2011 Ford Flex

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2024· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4-months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with Power Steering Control Module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

• 12/26/2018· STEERING

  POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER CONFIRMED THE SAME EXACT TROUBLE CODES, SYMPTOMS, AND ISSUE AS THE EXISTING RECALL. MY FLEX IS THE SAME MODEL (ECOBOOST) AND MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME LOCATION AS THE RECALL. MY VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL, HOWEVER, AS IT WAS MANUFACTURED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL DATE. THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND FOLKS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED AND GET THEIR UNSAFE CARS FIXED BEFORE THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS TO THEM. MY FLEX HAD UNDER 60,000 MILES AT THE TIME AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AT THE DEALER. LOCAL DEALER WHERE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED SINCE NEW, REGIONAL FORD REPRESENTATIVE, AND FORD CORPORATE IN DETROIT HAVE ALL NOT BEEN HELPFUL. FORD IN DETROIT REQUIRED THAT I GO THROUGH THE TROUBLE OF MAILING WRITTEN INFORMATION, FOLLOWING UP REPEATEDLY WITH SUPERVISORS, AND THEN DECLINED TO DO ANYTHING. THE REGIONAL FORD FOLKS ALSO ASKED THE LOCAL DEALER TO PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT DETAILS REGARDING THE FAULTY PART AND THEN ALSO DID NOTHING TO HELP COVER THE COST. THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED. FORD HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT EVEN WHEN FACED WITH OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE, THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO THE RIGHT THING. THIS ISSUE PUT MY FAMILY AT SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK AND COST ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. NHTSA, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS.

• 12/19/2018· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY TIGHT WHILE DRIVING AND THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LOCATED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR THE STEERING AND RECOMMENDED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING), ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

• 12/15/2023· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Gas tank is leaking gas while parked and running

• 12/13/2017· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS UNEVEN TIRE TREAD WEAR TO THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SET OF TIRES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE UNEVEN WEAR OF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS POORLY DESIGNED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE TIRES TO REMAIN BALANCED OR ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOM HOLZER FORD DEALER LOCATED AT: 39300 W 10 MILE RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335, (248) 474-1234, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAULT OR EVEN A FAILURE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE UNEVEN WEAR WITH THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500.

• 12/07/2022· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and wrench light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated and then failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the throttle body, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who replaced the throttle body for a second time but after retrieving the vehicle the failure persisted. The dealer later diagnosed that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 164,000.

• 12/04/2019· STEERING

  THERE ARE POWER STEERING RECALLS FOR 2011-2013 FORD FLEX VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING MY 2011 FORD FLEX. IT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES NOW, AND HAS RESULTED IN HAVING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING 1 TIME. CURRENTLY MY FORD FLEX IS NOT BEING SHOWN AS BEING INCLUDED IN RECALL 15V340000. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING - THE SAME TYPE OF STEERING SYSTEM THAT IS IN THE OTHER RECALLS. IT MIGHT BE WORTH LOOKING AT EXPANDING ON THAT RECALL TO INCLUDE ANY VEHICLES WITH THAT ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM AND THAT POWER STEERING RACK. FORD TECHNICIANS HAVE IDENTIFIED THE ISSUE I AM HAVING AS AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED MYSELF.

• 12/03/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  KEY FOB AND ALARM - IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS MY KEYFOB HAS STARTED TO OPEN AND LOCK MY NEIGHBORS 2005 FORD FOCUS. SINCE THESE ARE SMALL CITY LOTS, THE CARS ARE ALWAYS PARKED WITHIN 50 FEET OF EACH OTHER AND CANNOT BE PARKED OUTSIDE OF FOB RANGE. THIS INCLUDES GARAGES AND STREET PARKING. THE DEALER HAS RESET THE KEYS BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. THEY ALSO STATED THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THAT CAN BE DONE OUTSIDE OF REPLACING THE CONTROLLER AND KEYS. COST WOULD BE $700 - $1000. THEY STATES WOULD HAS HAPPENED IS VURTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE BUT IT IS HAPPENING. MY NEIGHBOR STATES THEY CANNOT FIND THEY ALARM FOB, IT IS NOT BUILT INTO THEIR KEY. I HAVE NO WAY TO VERIFY THIS SO I CANNOT TEST TO SEE IF THEY CAN UNLOCK MY CAR. THE KEY FOB SECURITY SYSTEM HAS BEEN NULLIFIED BY THIS PROBLEM.

