NHTSA Complaint #11438136 — 2011 FORD FLEX

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.