Recall 18V141 affects 2,100 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles because the key can be removed outside PARK. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2,100 2017-2018 Taurus vehicles with mechanical key ignitions because the key can come out before the transmission is shifted into PARK. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can roll away and raise crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
On 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles with a mechanical key ignition, the shifter console and ignition have to work together before the key comes out. The console uses park-position detection to confirm the transmission is in PARK, then lets the mechanical ignition release the key. That interlock is meant to keep the vehicle from being shut off and left in gear.
On affected Taurus vehicles, Ford installed a shifter console configuration intended for push-button ignition systems. That console has a Park Detection Switch setup that does not match the mechanical key ignition system. Because the parts do not communicate as designed, the key can be removed even when the transmission is not in PARK.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner notices the problem only when the key comes out while the shifter is still in another gear position, so the vehicle needs the correct mechanical-key shifter console installed.
Who's affected?
Scope spans the 2017 and 2018 model years, with ignition and automatic-transmission components listed separately.
| 2017 Ford Taurus | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Taurus | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Ford Taurus | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Ford Taurus | electrical system |
| 2018 Ford Taurus | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Ford Taurus | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 2,100 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the key comes out while the Taurus is not in PARK and the parking brake is off, the vehicle can roll away and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign. Before leaving the seat, shift fully into PARK and apply the parking brake. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Ford Taurus is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free shifter assembly replacement that keeps the key from being removed when the transmission is not in Park.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V141 when you call.
- Use the parking brake and confirm the vehicle is in Park before removing the key until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the shifter assembly covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available through a Ford dealer now. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says that warranty coverage provides the free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| March 1, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 11, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V141?
Recall 18V141 covers 2,100 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles with mechanical key ignition systems. The key can be removed when the transmission is not in PARK, which creates a rollaway risk if the parking brake is not applied.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Ford Taurus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Taurus is included in recall 18V141. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the shifter assembly replacement. Reference Ford recall number 18C02 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Ford dealers will replace the shifter assembly free of charge under recall 18V141.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is vehicle rollaway. If the key is removed while the transmission is not in PARK and the parking brake is not applied, the Taurus can move unexpectedly and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Ford Taurus used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Taurus is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 18V141 or Ford recall number 18C02.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V141000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V141 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V141000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →