Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Ford Mustang owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 55 MPH, the front end of the vehicle would violently shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the brake pads and brake calipers however, the failure persisted. The mechanic later informed the contact that the steering box was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 93,000.
This is a common issue with these S197 Mustangs. The steering position sensor failed. While driving, this can cause the "Service Advancetrac" warning to come on, meanwhile the wheels spin at different speeds as the car attempts to correct a low traction scenario that isn't happening, causing the driver to crash. This caused me to temporarily lose control of my vehicle. Luckily I didn't hit anything. The sensor itself can be replaced for $20-$40, but Ford has sealed it inside the EPAS system, making it non-servicable and escalating the repair cost to over $1300.
Intermittent loss of power steering while driving. Have to constantly try to turn off car and restart to get the electronic power steering to work again. Lost power steering on the interstate with kids in the car and ended up in the grass, almost taking out the guardrail. Ford dealership says there have been 450,000 2011-2012 vehicles that have been recalled for this exact problem and part, yet somehow the mustangs weren't in the recall. Dealership quoted $1500 to replace the same part that is being recalled on other vehicles. I have read many other people are having this problem with the same mustangs. I'm afraid to drive my kids and family anywhere in this car! It's an accident waiting to happen!!
The steering wheel will turn from right and left uncontrollable driving into a rain storm the steering wheel turned all the way to the left l could not hold the steering wheel spun me around three times and hit a guard rail
I was driving at approximately 35 MPH when the vehicle started vibrating with traction control lights coming on. Pulled into a parking lot turned off car and ran fine afterwards. I have had to pull over on several occasions due to the same problem. Then I had my 10 year old in the car on the highway.. I was just getting off the on ramp onto the highway at approximately 60- 65 MPH and the car started vibrating with traction control light blinking on dash . It was scary . I had to pull over to the side of the highway turned the car off and back on and prayed we would make it home safe. Now the steering wheel is constantly sticking not gliding as I drive . Sticks more when moving steering wheel to the left. My 2011 Mustang only has 57,00 miles on it. After reading other complaints, a lot of other people are having the same issue with their 2011 mustangs. Come on Ford, help us! …
When car started and I put it in gear it started going but steering wheel would not turn( it was not in locked mode.)it flashed check trac system -chech engine cut car off then back on it was OK. Later I tried to crank it , it wouldnt start read where if you got out locked with key waited till lights went off unlocked it with key it would crank did this and it cranked took it to Ford place put it on computer said was a problem didnt know what would have to check every wire in car could cost up in the $3000 or more. Still doing the dance to crank car. Works most of the time sometimes have to do it twice. …
While driving, the power steering assist failure indicator came on along with the service advance-track indicator and then the steering wheel locked completely. This forced me into oncoming traffic and with no ability to steer the car at all. I was forced off the road because I could not change direction at all and ended up hitting my head, elbow and knees. After calling the Ford dealer, they informed me that there was a "TSB" about it but no recall. The dealer then went on to tell me that almost all the Ford vehicles had been recalled for the same problem, except the Mustang even though they see more of this problem in mustangs than any other model. They then quoted me over $3,000 to have it repaired. This problem, in my opinion, could've killed me and I'm shocked that it hasn't cost any else their life.
While turning in a parking lot the power steering failed. The steering wheel was locked upside down and the wheels were locked to the right. I restarted the car and the problem resolved. I went into a store and when I came out and started the car again the same thing happened. Three restarts did not resolve the problem. I finally manually cranked the wheel until I heard a loud thud and then restarted the car again at which point the issue resolved. I drive 110 miles each way to work. The Mustang has 68,000 miles on it. This is a safety issue that can get people killed. There have been recalls on other models in the same year by Ford with the same system. I will be trading the car asap. These cars are death traps and nothing is being done about it. This is a documented issue multiple times.
My electronic power steering has failed 3 times-the car engages the brakes without warning and pulls to one side.then the "service the advance trac warning light "comes on. I have read that there are major safety issues with these electronic power steering rack assemblies.I am concerned about the my safety.I have read of total failures that have resulted in crashes and injuries.Ford has refused to give me any help-they want to charge me about $3500.00 for the repair.I filed my complaint earlier today verbally with your team-complaint number-10967970
Complete power steering failure. Research on forums indicates that this is a very wide spread, high impact, and unsafe issue. Many other models from common year have had recalls for steering issue. This is also a very costly fault. The failure happened when making a sharp turn. Shut down and disconnect then restart did not clear the fault. Dealer only says steering column, I'd like to track what in the steering column (which sensor) failed and is there a trend with a common sensor or assy in the other models that were recalled.
Steering complaints in other Mustang years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Ford Mustang, 5% of the model year's 466 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Mustang steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Ford Mustang, 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 2011 Ford Mustang steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.