NHTSA Complaint #11629697 — 2014 FORD EXPEDITION

The key to start/stop the vehicle engine could not be removed from the ignition steering column due to a problem with the gear shifter. The gear shifter (on the floor, not the column) thought the car was not in park even though the engine was off and IN park. The auto is available for inspection and I took it to Christian Brothers and they are replacing the shift assembly, FORD part number BL1Z-7210-CA. The vehicle only has 75,500 miles on it and I am the original owner and bought it new. The key not being able to be removed when the car is off and in park causes confusion for the driver and concern that the car could be stolen, even with a spare key to access the locked vehicle with the other key in the ignition. Two days prior to the key being locked in the steering column, the shifter began to have a mushy feel to it. My other concerns were the steering wheel to be placed in a locked position while driving the car due to problems with the shifter. The vehicle has not be inspected by the manufacturer or insurance company, just Christian Brothers who is replacing the entire shift assembly, with a cost around $945.