How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Flex?

NHTSA lists 149 steering complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex, which is 26% of all 579 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Ford Flex?

Yes. Recall 15V340000 covers the Power Steering Control Module and applies to certain 2011-2012 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, 2011 Mercury Milan, and 2011-2012 Ford Taurus and Ford Flex vehicles. Some 2013 Flex owners report the same symptoms but say their VIN did not qualify.

At what mileage does steering usually fail on the 2013 Ford Flex?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Flex is 100,000 miles.

Has the steering problem caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2013 Ford Flex lists 7 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires reported.

Is the 2013 Ford Flex worse than other years for steering complaints?

Among Flex model years listed, 2013 has the highest raw complaint count (149) for steering, though 2011 had a higher share of its total complaints (40%) tied to steering.

2013 Ford Flex Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 149 steering complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex, 26% of all complaints filed for that year, with 7 crashes and 3 injuries reported. A related recall (15V340000) addresses power steering control module issues, though some owners say their vehicles fell outside the recall's build-date range.

Steering complaints: 149; 26% of 579
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 100,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Power steering assist cuts out suddenly and without warning, sometimes while turning at low speed or merging on the highway, causing the wheel to lock or become very hard to turn.
A power steering or power steering assist fault light illuminates on the dash right before assist is lost.
Some owners report the failure recurs intermittently, with assist returning after the vehicle is turned off and restarted, or after a dealer resets the steering assist computer.
Loss of steering assist has led to crashes, including running off the road, hitting curbs or planters, and veering into a ditch.
Owners report a groaning or squeaking noise from the steering when turning, sometimes described as looseness or sloppiness in the wheel before full failure.
Several owners say their vehicle's steering symptoms match the 2013 Ford Flex power steering recall but the vehicle was not covered because it fell outside the listed build-date range.

When 2013 Ford Flex steering complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 19, 2013, latest Apr 21, 2026.

149 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q3 (9).

Steering recalls for the 2013 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.

201032 (23%)
201157 (40%)
201224 (38%)
2013149 (26%)
201466 (27%)
201519 (17%)
20168 (8%)
20173 (7%)
20182 (3%)
20193 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Flex?: NHTSA lists 149 steering complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex, which is 26% of all 579 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Ford Flex?: Yes. Recall 15V340000 covers the Power Steering Control Module and applies to certain 2011-2012 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, 2011 Mercury Milan, and 2011-2012 Ford Taurus and Ford Flex vehicles. Some 2013 Flex owners report the same symptoms but say their VIN did not qualify.
At what mileage does steering usually fail on the 2013 Ford Flex?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Flex is 100,000 miles.
Has the steering problem caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2013 Ford Flex lists 7 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires reported.
Is the 2013 Ford Flex worse than other years for steering complaints?: Among Flex model years listed, 2013 has the highest raw complaint count (149) for steering, though 2011 had a higher share of its total complaints (40%) tied to steering.