YearToAvoid

2011 Ford Flex Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 57 steering complaints for the 2011 Ford Flex, 40% of that year's 144 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 118,000. A related recall (15V340000) covers the Power Steering Control Module, though owners report the module often fails again after repair.

Steering complaints
57
40% of 144
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
118,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, making the wheel very hard to turn at speed or during turns.
  • Steering becomes extremely stiff or nearly impossible to turn at low speeds, especially under 40 mph or when parking.
  • Warning messages such as "service power steering" or a steering default alert appear on the dash before assist is lost.
  • Complete electrical shutdown while driving, with dashboard lights flashing and total loss of power steering, brakes, or acceleration.
  • Steering rack and pinion, tie rods, or the steering shaft/column reported as needing replacement, sometimes failing again months after repair.
  • Intermittent power steering assist failure at startup accompanied by a traction/stability control warning, which clears after restarting the vehicle.

When 2011 Ford Flex steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 28, 2010, latest May 10, 2026.

2011 Ford Flex steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2010Sep 2016Feb 2018Oct 2018Jul 2019Oct 2020Mar 2023Jan 2024
57 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2010 to May 2026; peak Jun 2019 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Ford Flex

  1. NHTSA 15V340000Jun 2, 2015Steering393,623 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

    Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Steering complaints by Flex model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200918 (10%)
  2. 201032 (23%)
  3. 201157 (40%)
  4. 201224 (38%)
  5. 2013149 (26%)
  6. 201466 (27%)
  7. 201519 (17%)
  8. 20168 (8%)
  9. 20173 (7%)
  10. 20182 (3%)
  11. 20193 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2011 Ford Flex have?
NHTSA lists 57 steering complaints for the 2011 Ford Flex, which is 40% of the 144 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Ford Flex?
Yes. Recall campaign 15V340000, reported June 2, 2015, covers the Power Steering Control Module. Dealers check the module for diagnostic trouble codes, but the recall is not marked do-not-drive or park-outside.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2011 Flex?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 118,000 miles for steering complaints on this model year, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
Did the 2011 Ford Flex steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 injuries or fires linked to steering complaints on the 2011 Ford Flex.
How does 2011 compare to other Flex model years for steering complaints?
The 2011 Flex has the highest share of steering complaints among listed years at 40% of total complaints, compared to 23% in 2010 and 26% in 2013.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.