SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford Flex steering problems
moderate 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 57 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Flex, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 57 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe intermittent power steering loss on 2011 Ford Flex vehicles, often without warning. The steering wheel suddenly becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn, forcing drivers to apply excessive effort to maneuver—hazardous at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue strikes during parking maneuvers, highway driving, or on startup. Some owners report a dashboard warning ("Service Power Steering," "Power Steering Assist Fault") just before or during failure; others notice no warning at all. The failure sometimes clears after restarting the vehicle, but recurs within hours, days, or weeks. Mechanics and dealers diagnose power steering control module (PSCM) failures, electronic power steering (EPS) system faults, or steering gear/column problems requiring expensive replacement.
Ford issued recalls 15S18 and NHTSA campaign 15V340000 in 2015 to address this exact failure via PSCM updates or steering gear replacement. However, a large portion of complainants report their VINs fall outside the recall range despite showing identical failure symptoms. Owners with vehicles outside the recall or beyond mileage/warranty limits face repair bills of $3,000–$5,000. One owner's vehicle was recalled and repaired, then failed identically four to eight months later; Ford refused warranty coverage. Dealers consistently deny diagnosis or repair when VINs aren't in the recall database, referring owners to NHTSA rather than investigating the root cause.
Same Ford Flex steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Failure - Intermittent Loss of Power Steering
The power steering assist cuts out intermittently during driving or on startup, requiring the driver to exert excessive force to turn the wheel. The failure often resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but recurs within hours, days, or weeks. Multiple owners report this maps directly to NHTSA recall 15V340000 and 15S18, despite their VINs falling outside the recall range.
When: Failures reported from 47,000 miles to 200,000 miles; many occur within first 5 years of ownership; some intermittent and recurring multiple times per year
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Service power steering warning light or 'Power Steering Assist Fault' message on dashboard; Intermittent failure that often clears after restart; recurs unpredictably; Check engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights sometimes also illuminated; Loss of motive power or stalling in some cases
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failure codes, Motor position sensor fault (mentioned in recall context)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers and independents diagnosing the need to replace the power steering gear assembly, entire steering column, or electronic power steering module. Repair costs cited as $3,000–$5,000 (one owner reported Ford doubled the part cost). Some vehicles required rack-and-pinion replacement; one owner's repaired vehicle failed again 4–8 months post-repair and was denied warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall 15S18 and NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 (Steering) issued July 1, 2015, to update PSCM or replace steering gear if certain DTCs present. However, most complainants' VINs fall outside the recall's batch, despite experiencing identical symptoms. Ford has refused coverage, citing VIN exclusion or mileage exceeding 150,000 miles or warranty terms. One owner's vehicle was included in the recall, repaired, but failed again 8 months later; Ford refused further coverage claiming the part was out of warranty despite the failure being identical to the original defect.
Steering Shaft / Steering Column Mechanical Binding or Seizure
The physical steering shaft or column binds up or seizes, preventing wheel rotation regardless of power steering assist status. Some cases resolve after forcing the wheel back and forth or restarting the vehicle; others persist until dealer service.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 47,000 miles, others at 120,000–192,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes physically locked or extremely difficult to turn; No warning light in some cases; others show check engine or steering fault warnings; Occurs at low speeds, during turning, or while entering/exiting parking areas; May resolve temporarily after shutting off and restarting vehicle
Codes mentioned: Steering column fault (diagnostic codes not specified by mechanics in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics diagnosed need for steering column replacement or steering shaft replacement. One mechanic replaced rack and pinion plus power steering pump; failure recurred. Repair costs not specified for this mode, but generally expensive steering component work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated VINs not included in recalls. Vehicles not repaired under warranty or recall programs.
Electrical System Instability - Headlights and Dash Lights Intermittent Failure
Headlights and dashboard lights fail intermittently or go out completely during operation. Toggling the light switch off and on restores function temporarily, but the problem recurs. One owner reports this has occurred for two years without resolution.
When: Intermittent failure over extended periods (one owner reports two years); timing not tied to specific mileage in complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights or dashboard lights shut off during driving without warning; One or both headlights may fail at different times; Toggling light switch restores lights temporarily; failure recurs; Dangerous when both lights fail simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Not specifically repaired in the narratives; owner states neither issue has been fixed.
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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…
Power steering stopped working while operating the vehicle. Very difficult to turn the wheel and unsafe to drive. Dealer confirmed the same exact trouble codes, symptoms, and issue as the existing recall. My flex is the same model (ecoboost) and manufactured at the same location as the recall. My VIN is not covered by the recall, however, as it was manufactured a couple of months after the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford flex. The contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely tight while driving and the electric power steering warning indicator flashed after the failure occurred. The contact had to apply force to turn the steering wheel in either direction. An independent mechanic located diagnostic trouble codes for the steering and recommended taking the vehicle to a…
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…
10/15 eaps failure can't steer car no fix several repeat problems 4/15 cold air when using heater on passenger side fixed but since then water on passenger side when using air conditioning several service calls no fix 4/15 oilk leak for AWD system several tries then service finallyt replaced complete AWD unit
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…
I lost steering, the car is 65k. I cant turn the wheel easily which is really dangerous.
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…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Ford Flex?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 57 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 85,000 and 141,000 miles, with the median around 120,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 85,000; a quarter make it past 141,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Flex.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.