2012 Ford Flex Steering Problems
Steering complaints account for 24 of 64 total complaints (38%) filed against the 2012 Ford Flex, the highest share of any model year listed. NHTSA lists a related recall (campaign 15V340000) covering the power steering control module, and median mileage at failure was 59,620 miles.
- Steering complaints
- 24
- 38% of 64
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 59,620 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Power steering assist cuts out suddenly while driving, sometimes returning after the car is turned off and restarted.
- A dashboard warning for 'power steering assist failure' appears along with the steering wheel becoming stiff or locking up temporarily.
- Steering effort increases sharply at low speeds, including while parking or backing into a space.
- Some owners report the steering wheel seizing completely after starting the vehicle, requiring a wait before it unlocks.
- Several owners say dealers replaced the power steering pump or rack and pinion without resolving the issue.
- Some owners were told their VIN was not covered by the existing steering recall despite showing the same symptoms.
When 2012 Ford Flex steering complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 31, 2012, latest Dec 30, 2025.
Steering recalls for the 2012 Ford Flex
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are steering complaints on the 2012 Ford Flex?
- Steering complaints make up 24 of 64 total complaints for the 2012 Ford Flex, or 38% of all complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years listed.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Ford Flex?
- Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 15V340000, reported June 2, 2015, covers the steering system and involves checking the Power Steering Control Module for diagnostic trouble codes.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2012 Ford Flex?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Ford Flex is 59,620 miles.
- Have steering failures caused crashes on the 2012 Ford Flex?
- NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 0 fires or injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2012 Ford Flex.