general problems of the 2013 Ford Flex - part 1

While driving, the power steering warning light illuminated and steering assist was lost. The steering became extremely hard, especially at low speeds. The vehicle makes grinding/whining noises when turning, and the car vibrates while in drive. This creates a serious safety concern, especially during turns and parking maneuvers. Issue appears to be electric power steering (epas) failure.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. When the vehicle was purchased, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had a failure with the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The message "service advancetrac" was displayed on the instrument panel, and an unknown message about the steering was displayed. In addition, while in reverse(r), the contact used force to turn the steering wheel. Most recently, the contact stated that when the turn signal lever was activated, the turn signal lever failed to stay down as intended. The contact had to hold the turn signal lever down to signal a right or left turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the dealer 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 issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 131,785.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred two to three times per week. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

My electric power steering went out while driving. Everywhere online says the 2013 Flex has a recall for this but when I enter my VIN it says no recall. There has been several claims of this on my model year and accidents and dangers reported. I want to know my my vehicle isn’t showing up for the recall when it’s never been replaced by Ford so it should be replaced by Ford.

Power steering assist default. Power steering has intermittently gone out several times and when the vehicle is powered off and back on it would worked properly. July 15, 2025 121,471 miles it went out and will not reset. Fortunately, this happened at the car wash and not while driving. It could have been a very dangerous situation while driving. Had it towed home. I have reported to Ford case# cxh-04975179 July 16, 2025 and was told to take it to the dealer for evaluation and the dealer may assist $ with the repair. The (power steering assist fault) appeared on the dash. This has happened intermittently over the past several months and gone away but not it will not go away and the vehicle in inoperable.

My 2013 Ford Flex only has 109,600 miles on it. The car is currently at the mechanic shop. The problem I am having is with the power steering assist. Several times in the last three weeks, when I am reversing out of a parking spot suddenly the power assist warning comes on and the car is uncontrollable. I have had to tow it twice. I am not strong enough to maneuver the car when it locks up like that. There was no other warning until I made the attempt to back up then a warning message came on. The mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem . He made some other repairs to the wheel hub bearings, so when I picked up my car and it drove fine for a couple of days, I thought it was fixed. But it froze up again under the same conditions--trying to back out of a parking spot. I took it back to the mechanic and once again they were not able to duplicate the problem, but he said there was a record of the warnings in the system. My safety as well as the safety of other drivers is at risk, because if this goes out while in transit, I will not be able to control the car. I enjoy my Flex, but the repairs have been so much lately. One of the recent repairs was the emergency brake costing 1,200. The wheel hub bearings were 1,400 and now this power steering assist repair is estimated to be quite pricey. I am partially handicapped, retired and living on a very limited income. These expenses are outrageous for such a nice car with such low mileage. Does this model have issues? I keep up the maintenance and the oil changes and whatever else needs to be done, but these expenses are hitting all at once and putting me in debt. Is there a possibility that there is a glitch in the mechanical system? I looked up recalls and it does say that there was a recall on the power steering assist. I am contacting to verify that information. Please confirm for me so I know how to proceed. Thank you very much.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "power steering assist fault" and "service advancetrac" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed to operate as needed and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact also stated that the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic was not equipped with the tools to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,300.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “power steering failure” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that a handheld diagnostic reader retrieved dtc: u3000, 49-48, u300096c8, and bid2368-48. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

There is a recall on models in this year but not the one I currently have. While driving on the highway my advancetrac warning lit up, the roads where dry and the was nothing to indicate why this was happening. So, I began to continue to drive on the highway and my steering wheel began to feel "jiggly". I kept two hands on the wheel the remaining drive and stayed within the min driving limit as any bump I experienced allowed for the car to be redireced even with two hands on the wheel. Once I made it off the highway to my destination I received three warning messages one system fault, one power steering service and one advancetrac. At this point when turning the car off and back on again the steering wheel became hard to turn. The red power steering message popped up again along with the advancetrac message. Because this issue happened while the car was in motion I find it hard to believe that this model is not apart of the recall. Now I have to foot the bill along with feeling like at any moment I could have crashed and lost my life during my time driving on the highway. My only hope for writing this is to ensure another look at the 2013 models that were not included in this recall so that other lives can be saved. I would not have a problem allowing this issue to be inspected. My safety and those along the highway were in danger because I could have lost control of the vehicle. The problem still remains, I have set an appointment for this issue. This happened 6/5/25. The warnings first appeared while driving the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, there was a beeping sound coming from the vehicle with the messages "electronic power steering assist failure", "service advance-trac", and "power steering assist fault" displayed. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that simultaneously the steering wheel became extremely firm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drifting in different directions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

I went to drop my children off at school, backed out of the driveway fine everything was good. I went to turn the corner and my steering went really, really stiff. Thankfully I only live 2 blocks from the school and wasn't going over 15 mph. If I had been I'm scared of what could have happened.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving and making turns, the steering wheel was sticking and required to be turned to the opposite direction and back to the intended direction for the vehicle to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after making a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to big brand tire and service, where the contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,077.

The steering failed while driving. Steering assist was shut down and almost impossible to turn the wheel.

The contact owns a 2013 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 vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, whon diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. 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 notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds down the road, he came to a stop, and while attempting to proceed to another lane, the power steering became inoperable. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The power steering assist unit message was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, it worked as designed. The contact called an independent mechanic who informed the contact about NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

There is a power steering assist fault. Mine failed. This is a known issue that was recalled for the model year of my car, but my car apparently falls outside of the recall.

While driving down the highway the power steering system failed without any indication lights. Upon slowing down I noticed the steering was stiffer than usual. After pulling into a parking lot and restarting the car it showed a power steering failure and traction control failure.

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.

After starting the vehicle, warning on dash stating "power steering assist fault" appeared. Steering wheel was extremely difficult to operate, to the point that maneuvers requiring sudden, sharp inputs would not have been possible. Had this occurred while driving, it could have resulted in an accident. No one has been informed of this issue yet.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering control module failure. The contact stated that the steering control module needed to be replaced. The contact provided diagnostic codes: u3000'49-48 and u3000'96-c8. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The "power steering assist fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that after restarting the engine the messaged "power steering" had displayed. The vehicle was towed to the service garage who diagnosed that the power steering module and steering rack were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000(steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 72,220.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Power steering no longer works. Getting message on dash as well. I see a recall for my year truck but my VIN apparently is not one included. It’s our only transportation and my daughter, my fiancé and myself all have multiple weekly therapy/dr appointments. Please consider adding my VIN to the recall. As far as electrical my alarm will randomly go off while it’s not running/parked. Thinks doors are open when they are not. Thank you.

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 NHTSA 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.

Was 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.