repaired · 2017 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2011 Ford FlexProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 144 owner complaints about the 2011 Ford Flex, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-340 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Ford Flex has problems
144 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
57Steering1 crash/fire/injury
25Engine1 crash/fire/injury
19Power train
9Electrical system
8Service brakes
7Seats
7Engine and engine cooling
5Fuel/propulsion system
5Wheels
2513 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 57 | 1 |
| Engine | 25 | 1 |
| Power train | 19 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 1 |
| Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 1 |
| Wheels | 5 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 25 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2011 Ford Flex recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
118kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 44 steering complaints. 34% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles15under 100k miles29100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Flex year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Flex median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Ford Flex safety ratings
2011 Ford Flex SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Flex owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2011 Flex?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.