2014 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2,086 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 47 involved a crash and 103 involved a fire. 41 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftJul 16, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Campaign 18V471000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsJul 25, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Campaign 17V472000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 27, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Campaign 17V209000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJun 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.
Campaign 15V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 9, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsSep 26, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
Campaign 14V597000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyJul 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, through October 22, 2013. The panorama roof glass may not be properly bonded to the attaching bracket.
If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect each vehicle and replace the front roof glass if its production date and sequence number falls within the affected range, free of charge. The recall is began on July 14, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S13.
Campaign 14V403000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMay 7, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.
Campaign 14V239000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMay 7, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.
Campaign 14V237000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerApr 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
Campaign 14V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2,086 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2014
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING, WOULD NOT RESTART. HAVE HAD FOR 6 WEEKS. HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. 5 SENSORS ARE NOT COMMUNICATING FROM THE ENGINE. THEY HAVE CHANGED COMPUTER IT RESTARTED AND DIED AGAIN. FORD INSISTS THEY ARE GOING TO FIX IT AND ARE GOING TO FORCE ME TO TAKE IT BACK. *JS
Tires, Jul 7, 2014
HAVE A ONE MONTH OLD 2014 FORD ESCAPE WITH 1,380 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING WEST ON NEWLY PAVED I-94 IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MY TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TEN MINUTES LATER MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW IN FOUR SPOTS AROUND THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME I RAN OVER SOMETHING AND DISMISSED IT. I'VE HAD BLOWOUTS AND FLAT TIRES BEFORE BUT NOTHING WHERE THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE FAILS IN FOUR PLACES. *TR UPDATED 02/11/15 *JS
Service brakes, Jul 6, 2014
A WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON SAYING THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW, AND THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER. I DROVE HOME, A SHORT DISTANCE, AND DECIDED TO CHECK THE FLUID MYSELF. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR SITTING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE TIPPED DOWN SO THAT FLUID WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE BRAKE LINES. THERE WAS SOME FLUID LEFT BUT MOST HAD BEEN LOST. THE WARNING CAME ON WITHIN A FEW 100 YARDS OF MY HOME, IF I HAD BEEN ON A TRIP OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. THE CAR WILL GO TO A DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. *JS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jul 6, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE IT'S APPROACH SENSOR WENT OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO BEING IN TRAFFIC BUT THEN IT WENT OFF ON A CONSTANT HIGH PITCH SQUEAL. IT LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES THEN SHUT OFF. THEN WHEN I WAS ON THE HANDS FREE TELEPHONE DEVICE THROUGH THE FORD CONSAL IT WENT OFF AGAIN AND I COULD NOT STOP THE VERY HIGH PITCH SQUEAL AND I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN PARK. THEN IT HAPPENED WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. THE SQUEAL WAS SO LOUD I WANTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO FORD AND ASK FOR A REFUND. I COULD NOT STOP THE SOUND AND IT SOUNDED LIKE MY SPEAKERS WERE ON HIGH BUT I COULDN'T LOWER THE VOLUME. THIS WAS A NEW VEHICLE AND JUST DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ABOUT A MONTH OR LESS. IT HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE. *JS
Service brakes, Jul 3, 2014
CAR IS FOR MY WIFE'S USAGE MAINLY. I DROVE THE CAR A FEW DAYS LATER AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS: TOO HIGH, (TOO CLOSE TO DRIVER'S REACH (FOOT), TO SMALL ANT TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN YOU SHIFT YOUR RIGHT FOOT FROM ACCELERATION TO BRAKING, I TOUCH THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE RUBBER PAD MANY TIMES AND NEED TO MAKE SURE I AM FULLY ON THE BRAKE PAD. THE PREVIOUS CAR WAS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. NO PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. WE HAD MANY OTHER VEHICLES AND NEVER HAD THIS SITUATION. I AM 5' 10" 175 LBS., AND NEVER DRIVE CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE CALLED FORD M. C. AND NO HELP OR CONCERN. THE SELLING DEALER SAYS THAT THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING....I AM FIRMLY CONVINCED THAT THE CAR DESIGNERS CAN MAKE A QUICK CHANGE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. HOW MANY ACCIDENTS COULD BE PREVENTED ? OTHER PERSONS AGREE WITH THIS PROBLEM.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2014