• 11/24/2015· WHEELS

  VEHICLE CONTINUES TO WEAR OUT BRAND NEW TIRES EVERY 5 TO 10K MILES. I HAVE KEPT UP ON ALIGNMENT, TIRE ROTATING AND TERMS THIS PROBLEM CONTINUE. I HAVE READ A GREAT DEAL OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE MANAGER OR EMPLOYEE AT THE TIRE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD FLEX. HE SAYS THAT HE GETS QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM COMING IN WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS CAN BECOME A DANGEROUS PROBLEM

• 11/23/2015· AIR BAGS,STRUCTURECrash

  ON 2100 HRS 21 NOV 2015, MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A DEER STRIKE ACCIDENT ON HWY 36 VICINITY HAMILTON, MISSOURI. SHE WAS TRAVELING EAST ON THE HIGHWAY 36 AT 55-60 MPH WHEN A DEER RAN INTO THE PATH OF THE CAR. THE IMPACT WAS FROM CENTER LINE OF THE CAR TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES UPON SEEING THE DEER BUT THE STRIKE AND APPLICATION OF BRAKES WERE PRETTY MUCH SIMULTANEOUS. SHE PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND COULDN'T EXIT THE DRIVER'S DOOR BECAUSE THE FRONT FENDER OVERLAPPING THE DOOR DUE TO IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT WHICH PROBABLY SAVED HER FROM ANY MAJOR INJURIES. BASED UPON THE FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PHOTOS THE FRAME AND INTERNAL BUMPER ARE EXPOSED APPROXIMATELY A FOOT BEYOND THE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN CRUSHED BACK. IN MY OPINION IT APPEARS THAT THERE WAS ENOUGH FRONTAL FORCE WHICH SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIRBAG. I THEREFORE FEEL THE AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND CREATED A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.

• 11/22/2014· SEAT BELTS

  THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT JUST LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT COME BACK OUT, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT 623.00 TO REPLACE IT ARE YOU KIDDING ME ?? PAID 19,000 FOR THE CAR LESS THEN A YEAR AGO SO I TRY TO GOOGLE THIS PROBLEM AND IT SAYS IF I TRY TO FIX IT MYSELF THE AIRBAGS COULD BE SET OFF REALLY ?? I GUESS I'LL JUST HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE ANNOYING DING DING DING EVERY 2 MINS WHILE DRIVING NO BIGGY THANKS FORD THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE SELTBELTS. *TR

• 11/19/2014· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND STILL NO STOPPING. CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.

• 11/18/2016· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  10/15 EAPS FAILURE CAN'T STEER CAR NO FIX SEVERAL REPEAT PROBLEMS 4/15 COLD AIR WHEN USING HEATER ON PASSENGER SIDE FIXED BUT SINCE THEN WATER ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONING SEVERAL SERVICE CALLS NO FIX 4/15 OILK LEAK FOR AWD SYSTEM SEVERAL TRIES THEN SERVICE FINALLYT REPLACED COMPLETE AWD UNIT

• 11/13/2012· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION ON FLEX OFTEN HESITATES AND THUNKS WITH A LURCH. THE LURCH IS SO BAD IT NOW FEELS LIKE WE ARE BEING HIT. IT HAS HAPPENED IN BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE. TRIED TO GET IT REPAIRED TWICE AT DEALER - HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX. ONLINE FORUMS WITH OWNERS AND SERVICE BULLETINS DESCRIBE SIMILAR PROBLEM. FORD NOT ACKNOWLEDGING ISSUE OR HELPING. *TR

