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 ↗2014 Ford Flex steering problems
moderate 66 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 66 steering complaints filed for the 2014 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
Owners have filed 66 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.
Among the 9 model years of Ford Flex in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 of 2014 Ford Flex models describe sudden, complete loss of electric power steering assist occurring without warning—sometimes at highway speeds, sometimes at cold start. The steering wheel locks or becomes nearly impossible to turn, requiring brute force to steer the vehicle to safety. Most failures are temporary: restarting the vehicle clears the warning light and restores normal steering. However, the problem recurs unpredictably over weeks or months, leaving owners afraid to drive on long trips.
Ford issued recalls for the 2011–2013 model years (Safety Recall 15S18, Campaign 15V340000) for essentially the same steering failure, but 2014 models are excluded. Owners report being told their VINs do not qualify despite the vehicle being manufactured in late 2013. Dealers consistently diagnose a defective electric power steering rack or module requiring replacement, with repair costs ranging $1,000–$3,500.
Owners also report steering wheel seizure (locked after 90 degrees of rotation), abnormal creaking or squeaking from the steering mechanism, intermittent difficulty turning at low speed, and in two cases, structural failures of steering or axle components. One owner suffered a shoulder injury while forcing the steering wheel during a failure. Several owners note electrical integration issues—steering faults occurring alongside fuel pump failures—suggesting possible broader electrical system problems. Ford has declined to expand recalls or provide warranty coverage despite acknowledging that some recalled steering parts may have been used on certain 2014 vehicles.
Same Ford Flex steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Complete Loss of Assist
The electric power steering assist fails unexpectedly, leaving the steering wheel locked or requiring extreme force to turn. This occurs with or without warning lights and can happen at any speed—cold start, highway driving, or parking lot situations. Multiple owners report the steering wheel becoming nearly immobile, making the vehicle unsafe to control. Restarting the vehicle typically restores function temporarily.
When: Cold start, highway speeds (30–70 MPH), low speeds, sometimes after maintenance (oil changes); failure mileage ranges 20,000–182,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Power steering assist warning light illuminates; Steering assist fault or service required message on dashboard; Audible alarm or chime accompanying failure; Steering regains function after turning vehicle off and restarting; Loss of power steering occurs intermittently or repeatedly over weeks/months; No warning before failure in some cases
Codes mentioned: Power steering assist fault code, Steering assist fault service required, Advanced traction control (AdvanceTrac) warning with 'Steering Loss Stop Safely', NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 (Steering), NHTSA Campaign 15V250000 (Steering), NHTSA Safety Recall 15S18
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnose defective electric power steering rack, power steering module, or steering column requiring replacement. Repair costs cited: $1,000–$3,500 (rack replacement $2,800–$3,500 typical); some owners report Ford dealer reflashing software without success; independent mechanics sometimes cannot replicate the fault during inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recalls for 2011–2013 model years (Safety Recall 15S18, Campaign 15V340000, Campaign 15V250000); 2014 model year vehicles excluded from recalls despite manufacturing in late 2013. Owners report being told their VINs do not qualify for the 2011–2013 recall. Ford stated the 2014 is outside the recall range and made statements that 'some parts from earlier recalled models could have been assembled on some 2014 vehicles' but did not conduct proactive outreach or recall expansion.
Steering Wheel Locked or Difficult to Turn
The steering wheel becomes stuck or extremely hard to turn, independent of loss of power assist. In some cases the wheel seizes after rotating approximately 90 degrees or locks straight forward. Owners describe having to use excessive force to steer, leading to injury in at least one instance. The problem may or may not be accompanied by warning lights.
When: While driving at various speeds (10–45 MPH); stationary after cold start; mileage range 25,000–182,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn in either direction; Steering wheel seizes or locks after partial rotation; Steering wheel locked straight forward, vehicle immobilized; Right shoulder injury from forcing steering wheel during failure; Steering wheel jerks in hands; No warning lights in many cases
Codes mentioned: Steering module defective (dealer diagnosis), Steering column defective, Steering rack faulty
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves replacement of steering column universal joint (found rusted at 56,000 miles), steering module, or entire steering column. One owner paid $2,000 for repair; another was quoted $2,000+ for steering column replacement without completion; total steering rack and module replacement can exceed $3,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer at Darling's Ford Volkswagen Audi (Maine) blamed normal wear and tear; other dealers stated vehicle working as designed; Ford provided no assistance or recalls for the 2014 model year.
Steering Wheel Squeaking and Rack Noise
Abnormal squeaking or creaking sounds emerge from the steering wheel, steering column, or steering mechanism when turning left or right. No loss of assist occurs, but the noise indicates internal wear or degradation in the steering system, often requiring complete rack and pinion replacement.
