Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The power steering system failed and numerous other electrical systems showed as broken as a result. The dealer service dept said: "We found corrosion on connector C1467A meaning that water is getting inside the connector somehow which caused the module to short out. The steering rack is not the failure, it is the module. However, the module is built into the steering rack. Can't replace it separately. So In order to replace the module, I have to replace the rack." This failure caused the power steering to stop working, making it extremely difficult to drive the vehicle. The repair cost over $4000.
The power steering has stopped working. After starting the car it shows a "Steering Assist Fault" message and the steering doesn't work. Thankfully this happened when the car was stopped. My car battery is fine so this must be a failure in the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.
AWD indicator states off while driving at times without warning. Also leaking sludge. Now need to replace PTU and FORD AWD vehicles are known for this issue... Needs to be recalled as system can fail and explode.. This is supposed last the lifetime of the vehicle and is not set up for maintenance causing the system to fail. I am replacing with a unit that can be serviced every 30K miles. This is a safety issue.
On Monday, sept 28, 2020 at approximately 10:30 am while driving southbound on interstate 5 (just before the west mountain view overpass in firebaugh ca) doing 70 MPH, the car began fishtailing erratically - swerving between lanes. Fortunately, the driver was able to maneuver the car to the right shoulder of the interstate without hitting anything or anyone or even rolling the vehicle. (at the time there was an average amount of traffic on the road.) we initially believed that what we had experienced was a blowout, but after inspection, all the tires were found to be intact. We then surmised that we had possibly hit something on the road (like a blown tire remnant), but also found nothing. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated there were two warning chimes alert heard. Additionally, "Stop Vehicle for Safe Steering" and "Power Steering Assist Service Required" messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering monitor sensor fault and rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "Steering Assist Loss - Service Now" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving 20 minutes later. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosing testing. Additionally, the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact state that while driving on two occasions at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became very stiff. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. During the first failure, the contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, failure was no duplicated. The contact stated that during the second failure, the vehicle was taken to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Related recalls (1)
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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Flex years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (149), 2014 (66), 2011 (57), 2010 (32) and 2012 (24) model years. Steering complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Ford Flex steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-340 (electric power assist system, Jun 2, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Flex steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (4 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (2).
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.