THE VEHICLE'S STEERING IS TOO SENSITIVE AT HIGHER SPEED. GENERALLY SPEAKING ABOVE 65 MPH ANY MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GO THAT DIRECTION. WHEN A CORRECTION IS MADE, THE VEHICLE GOES THE OPPOSITE WAY (TOO MUCH) WHICH TENDS TO MAKE VEHICLE FEEL AND LOOK AS IF IT WANDERS ON THE ROADWAY. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS IS DUE TO "ELECTRONIC STEERING." MANY COMPLAINS ARE FOUND ONLINE OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER DRIVERS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CRASH CAUSING PROBLEM AND DRIVERS NEED TO BE ON HIGH ALERT FOR THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. I WOULD THINK IF THIS IS INVESTIGATED, CRASHES WITH CAUSES OF DRIVER INATTENTION WHEREAS A VEHICLE GOES OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD OR LEFT OF CENTER, SENSITIVE STEERING MAYBE THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IN MANY CASES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I FEEL THIS IS A ENGINEERING PROBLEM SUCH AS THE IGNITION SWITCHES ON THE GM PRODUCTS. THIS WAS ALL POINTED OUT TO THE REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER HEATHER NABB. FORD'S RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM IS UNTIL THERE IS A "FAILURE", THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. *TR
Engine, Jul 1, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED RUNNING EXTREMELY ROUGH, JERKING AND LURCHING, WHILE LOSING POWER. THE "ENGINE FAULT - SERVICE NOW" WARNING DISPLAY ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE HOME WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *TR
Structure, Jun 19, 2014
DOORS WOULD NOT ALWAYS LATCH SHUT IN COLD WEATHER. NOTIFIED FORD SERVICE ON LINE AND PROVIDE A PHOTO OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME BUT NEVER DID. I FOLLOWED UP WITH FORD SERVICE A COUPLE MONTHS LATER AND THEY SAID TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO MY DEALER. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN MAY 2014 FOR THIS ISSUE, I FOUND OUT RECALL 14S03 EXISTED FROM THE DEALER. THEY INFORMED ME THEY APPLIED THE FIX BY ADJUSTING ALL DOOR HANDLES. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED AS IT'S NOW HAPPENING IN THE WARM WEATHER.COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND FORD SERVICE. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN JUNE 2014 AND THE DEALER SAID THEY AGAIN ADJUSTED THE DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THE DOOR HANDLE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR HANDLE STICKING AND THE DOOR NOT LATCHING. THE DOOR CAME OPEN WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jun 18, 2014
THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY. WITH THE HEADLIGHTS NOT ON, THE WIPERS WOULD WORK ERRATICALLY AND NOT EFFICIENTLY, CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVE DURING RAIN. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. TRYING TO RIDE HOME IN THE DARK WITH NO LIGHTS, NOR WIPERS FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY CAUSED AN UNSAFE SITUATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE SIGNALS AND PARKING LIGHTS ARE DIMMING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR IS PRESENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR TWO DAYS- HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED AT YET. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A HILL WHEN THE AIR BAG, ABS AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE RCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Service brakes, May 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WARM THE NOISE WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,352.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I ACCIDENTALLY DEPRESSED THE KEYLESS START-STOP BUTTON. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE LOST AND ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART BY PUSHING START-STOP BUTTON. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW CAR - WITH OTHER CARS CLOSE BEHIND- SHIFT GEAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND APPLY BRAKE PEDAL SO THAT START-STOP BUTTON WOULD RESTART ENGINE. I HAVE HAD FORD DEALERSHIP CHECK KEYLESS START-STOP SYSTEM AND THEY INDICATE THAT SYSTEM WORKS AS IT SHOULD. START - STOP BUTTON IS LOCATED IN DRIVERS RIGHT KNEE AREA AND IS TWO INCHES FROM SIMILAR LOOKING CLIMATE CONTROL BUTTON. POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE LOST WITH ENGINE OFF AND CAR IN MOTION. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY REFERRED US TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Engine, May 10, 2014
FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE CAR'S WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID "ENGINE FAILURE - SERVICE IMMEDIATELY." I ATTEMPTED TO PROCEED TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE BUT, BEFORE I MADE IT OFF OF OUR STREET, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SHUDDER VIOLENTLY, THEN DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO COAST TO A SMALL PARKING AREA. AS IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN, IT REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A SENSOR ISSUE AND ENSURED THAT IT WAS REPAIRED AND WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. TODAY (MAY 10TH) A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED, THOUGH THIS TIME IT WAS WHILE I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. AGAIN, THE SAME WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN AND GET THE CAR HOME BUT, BEFORE I COULD DO THIS, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THIS REQUIRED ANOTHER TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR; THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTLY IN THE SHOP. *TR
