2011 Ford Flex Steering Problems
Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2011 Ford Flex, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 118,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “steering assist” (18% of reports).
- 57steering complaints
- 118,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering assist: mentioned in 10 of 57 complaints (18%)
- Electronic power: mentioned in 6 of 57 complaints (11%)
- Turn wheel: mentioned in 5 of 57 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 44 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 57 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
Ford Flex steering complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:electric power assist system
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I have had this vehicle since about August 2025, the brakes and wheel bearings have failed twice, the strut failed, the power steering system has messed up repeatedly, the coolant came FLYING out of the car (while parked) FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! There have been multiple warning lights on since I…
I had changed all my bulbs and fuses to my car for my brake lights several times and they still donât work. My car almost got hit with me and my kids in it due to my break lights not working. Also my car keeps saying service advance trac and keeps saying it every time I drive. My car also keeps…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2011 Ford Flexs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints about steering for the 2011 Ford Flex (40% of the 144 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Ford Flex steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 118,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2011 Ford Flex?
The most frequent phrase is “steering assist”, in 10 of 57 complaints, followed by “electronic power” (6).
See all 2011 Ford Flex problems or steering problems across all Flex years.