2016 Ford Flex Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Ford Flex, 8% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power steering would not engage when car was started in morning after two days of long driving. Would not engage with repeated efforts at starting. Had previously failed briefly while car was in motion at less than 10 miles per hour, six months before, but reinstituted when seat belt was fastened.”
NHTSA complaint #11152009, filed 2018-11, 25,000 miles“As I was driving turning at a light to go right all of a sudden my steering wheel got super hard and It almost caused me to get into an accident. I didn't have the strength to grip the steering wheel. Shortly after the advanced traction control service light came on. Luckily there was an auto parts store near the incident. I stopped left my vehicle running and got it scanned. There was a code that came up U0420-81 it was odd because my wheels where straight but the steering wheel was completely off. Then I turned my car off waiting at least 5 minutes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748120, filed 2026-07“The car started jerking and slowing down on the highway and would not accelerate. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and had the car towed to a service center. A repair shop did a print out of the error codes from the computer which indicated an error relating to the power steering control module. A search online show that many other Ford flex owners have experienced similar issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11590354, filed 2024-05“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11594163, filed 2024-06, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The stability control warning light was illuminated, and the Steering Failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. …”
NHTSA complaint #11669216, filed 2025-06, 84,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10144215Jul 20, 2018Some 2015-2018 Flex, Taurus, Police Interceptor Sedan, and 2016 Navigator vehicles may exhibit a turn signal that does not operate as expected when the steering column…
- 10095995Nov 17, 2016Some 2010-2016 epas equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises. The workshop manual (wsm) diagnostic procedures have been updated in section 211-02. When diagnosing…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 7% |
| 2016 | 8 | 8% |
| 2015 | 19 | 17% |
| 2014 | 66 | 27% |
| 2013 | 149 | 26% |
| 2012 | 24 | 38% |
| 2011 | 57 | 40% |
| 2010 | 32 | 23% |
| 2009 | 18 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Flex
29 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ford Flex
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology