2016 Ford Flex Steering Problems

As I was driving turning at a light to go right all of a sudden my steering wheel got super hard and It almost caused me to get into an accident. I didn't have the strength to grip the steering wheel. Shortly after the advanced traction control service light came on. Luckily there was an auto parts store near the incident. I stopped left my vehicle running and got it scanned. There was a code that came up U0420-81 it was odd because my wheels where straight but the steering wheel was completely off. Then I turned my car off waiting at least 5 minutes. The traction control light came off and the steering wheel was normal. But as I went to back up and turn the steering wheel it did the same thing it got really stiff and I couldn't go anywhere. Then right away a steering assist fault message came on the dash. So just for safety reasons I left the vehicle there to come back later when I had help to tow it. 3 hours later we started the vehicle and nothing happened the steering was fine on the drive home no lights, no stiffness of the steering, no message displayed. Not sure what happened or why it did that all of a sudden when I was driving it. I've had this vehicle for 5 years and it has never done this to me especially while driving. I'm lucky I didn't hit the other vehicle while turning.

NHTSA ID

11748120

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The stability control warning light was illuminated, and the "Steering Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11669216

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

Mileage

84,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11607902

Incident

Jul 22, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to add power steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, it was determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

NHTSA ID

11604445

Incident

Jul 11, 2024

Mileage

190,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated there were two warning chimes alert heard. Additionally, “Stop Vehicle for Safe Steering” and “Power Steering Assist Service Required” messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering monitor sensor fault and rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11594163

Incident

Jun 8, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

The car started jerking and slowing down on the highway and would not accelerate. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and had the car towed to a service center. A repair shop did a print out of the error codes from the computer which indicated an error relating to the power steering control module. A search online show that many other Ford flex owners have experienced similar issues.

NHTSA ID

11590354

Incident

May 21, 2024

VEHICLE MAKES A WEIRD SOUND WHILE STEERING AND HAS PROGRESSED TO ALL THE TIME.

NHTSA ID

11244043

Incident

Aug 14, 2019

Mileage

49,000 mi

POWER STEERING WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN CAR WAS STARTED IN MORNING AFTER TWO DAYS OF LONG DRIVING. WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITH REPEATED EFFORTS AT STARTING. HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED BRIEFLY WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR, SIX MONTHS BEFORE, BUT REINSTITUTED WHEN SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED.

NHTSA ID

11152009

Incident

Nov 10, 2018

Mileage

25,000 mi