• 11/09/2011· CHILD SEAT

  THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC INCIDENT; THE PROBLEM RECURS SPONTANEOUSLY, WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE SUPER LATCH BELT LOOSENS SIGNIFICANTLY ON ITS OWN AFTER BEING CORRECTLY AND TIGHTLY INSTALLED. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE INSTALLED REAR-FACING IN TWO DIFFERENT CARS. REINSTALLATION DID NOT HELP, SO THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO GET A NEW LATCH BELT. I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW LATCH BELT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE SEAT DOES NOT INSTALL WELL WITH A SEAT BELT BECAUSE OUR CARS HAVE STEMS ON THE FEMALE PART OF THE BELTS, CAUSING IT TO INTERFERE WITH THE BELT PATH ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT. THIS CHILD RESTRAINT IS THEREFORE UNUSABLE FOR US. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2011, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=FLEX). *TR

• 11/08/2023· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated when he first entered the vehicle and started the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact turned the steering wheel to the left and right and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated he contacted an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,827.

• 11/06/2017· STEERING

  I LOST STEERING, THE CAR IS 65K. I CANT TURN THE WHEEL EASILY WHICH IS REALLY DANGEROUS.

• 10/31/2022· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The power steering sensor fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was due to the electrical pump. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

• 10/31/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  WATER PUMP, ENGINE. ALL OF A SUDDEN OUT OF THE BLUE WITH NO INDICATIONS, WARNING, LEAKS, STALLS, ROUGH DRIVING, NO STARTS, LIGHTS OR SMELLS; SENT TO START CAR AND IT WAS MAKING A METAL GRINDING/RATTLING SOUND AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED OVER TO THE FORD DEALER AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY LOOKED AT IT. THEY STATED THE WATER PUMP CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED, LEAKED INTO THE OIL PAN, OVERFILLED THE OIL PAN AND CAUSE COOLANT/WATER TO BE CIRCULATED THROUGH ENGINE CAUSING NO COMPRESSION AND SEIZING THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED PRETTY QUICK. I AM NOW IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE OF THE WATER PUMP DESIGN FLAW OF FORDS WATER PUMP EMPTYING INTO THE OIL PAN. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL OR COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA DATABASE SO IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. BUT I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND SEEN THIS EXACT COMPLAINT FROM PEOPLE IN MANY FORUMS, ON MULTIPLE MODELS. THIS CATASTROPHIC WATER PUMP FAILURE AND DESIGN FLAW HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 11 YEARS AND FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT OR TO HELP THE CUSTOMER. THIS IS NOT GETTING REPORTED CORRECTLY OR IN THE RIGHT PLACE OR SIMPLY SERVICE CENTERS DONT REPORT TO THIS DATABASE THEREFORE FORD CLOSES THIER EYES TO PROBLEMS. I AM JUST GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN TO MY WIFE ON HER TRIP TO MICHIGAN AT NIGHT ON THE WEEKEND WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. IT MUST BE AN ISSUE IF I CAN FIND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ON THEI EXACT ISSUE. HOLD FORD RESPONSIBLE, THEY ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEONE OR THEIR FAMILIES.

• 10/31/2017· ENGINE

  CAR HAS METICULOUS SERVICE RECORD, I HAD 86K MILES ON CAR. THE CAR WOULD NOT START TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THE CERAMIC WATER PUMP EXPLODED, CAUSING COOLENT TO MIX WITH OIL. NOW I NEED NEW ENGINE $8,000. I HAVE USED SAME DEALERSHIP FOR CAR MAINTENANCE FOR LAST 7 YEARS.

• 10/28/2010· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND ONCE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN BOTH TIMES POWER STEERING WAS GONE. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING BECAUSE IT DID NOT LEAVE A SIGNATURE. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS NOW. *TR

