IllustrationWas driving and the power steering went out. Lost control of steering and almost went off the road. Called the dealer and was told that my vehicle is not part of the recall yet. There is curently a recall on 2011-2013 Ford Flex of power steering failure. Mine should be added to the recall because of the same safety risks.
2013 Ford Flex
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Flex years
Owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Flex are substantially higher than the model-year median of 139.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Flex years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
9925–50K
13150–75K
8375–100K
72100–150K
21150K+
435 reports with mileage · 143 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 200 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports1 fire reports9 injury reports
Steering complaints
149 reports2013 Ford Flex lost power steering, had to tow the vehicle home. Called Ford my vehicle was not covered under the recall, paid over $2000 to have it repaired.
I called the dealer to let them know of steering issue, not being able to turn wheel, then message came on dash board of "power steering assit fault". Dealer said my 2013 Flex was not covered under recall. Dealer said I could need to pay out of pocket, estimated $600.00.
Message came on the dash when driving in downtown traffic that says “power steering assist fault” and the steering wheel is FAR worse than the old cars with manual steering. Almost caused a wreck. I researched that there have been several recalls for that make, model, and problem with recall number 15S18. I called ford recall ph…
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Message came on the dash when driving in downtown traffic that says “power steering assist fault” and the steering wheel is FAR worse than the old cars with manual steering. Almost caused a wreck. I researched that there have been several recalls for that make, model, and problem with recall number 15S18. I called ford recall phone number and they said yes many have been recalled but it’s VIN specific and mine does not qualify because of either where it was built or what company made the component that has failed some have been recalled and some have not. Regardless of where it was made or who built the component if they are having problems and recalling most of them, I feel that my near accident caused by fords “power steering assist fault” that has done the exact same thing should be considered. If their product that they built can not be safely operated without causing accident bodily harm, and/or death and they refuse to correct the problem, maybe they shouldn’t be building vehicles. It’s not like the A/C quit working, it literally almost caused an accident with my wife and kids in the car and is absolutely not drivable…..AT ALL! I had to trailer it home. Only goes straight. Has 125k miles for a 2013
Power steering failure while driving. Looks like issue that is common for Ford Flex. Recall 15S18. My Fled was built in April 2013.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while making a left turn driving 10 MPH, the traction control, power steering, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the dest…
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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while making a left turn driving 10 MPH, the traction control, power steering, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the destination. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact heard an alert, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed before the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under …
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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact heard an alert, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed before the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 183,156.
Power steering fault message comes on and vehicle loses steering. Had vehicle diagnosed with local Ford dealer and found DTC C200D Found steering gear failure.
I my 2013 Dorf Flex after stopping at a store and when I turned the vehicle on the steering wheel jerked my wheels straight. Then a error came up saying power steering assist reduced. I turned the vehicle off and started it back up a few minutes later and the problem when away. I am concerned that there is an issue with this …
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I my 2013 Dorf Flex after stopping at a store and when I turned the vehicle on the steering wheel jerked my wheels straight. Then a error came up saying power steering assist reduced. I turned the vehicle off and started it back up a few minutes later and the problem when away. I am concerned that there is an issue with this and Ford is not addressing it based on google searches and other peoples experiences. There have been multiple reports saying that they almost got into an accident while going down the road and this had happened. We do not feel safe driving this vehicle in its current condition. I reached out to Ford and they say this vehicle based on the vin number does not have a current recall on it.
Electronic steering going in and out while driving. Dealer checked for codes no codes other models around the same year were recalled for the same issue. For some reason this one was not included but I have the same problems.
Official recalls
620V072000 · Suspension:rear
Feb 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
16V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Aug 25, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
15V812000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Dec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
15V340000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Jun 2, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
14V393000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
Jul 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
13V227000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
May 31, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.