Ford Flex steering lock-up problems

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Steering · 140,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and steering angle and torque sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Steering · KS

I was driving down a main road going 45 MPH when my steering wheel locked up and I got a message on my dash to service advanced steering. I was unable to turn my steering wheel in any direction and had to pull over in order to not be involved in a collision.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · CA

Power steering. While I was driving in my neighborhood the power steering went out and I could not make a turn. It locked up while driving. I could have got into a head on collision/accident becasue the road turns. Yes, I reported it to Ford and they told me my flex did not have a recall despite the ford website stating that some 2013 ford flex are affected. The description of 15s18 sterring recall matches my same issue and it poses a serious safety hazard. Yes, i took it to a mechanic at an auto shop and her is telling me that he can't fix recalls. At the time of the accident, i got No pre warning just the message that states: "Steering Lock Malfunction Service Now: The steering lock system has detected a condition that requires service." This happened on or around 11/23/25. I am requesting that Ford pay for my power steering to be fixed.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Steering · ID

Leaving home to go to the grocery store and as I exited my street a dash warning came on stating "Power Steering Assist" fault Steering wheel locked up making it impossible for me to steer. Fortunately this happened in a spot where there was no other traffic and I was able to just turn off the car and restart and the message was gone and my steering was restored. I am now terrified to drive my car because if this had happened in traffic there could have been a serious accident because steering capability was non existent. . In reading online this is a very common problem with my make and model and apparently there was a recall by Ford for 2011 and later cars but not 2010 even though it is a "known problem" at dealerships. For me this now seems intermittent but in calling the dealership they know of the issue. It would cost me about $2200 to fix. I am happy to provide my vehicle for inspection. Thank you so much for your help ... greatly appreciated

Filed May 8, 2025 · Steering · WV

Electric Power Steering lights up and steering wheel locks up, can hardly make it move at it. We turn the car off and turn it back on. Sometimes the power steering returns, sometimes it doesn't and we can't drive the car. We called the dealer after this happened and they said it was an ECOBOOST Flex and wasn't included in the Safety Recall 15S18 the federal safety agency (.gov) Jul 1, 2015 — If any "loss of steering assist" DTCs are present, replace the power steering gear assembly. It seems that this is the exact problem as noted in the recall but Ford dealership will not fix it for free. Ford gave me a PDF that explains they are not responsible for this safety issue and cannot provide free repairs because my car is OVER 150,000 miles. My car now has 200,000 miles and I have had the car serviced at this same dealer for oil changes/tire rotation and they never told me about this recall. The purpose of this repair is to update the PSCM to prevent loss of steering assist while driving due to a motor position sensor fault or replace the steering gear if the PSCM has certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).Jul 1, 2015

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Steering · VA

The contact's client owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her and her client were driving at approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle failed to steer as intended. The vehicle was taken to a parking lot and turned off. The vehicle was restarted after a while and a “Service Power Steering Now” message displayed, and the steering wheel seized and would not turn as needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Steering locked up lower control arm snapped at the ball joint where it's connected to cv axel. Sent my car into the rails and nearly.killed me and my passenger.

Filed Jan 23, 2024 · Steering · 141,000 miles · ND

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 176,000 miles · FL

The contact's grandmother owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the rack and pinion, and power steering pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2022 · Steering · 151,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver shifted to park(P), turned off, and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering wheel. The contact was able to continue to drive to his destination. The contact stated that her husband had experienced the failure several times on different occasions. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.