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2017 Ford Taurus Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Ford Taurus carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering and ignition. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “B-pillar trim detachment under recall 25V611000.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING

Campaign #17V530000 · Aug 28, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

Risk: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #18V141000 · Jan 3, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles equipped with mechanical key ignition systems. The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Risk: If the key is removed from the ignition while the vehicle is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C02.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V072000 · Oct 2, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM

Campaign #25V611000 · Dec 9, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

B-pillar trim detachment under recall 25V611000

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-09 → 2026-07

“I have been attempting to get recall 25S91 resolved at Cavender Ford of OKC in [XXX] since early March 2026. On March 3, 2026, my contact at the dealership [XXX] ) told me the repair would be completed within a few weeks. The recall exists because 'a B-pillar trim applique that”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736664
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side B-pillar trim detached. The contact became aware that the front driver's side B-Pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715574
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V611000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in rainy weather at various speeds, there was water”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717488

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera image inversion or loss of display

BACK OVER PREVENTION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07 → 2026-01

“When backing, the rear cameras are intermittently showing objects upside down and fuzzy making it difficult to decipher and recognize objects at the rear of the car, and frequently does not display anything on the in-dash screen, but instead saying the system isn't available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699691
“Lately, the backup assist feature has started to malfunction more frequently. The screen reads the backup cameras are unavailable. At other times, it functions fine as designed. This would not pick up a child who could be at the rear of the vehicle. Sometimes the screen goes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672894
“Backup camera is appearing Upside down on display and sometimes inverted. When it gets dark outside, the backup camera has lines appear on the display so you can’t use it when it’s dark. This is a huge safety risk as to having the camera display upside down/inverted/not clear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688671

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Key removable from ignition while not in park

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, she inadvertently removed the key from the ignition while the vehicle was still in drive. The vehicle began to roll, and the contact realized that she had forgotten to shift the vehicle into”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545478
“I submitted this form in April 2024, never received a response from NHTSA. Ford of Uniontown received a reply from FMC. Their response is they will not cover the repair to my vehicle. The reason is the recall affected cars built 7/31/2017 - 2/13/18. My car was built two months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687097
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING ENGAGED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. SUNNY KING FORD (1507 S QUINTARD AVE, ANNISTON, AL) WAS CONTACTED AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111945

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension toe link failure or misalignment

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2024-03

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, she noticed that there was a change in the rear suspension and it felt like a rear tire was deflated. No warning lights had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578479
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for rear wheel alignment. The contact stated that rear toe link fractured during the rear alignment process. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550247
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact had taken the vehicle to an unknown dealer for an oil change and the contact was informed that all four tires showed significant tread wear and needed to be replaced. An alignment check was also performed on the vehicle and it was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431927

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected loss of engine power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-03

“I WAS TRAVELLING ON A FREEWAY ~70MPH IN LEFT HAND LANE. WITHOUT WARNING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLACK AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE THROTTLE PEDAL. AN ORANGE BOX APPEARED ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE SPEEDOMETER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203656
“Without any Waring Lights the car goes into " Limp Mode " .ON turnpike roads with Speed Limits at 70 MPH and with some sections with no shoulder to get off the highway this is very dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727731
“AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE, WHEN THE CAR GOT TO ABOUT 55 MPH THE ENGINE DROPPED DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR. IT STAYED THERE FOR WHAT FELT LIKE 15 OR MORE SECONDS. THE FIRST TIME WAS BACK IN NOVEMBER. IT HAPPENS IN FEBRUARY AS WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192014

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard and gauge lighting delay or dimness

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2019-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE TOO DIM TO READ WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAYTIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HART FORD LINCOLN (117 LAKE ST, ROSCOMMON, MI 48653, (989) 275-8922) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120431
“HAVE A CLICK IN STERLING WHEEL MY DAD BOARD LIGHTS TAKE ABOUT 30 SECONDS BEFORE THEY COME ON THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163028
“ELECTRIC PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS TAKE AWHILE BEFORE COMING ON.A POPPING ON THE RIGHT UNDER THE CAR IN THE FRONT .AND A FUNNY NOISE IN THE STEERLING WHEEL WHEN TURNING EITHER WAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171473

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water pump failure with coolant entering engine oil

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2025-09

“AS I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IT COMPLTELY SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION WITH NO WARNING, CAUSING STEERING & BRAKES TO LOOSE POWER, THANKFULLY i WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO TURNING WITH GREAT EFFORT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART REQUIRED TOWING TO SHOP. AFTER INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540513
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a fluid leak seen underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514398
“Internal water pump failure.. know to happen on the 17 Taurus”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688967

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

18 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Ford Taurus reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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