When: While driving at various speeds and making turns; mileage at first occurrence 25,000–59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal squeaking noise from steering wheel or column while turning; Creaking sound from electric steering mechanism when steering left or right; No warning lights or power loss initially
Codes mentioned: Steering rack and pinion wear (dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed need to replace sway bar, control bar bushing, and steering rack (25,000 miles); another recommended rack and pinion replacement for $2,700 at 59,000 miles. One customer had sway bar and bushings replaced but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Blueberry Ford (Maine) stated vehicle working as designed; Darling's Ford blamed normal wear and tear; no recalls or manufacturer support.
Intermittent Steering Loss with Restart Recovery
Power steering fails temporarily during driving, warning lights activate, but restarting the vehicle clears the fault code and restores normal steering. Owners report this occurring multiple times over months or years, creating chronic concern about when the failure will recur—especially on long trips or at highway speeds where a restart is dangerous.
When: Cold start, after 2–3 blocks of driving, approximately 30–70 MPH; recurs after weeks or months apart; mileage 41,000–140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist warning light illuminates during or after cold start; Loss of power assist while driving at highway speeds; Steering warning clears when ignition turned off and back on; No steering issues between recurrences; vehicle operates normally; Pattern of intermittent failures over time
Codes mentioned: Power steering control module fault, Electrical fault in steering gear (dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cite defective steering rack and recommend replacement ($2,800–$3,500); one dealer diagnosed intermittent electrical connection in steering gear causing loss of assist while driving; battery replacement did not resolve recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalled 2011–2013 model years; 2014 model year VINs excluded. One owner was told vehicle not under warranty or recall after being towed to dealer.
Steering Arm Failure and Suspension Component Separation
Steering or suspension components separate or break during driving, causing loss of control. One owner reported the steering arm breaking off the right front tire while in a parking lot, causing the tire to lodge in the frame and immobilizing the vehicle. Another reported the axle shaft coming undone while driving.
When: Parking lot driving (steering arm), highway or unknown speeds (axle shaft); mileage 59,000 miles (steering arm), unspecified (axle shaft)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering arm breaks off right front tire; Vehicle snaps forward suddenly; Tire lodges in frame, vehicle immobilized; Axle shaft comes undone while driving
Codes mentioned: Steering arm structural failure, Axle shaft component separation
Repairs/costs cited: Steering arm failure immobilized vehicle; axle shaft issue required towing. No repair costs provided by owners; axle shaft owner's mechanic identified recall qualification that Ford denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied axle shaft recall coverage despite mechanic confirmation of recall applicability to that year. No mention of steering arm recall.
Electrical/Fuel System Integration Issues Affecting Steering
Steering failures occur alongside fuel pump relay module failures or electrical faults, suggesting possible electrical bus or software integration problems between the steering and fuel systems. At least two owners report both fuel pump and steering failures, and dealers cite fuel pump replacement or further electrical testing as part of steering diagnostics.
When: Unknown timing relative to fuel issues; mileage 74,000–86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist fault concurrent with fuel pump failure; Check engine warning indicator illuminates with steering failure; Steering wheel feels tight; Loss of power steering ability
Codes mentioned: Power steering module defect, Fuel pump relay module failure, NHTSA Campaign 12M02 (Sync/MyFord/MyLincoln Touch warranty extension, APIM)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed fuel pump replacement may be needed and ordered further diagnostic testing for engine and electrical failure associated with steering; fuel pump control module replaced by independent mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford provided Campaign 12M02 warranty extension for APIM but guidelines pending; steering issue unresolved.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Electric power steering keeps going out randomly. Dangerous!!! I notice that there is a recall on this issue up to 2013 Ford flex models. Mine is a 2014. Needs to be recalled before someone is hurt! Happens mostly at startup but has happened when moving as well! This is very unsafe and Ford will not take any ownership.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her father was driving at 10 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left. As a result of the failure, the vehicle struck the curb. Several weeks later, the failure reoccurred, causing the vehicle to strike the sidewalk, and severely damaging the suspension. The traction control warning light…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford flex. The contact stated that the steering wheel column seized independently on several occasions. The contact had to turn the engine off and on to unlock the steering column. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to russell barnett Ford (4055 tullahoma highway, winchester, tn 37398, (931) 967 2277) to be diagnosed, but the results were…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford flex. The contact stated that there was an electric power steering failure and the steering wheel felt tight. In addition, there was a loss of power steering ability and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The dealer (team Ford, 702-395-5100, located at 5445 drexel road, las vegas, nv 89130) diagnosed that the fuel pump may need to be replaced. Further…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford flex. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle lost power steering ability. The contact had to engage the steering wheel with force, which caused an injury to the right shoulder. Medical attention was not received. The vehicle was towed to a personal mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist failed. Also, the fuel pump failed over six…
On 12/01/2017 approximately 20:00 hrs. Steering assist fault service required on parking lot steering wheel no power steering. 2014 Ford flex VIN. 2fmgk5b83ebd11092
I was driving and lost all power steering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford flex. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact discovered that the steering column universal joint was rusted. On multiple occasions the steering wheel seized after turning approximately 90 degrees, almost causing the driver to lose control of the steering. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Ford Flex?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 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 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 54,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. 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/2014/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.