Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Ford Flex owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning message had flashed twice on the instrument panel; however, the power steering continued to operate as needed. The contact then stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the warning message flashed as the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the residence. Several days later, an independent mechanic went to the residence and drove the vehicle back the shop without failure. The mechanic determined that the vehicle needed to be serviced by an authorized Ford dealer. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective electric power steering rack. The contact then called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty or recall. …
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making turns, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and stated that the steering angle sensor and power steering sensor module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the year, make, and model was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the recall was related to her vehicle failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds; the vehicle lost automotive power and the steering wheel was pulling to the left and was difficult to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. An appointment with the local independent dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the Year, Make, and Model being outside the selected VIN range. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,400.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. On another occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure never occurred during inclement weather. While the vehicle was at the car wash, the failure self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering module and steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced and programmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 182,438.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failure message was displayed. The contact was able to drive home safely. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the vehicle regained power steering assist functionality. The dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,070.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH the steering wheel felt like it slipped. There were also unknown noises from the steering wheel when turned left. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, requiring excessive force while steering the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
2 times now within 6 months my power steering has gone out. This is not power steering that makes it hard to steer. This is power steering going out which locks the steering wheel and leaves it impossible to steer the car. Fortunately I have been at home when this has happened and not on the road. I have managed to get it back after restarting the car several times, but I did not want to chance it. The first time I had it repaired at the dealer and thought it would no longer be an issue. I was so surprised and scared that it happened again. I was planning a long distance trip next week. I am so glad it didn't happen on the road. I paid just under 1000 dollars last time and thought it was fixed. The dealer said it is a different code this time and it will now be 3500 to fix the power assist failure. I looked online and I see others with Fords have this issue. …
Steering complaints in other Flex years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2014 Ford Flex?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Ford Flex, 27% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Flex steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2014 Ford Flex, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Flex steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.