• 10/25/2021· STEERING

  When I put my car in reverse, it is very hard to turn the steering wheel. I called my local Ford dealer and have an appointment for service. Inspection will occur tomorrow (10/26/21). I have not used the car since I noted the problem on 10/22/21.. However, if I were to use my car, I might have an accident due to the extreme steering difficulty. I went to www.safercar.gov to look up recalls based on my VIN number. No recalls came up. Then I went to the "Safety Issues & Recalls" section of the NHTSA website. There I found that certain 2011 Ford Flex vehicles were recalled, beginning on 7/21/15. This recall was to check the Power Steering Control Module for Diagnostic Trouble Codes. I never received any notification regarding this recall. So I called Ford Customer Service and gave them Ford's recall # 15S18. A recording gave me the same information I got from NHTSA's Safety Issues & Recalls. I asked to speak to a rep and eventually spoke to a supervisor. They both told me that my vehicle does not qualify for recall, even though I'm currently having problems with the power steering which fits the reason for recall. They said this was because my VIN number does not fall into the batch of vehicles recalled. They recommended that I contact the NHTSA to report my vehicle's problem. My question is that since my vehicle is currently experiencing the very same problem that triggered the recall of certain 2011 Ford Flex vehicles, why can't my 2011 Ford Flex be included in the recall? To answer your other questions above: My vehicle's problem will be confirmed by a Ford dealer tomorrow (10/26/21). There's been no inspection by manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others. I do not recall any warning lamps, messages or anything prior to the failure.

• 10/25/2016· ENGINE

  I HAVE FULL DOCUMENTATION FROM FORD TO BACK UP MY STORY: LAST YEAR THE CAR BEGAN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY. IN BUFFALO, NY (WE LIVE IN THE CHICAGO AREA). THE STALLING GOT SO BAD THAT SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING BACK HOME 10-HOURS+. SHE WENT INTO THE LOCAL DEALER THERE AND HAD THE CAR PLUGGED INTO THE COMPUTER...WHICH DETECTED NO FAULTS. SHE MADE SURE TO DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM FULLY AND IT IS DOCUMENTED ON THE RECEIPT. THE CAR HAS CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I READ THAT THE FORD DEALER CAN INSTALL A "BLACK BOX" WITH A BUTTON THAT ONE CAN PUSH WHEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM HAPPENS. WE DID THIS AND WE GOT THREE GOOD PUSHES OF THE BUTTON WHEN IT SUBSEQUENTLY STALLED AND THE DEALER DOWNLOADED THE INFO AND FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY IS FAULTY....OF COURSE THE CAR (WE HAD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN) IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY FOR ABOUT 1.7K MILES (NOT TIME). NOTE THAT THE CAR FAILED TO TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT...IT WAS ONLY AT MY INSISTENCE THAT THEY PUT IN A "BLACK BOX" THAT ANY PROBLEM WAS FOUND. THE FORD CUSTOMER CARE PERSON ON THE PHONE KEEPS TELLING ME THAT "THE CURRENT PROBLEM" OCCURRED AFTER THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. BUT OUR DOCUMENTED MAINTENANCE HISTORY PROVES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM DATING FROM LAST YEAR. THIS IS A YEAR-OLD PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER WAS ONLY JUST ABLE TO DIAGNOSE...AND THEN ONLY BECAUSE I LEARNED ABOUT THE "BLACK BOX" THAT WAS AVAILABLE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIND THE PROBLEM LAST YEAR, AND BECAUSE THEY FAILED TO FIND THE PROBLEM WE ARE NOW ON THE HOOK FOR THE REPAIR. I HAVE COPIES OF THE RECEIPT FROM LAST YEAR. OH, AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY MY WIFE HAD TO PAY FORD $108.70 FOR THEM TO PLUG THE CAR IN LAST YEAR... THE CAR NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR DISPLAYED FAULT CODES WHEN PLUGGED INTO THE COMPUTER NORMALLY. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF THE BLACK BOX WAS SUGGESTED AS A DIAGNOSTIC OPTION HOWEVER. *TR

• 10/22/2025· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I had changed all my bulbs and fuses to my car for my brake lights several times and they still don’t work. My car almost got hit with me and my kids in it due to my break lights not working. Also my car keeps saying service advance trac and keeps saying it every time I drive. My car also keeps running out of power steering fluid every two week I have to add more to keep it from making that loud noise while driving.

