me a PDF that explains they are not responsible for this safety issue and cannot provide free repairs because my car is OVER 150,000 miles. My car now has 200,000 miles and I have had the car serviced at this same dealer for oil changes/tire rotation and they never told me about this recall. The purpose of this repair is to update the PSCM to prevent loss of steering assist while driving due to a motor position sensor fault or replace the steering gear if the PSCM has certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).Jul 1, 2015

NHTSA ID

11659824

Incident

May 8, 2025

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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with Power Steering Control Module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11633160

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Mileage

118,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11568134

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

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 Zone from a stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the traction control, engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering box had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed the VIN was not under recall, nor were the repairs covered under warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 125,436.

NHTSA ID

11566270

Incident

Aug 18, 2023

Mileage

125,436 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11554138

Incident

Nov 7, 2023

Mileage

133,827 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11548966

Incident

Oct 8, 2023

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 ID

11543766

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11536835

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

Mileage

176,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11517075

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

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 ID

11510312

Incident

Oct 12, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11504033

Incident

Jan 6, 2023

Mileage

148,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11491655

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

Mileage

156,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11481363

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Mileage

151,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11477359

Incident

Jul 25, 2022

Mileage

139,037 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11458188

Incident

Mar 20, 2022

Mileage

192,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11438136

Incident

Oct 22, 2021

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....

NHTSA ID

11437011

Incident

Oct 16, 2021

TL* 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.

NHTSA ID

11364103

Incident

Oct 13, 2020

Mileage

171,334 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11349965

Incident

Aug 17, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11341128

Incident

Jul 15, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

WHILE TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO PARK MY CAR MY STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN.

NHTSA ID

11326703

Incident

May 31, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11322535

Incident

Apr 22, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi