2011 Ford Flex Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Ford Flex has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 1 fire, 9 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (57 reports).

2Recalls
144Owner complaints
5Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Flex?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Ford Flex recalls

Driver Front Airbag May Not Inflate Properly in Crash

Recall 16V247Apr 26, 2016695 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in a high-speed crash.

Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed

Recall 15V340Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehicles affected

The electric power steering assist system in certain vehicles may shut down because of a fault in the steering motor sensor.

Most common 2011 Ford Flex problems

Problem areas named in the 144 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering57
Engine25
Power Train19
Unknown Or Other11
Electrical System9
Service Brakes8
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Seats7
Wheels5
Fuel/Propulsion System5

What owners report

2026-05-10, Steering
I have had this vehicle since about August 2025, the brakes and wheel bearings have failed twice, the strut failed, the power steering system has messed up repeatedly, the coolant came FLYING out of the car (while parked) FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! There have been multiple warning lights on since I got the vehicle and I have been told they are just sensors from multiple mechanics and that they don't mean anything. As it relates to the issues, the brakes, calipers, and wheel bearings have given out twice WHILE DRIVING without any sort of warning up until they seized! The strut on the front passenger side has broken for no known reason and the power steering system has been non stop eating powe
2026-04-28, Power Train
Went to put car in reverse and it kept driving forward- no weird sound or anything. Proceeded to put the car in park and it was still moving forward. Transmission was stuck on drive.The shifter is disconnected from the transmission with no warning .Just looked and the transmission shifter bushing is disconnected. Also saw that this part is a recall on other ford vehicles. Had this been recalled on all vehicles with this part, I would have known to have it fixed. Luckily I was somewhere safe when this happened but it would have put myself as well as others in danger.
2025-10-22, 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.
2025-10-18, 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
2025-08-18, 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.

2011 Ford Flex questions

Does the 2011 Ford Flex have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2011 Ford Flex: Driver Front Airbag May Not Inflate Properly in Crash; Power Steering May Cut Out, Making Steering Harder at Low Speed. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Flex?

Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (57), Engine (25), Power Train (19).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Ford Flex has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Flex years

Other 2011 Ford models