• 10/19/2020· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER SON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON CALLED AN UNKNOWN FORD DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT IT WAS THE WATER PUMP THAT FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

• 10/18/2025· POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

  My brakes locked up suddenly on the rear end causing me to get stuck in the middle of the road and unable to move it, even to tow it. I had to take 2 days almost to fix it in the middle of the road, since yesterday morning. They also began locking up suddenly on the front end, the wheel bearing, CV Joint, Tie Rods, CV Axles, CV Boots, and sway bars began failing out of nowhere as well. The brakes may or may not be able to be replicated, as they are partially fixed and yes my entire front end can be replicated. The danger is my brakes locked up as I was driving, in the middle of the road at that. I have not been able to get the front end fixed as it is expensive, however the danger of this is the tires falling off or the front end failing all together. ALL of the other people who drive these that I have talked to and met have had the same problem and yes they are factory parts! Even the people who have only 30 to 60000 miles on their 2011 Ford Flex Titaniums have these issues! Not only this but also the sensors go bad almost immediately off the lot, which can cause the car to brake without warning, stop running out of nowhere, make the power steering module fail, make your vehicle stutter because ALL of the sensors are bad. These vehicles need to be recalled and fixed, or recalled and replaced with better vehicles (from $60,000 up to $95,000) with any mileage any year. Please recall these and please help! I just got mine, this isn't right!

• 10/16/2021· STEERING

  Problem with the power steering control failure...Clearly that is a known problem for Ford Flex that can cause people to crash during this issue...Mi car is 2011 Ford flex limited....

• 10/13/2020· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARD AN ALARM AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT CALLED CLEVELAND FORD LOCATED AT 2496 S LEE HWY, CLEVELAND, TN 37311, (423) 218-1622 AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 171,234.

• 10/09/2023· STEERING

  While on a trip in the local area to a state park, a warning came on whilst driving to "service power steering now". Driving was normal and we got to our destination 5-10 miles or so later. On returning to the car after parking and starting up the car the steering wheel was "bricked" and didn't want to turn. At first we thought it might be a flat tire. It took lots of effort to turn the wheel. As we were far from any service in the area I managed to drive the vehicle home albeit with much effort. If my wife had been driving and the steering had gone out there is a high likelihood of an accident. After doing some research when we got home this has all the signs of the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) going out. I have looked on Ford's website for recall and there is not one according to my VIN. The vehicle in question is a 2011 Ford Flex 3.5 Ecoboost AWD.

• 10/08/2018· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  MY CURRENT PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS IS THE STEERING. AS OF AROUND TWO YEARS AGO I HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING LOSING THE POWER AND RESULTING IN A VERY HARD TO CONTROL STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AND VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ROUGHLY 6 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEM WOULD USUALLY CORRECT WITHIN AROUND FIVE SECONDS OR SO. I HAVE FOUND THERE ARE MANY ISSUES ON THE INTERNET WITH THIS FORD PROBLEM THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT MY VEHICLE COMES WITHIN A MONTH OF THE RECALL SO NO HELP FROM THE DEALER. THEY WANT AROUND 3000-3500 FOR REPLACEMENT. WORD IS THEY HAVE DOUBLED THE COST OF THE PART TO MAKE UP FOR THE RECALL MONEY THEY ARE OUT. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND FORD NEEDS TO HANDLE THIS ISSUE. I AM TOLD THE STEERING IS ELECTRICAL. MY SECOND ISSUE IS AND HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AROUND TWO YEARS ALSO. THE LIGHTS WILL GO OUT EACH AT DIFFERENT TIMES. IF I REACH DOWN AND TURN THE SWITCH OFF AND ON AGAIN THEY WILL COME BACK ON AND CORRECT, BUT WILL GO OUT AGAIN. ONE MIGHT GO OUT AND THEN ONE STAY ON. A DANGEROUS SITUATION OCCURS WHEN THEY BOTH FAIL. TURNING THE SWITCH ON AND OFF ALWAYS TURNS THEM ON. PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR TWO YEARS. NEITHER ARE NOT FIXED AT THE MOMENT.

• 10/07/2014· STEERING

  DRIVING MY 2011 FORD FLEX A WARNING CAME ON FOR "SERVICE POWER STEERING" BEFORE THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING AND THE INCIDENT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

• 10/05/2015· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

  WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP WITH THE ECOBOOST SYSTEM , THE CAR WILL ALMOST STALL, THEN SPEED UP WITH OUT YOUR FOOT ON THE PEDAL. IT BLOWS BLACK SMOKE AND THEN IT WILL BE FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, THE CAR HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN WHICH THIS SHOWED UP. WHILE THIS WAS GOING ON I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT BECAUSE IT LOCKED UP, THEN THE CAR WOULD ONLY WORK IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE THE CAR RADIATOR FAN SYSTEM BURNED UP AND THEY REPLACED. THEY HAVE RE-FLASHED MODULES AFTER THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING, HOWEVER IT STILL DOES IT. I AM WORRIED AS THE CAR HAS SPEED UP TO 2000 RPM WHILE DRIVING AND STAYED THERE WITH OUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING PRESSED.

• 10/02/2015· WHEELS

  WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT THE REAR END SLIDES AS IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW.IT REALLY SWAYS WHILE BRAKING. KNOW INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON TO SUGGEST SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. I HAD THIS SCARY PROBLEM CHECK OUT BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS. THEY FELT THE WOBBLY SENSATION WHEN DRIVING 40 MILES HR. THEY ONLY NOTED A COMBINATION OF MINOR CONDITIONS LIKE TIRE THREADS,OIL LEAK FROM A SHOCK AND A SMALL ROD THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE LEFT BACK TIRE THAT HAD A LITTLE MOVEMENT.. THESE ISSUES HOWEVER SHOULDN'T CAUSE THIS VERY DANGEROUS SLIPPERY EXPERIENCE ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS.

• 09/30/2019· ENGINE

  ON 09/18/19, I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND - LIKE ROCKS KICKING UP UNDER MY CAR. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MPH ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. I DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR ME. I TRIED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE AND MY STEERING WAS LOCKED. I RECEIVED NO WARNING LIGHTS AND MY CAR TEMPERATURE REMAINED THE SAME - BETWEEN COLD AND HOT. AFTER GOING TO THE REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WATER PUMP OVERHEATED WHICH CAUSED THE COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE OIL. THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NOT A FREEWAY. THE CAR HAS 94,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.

• 09/27/2011· SEATS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN ONE OF HER CHILDREN ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE BUTTON TO AUTOMATICALLY FOLD DOWN THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEAT. WHILE THE SEAT WAS FOLDING DOWN, ANOTHER CHILD'S LEG GOT STUCK BETWEEN THE SEAT AND FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CHILD SUFFERED BRUISES AND CARPET BURNS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERN THAT THE SEAT CONTINUED TO FOLD DOWN FORCEFULLY WHEN THE CHILD WAS STUCK. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO FREE THE CHILD ONCE THE CHILD'S LEG WAS WEDGED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,439. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 09/23/2020· ENGINE

  TRAVELING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT REGULAR SPEED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. A LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP OCCURRED AND FLOODED THE ENGINE AND OIL RESERVOIR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IMMEDIATELY SMOKE AND OVERHEAT. AFTER ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO SIT AND COOL DOWN SO NOT TO START A FIRE WHEN THE HOOD IS LIFTED, THE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE TOOK PLACE. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND ANTIFREEZE MIXED IN WITH THE MOTOR OIL.

• 09/21/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THERE IS A STRONG SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER A HARD ACCELERATION, IT SMELLS SIMILAR TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXHAUST ODOR. SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ODOR BUT TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

• 09/20/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN OIL CHANGE WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED VIOLENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT A DELAYED RETURN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THEY FOUND COOLANT IN THE OIL AND THE ENGINE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC RECOMMENDED A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER (PLANET FORD, 20403 INTERSTATE 45 N, SPRING, TX 77388, (888) 471-0592) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

• 09/19/2019· ENGINE

  WATER PUMP FAILURE LED TO TOTAL ENGINE LOSS. REPORTED ON MULTIPLE FORD VEHICLES

• 09/13/2016· STEERING

  OUR CAR WAS RECALLED FOR A POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING BECAUSE IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. FORD REPAIRED THE STEERING PROBLEM. THE CAR THEN EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM 8 MONTHS LATER AND FORD IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR. THEY CLAIM THAT WE ARE PAST THE 1 YR / 12K MILE WARRANTY BUT WE HAD BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER SEVERAL MONTHS EARLIER AND THE CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE FAULT. THE CAR'S POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THE FAILURE THE CAR WAS 200 MILE OVER THE WARRANTY. FORD NOW CLAIMS THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE COST OF REPAIR. CLEARLY THE REPLACEMENT PART THEY USED WAS DEFECTIVE.

• 09/11/2023· STEERING

  Power steering went out while backing out of a parking spot and warning popped up on dash with power steering fault and making the wheel super stiff and hard to turn

• 09/10/2018· STEERING

  OUR 2011 FORD FLEX HAS EXPERIENCED A STEERING COLUMN FAILURE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST STEERING, NOT POWER. BUT STEERING IS IMPOSSIBLE. AFTER FORCING IT BACK AND FORTH WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT TO GO AGAIN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS THE STEERING SHAFT BINDING UP. I SEE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE STEERING IN THIS VEHICLE. NO RECALL IS CURRENTLY ISSUED FOR THIS VIN

• 09/03/2015· WHEELS

  I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE TIRE, WHILE JACKING UP THE CAR IT BECAME DIFFICULT. I STOPPED, AND LOWERD THE CAR. THEN EXAMINED THE JACK AND FOUND THAT THE THREADED NUT THAT THE UP AND DOWN ADJUSTING ROD THREADS THRU WAS CRACKED OPEN.THIS NUT LOOKS TO BE OF SOME TYPE OF POT METAL, UNLIKE THE REST OF JACK WICH IS STEEL. I TALKED TO FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY SAID THE MOST THEY MIGHT DO IS REPLACE THE JACK. THAT JACK IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I WANT A SAFE JACK .

• 08/27/2018· TIRES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FLEX EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE: 255/45R20. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH TIRES BEGAN TO SHRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH TIRES WERE REPLACED BY FORD, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. TIDELANDS FORD LINCOLN (9387 OCEAN HIGHWAY, PAWLEYS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA 29585, (843) 237-3673) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER (HANKOOK) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECURRING FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COSMETIC. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED UPON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENTS. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

• 08/26/2022· STEERING

  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 NHTSA 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.

• 08/24/2015· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I HAD JUST FINISHED VACUUMING THE INSIDE OF MY 2011 FORD FLEX. THE REAR AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE WAS UP AND I WAS LEANING INTO THE BACK OF THE FLEX REINSTALLING MY CARGO NET WHEN THE HYDRAULICS FAILED AND THE LIFTGATE CAME SLAMMING DOWN ON MY BACK. I SUSTAINED BRUISING AND MUSCLE INJURY. IF IT WAS MY ARM OR LEG IT MIGHT HAVE RESULTED IN AN AMPUTATION. IF IT WAS MY HEAD / NECK IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATALITY. IF IT WAS MY CHILD HE COULD HAVE BEEN PARALYZED. WHY ARE THERE NO SAFETY FEATURES THAT PREVENTS THE LIFTGATE FROM SLAMMING SHUT IF THE HYDRAULICS FAIL?

• 08/22/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

  CPSC: I1380138A. 2011 FORD FLEX. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CHEMICALS USED TO MELT ICE AND SNOW CAUSES BRAKES ROTORS TO ROT. STATED AT 23,000 MILES HIS REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO AT 32,000 MILES ALL THE ROTORS WERE ROTTEN AGAIN. *LN

• 08/18/2025· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford Flex. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

• 08/17/2020· STEERING

  MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, EXTRA STEERING EFFORT IS REQUIRED AT LOWER SPEEDS. IT FEELS UNSAFE WHEN STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS.

• 08/17/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  WE WERE DRIVING AROUND 25MPH AND SUDDENLY EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE. WHEEL COULDN'T BE CONTROLLED AND BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT. WE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL 2 PARKED CARS STOPPED US.