Structure, Apr 8, 2014
FRIDAY EVENING I NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING DOWN FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THE HARD PLASTIC AND WHAT I WILL DESCRIBE AS FIRE RESISTANT INSULATOR WAS 1/2 OFF. THE PINK PLASTIC BOLT IN THE FRAME WAS BROKEN AND FURTHER BACK WHERE IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN ATTACHED WITH A METAL BOLT; THE HOLE AROUND IT ON THE PLASTIC WAS TOO LARGE. NOW THERE ARE VARIOUS ELECTRONIC PARTS, BELTS, ETC EXPOSED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT SOMETHING HIT THE CAR OR PERHAPS HAD BEEN BACKED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE NOT LEAVING VISIBLE DAMAGE, BUT CAUSING PRESSURE UNDERNEATH, OR THE HARSH MINNESOTA WINTER CAUSED THIS AS THEY ARE SEEING MANY THINGS BREAK.THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF ANY DAMAGE AND THEY REFUSED TO PUT IT UP ON THE JACK TO INSPECT. I DO NOT FEEL THAT FORD IS WILLING TO EVEN INVESTIGATE THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS, IN FACT. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A WARRANTY PROBLEM BUT RATHER AN INSURANCE ISSUE. SINCE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH ALL OF THIS EXPOSED I HAVE TIED IT UP TO MY GRILL WITH TWINE. *TR
Engine, Apr 7, 2014
VEHICLE STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. ENGINE DIED. MOVED GEAR SELECTOR FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND RESTARTED WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENT. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Apr 6, 2014
ON FEBRUARY 3, 2014 WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 A STONE FLEW UP OFF THE ROAD AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPAIRED BY SAFELITE. ON MARCH 12, 2014 THE SAME THING HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ON A DIFFERENT STRETCH OF I-95. HAD SAFELITE REPAIR THE WINDSHIELD. THIS MORNING APRIL 6, 2014 AGAIN ON I-95 AND THE WINDSHIELD GOT CRACKED FOR A THIRD TIME. HAVE DRIVEN FOR 53 YEARS WITH ONLY ONE CRACKED WINDSHIELD PREVIOUSLY AND HAVE HAD THREE WITHIN 62 DAYS!!! GREATLY CONCERNED THAT ANYTHING LARGER THAN A SMALL PEBBLE MAY CAUSE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD TO DISINTEGRATE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. WILL TAKE TO FORD DEALER TOMORROW OR TUESDAY FOR THEM TO EXAMINE. *TR
Engine, Apr 4, 2014
I BOUGHT A NEW FORD ESCAPE IN FEBRUARY 2014. SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO REVERSE AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. SIMILAR TO WHAT OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINED. I WILL BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT GOES IN FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE WHEN IT REACHES 10,000 MILES, BUT MAYBE SOONER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. *TR
Visibility, Apr 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SYSTEM AND THE DEFROSTER FAILED. THE AUTOMATIC REMOTE ALSO FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE SYSTEM HEAT. THE CONTACT HAD TO LET THE ENGINE RUN FOR A FEW MINUTES TO BE ABLE TO HEAT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE THEREFORE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A FIX FOR THE HEATING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,400.
Engine, Apr 1, 2014
LEASED THIS VEHICLE IN AUGUST, 2013. SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO REVERSE AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. I AM SENSITIVE TO ODORS IN GENERAL AND MY FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY SMELLED IT OCCASIONALLY, SO I DISREGARDED UNTIL RECENTLY THE ODORS ARE BECOMING STRONGER INSIDE THE CABIN AND NOT CLEARING WHEN WINDOWS ARE LOWERED TO AIR OUT. I WILL BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT GOES IN FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE WHEN IT REACHES 10,000 MILES, BUT MAYBE SOONER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2014
THE 2014 FORD ESCAPE HAS A SOFTWARE/HARDWARE BUG IN WHICH THE INTERIOR INSTRUMENT PANEL DIMMER DOES NOT RETAIN ITS MANUAL DIMMER SETTINGS. AFTER 20-30 MINUTES WITH THE VEHICLE POWERED OFF, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIMMER SETTING REVERTS TO MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS AUTOMATICALLY. MORE THAN AN INCONVENIENCE, THIS BUG IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. IF A DRIVER PERCEIVES THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO BE TOO BRIGHT, THE DRIVER MUST MANUALLY DIM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EVERY TIME IT IS DARK ENOUGH THAT THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO DRIVE. FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE DESIGN BUG AT THIS TIME BECAUSE THEY DO NOT THINK IT BOTHERS ENOUGH CUSTOMERS. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE IF A DRIVER HAPPENS TO BECOME TIRED OF DIMMING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EACH NIGHT OR IF THEY SIMPLY FORGET TO DIM THEM ONE TIME, THEY COULD BECOME UNWITTINGLY DISTRACTED BY THE INTERIOR BRIGHTNESS AND CAUSE A TRAFFIC INCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LEGITIMATE SAFETY CONCERN AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE FORD BE ENCOURAGED TO ADDRESS IT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 17, 2014
THE DASH LIGHTS WILL NOT DIM AUTOMATICALLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL AS WELL AS FROM FORD TECHNICIANS. THEY ARE ON FULL BRIGHT ALL THE TIME. AN ANALOGY WOULD BE LIKE HAVING AN ONCOMING CAR HAVING ITS HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM AT NIGHT AND THEREFORE BE BLINDING. THERE IS A MANUAL OVERRIDE TO ADJUST BUT THIS MUST BE DONE EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. I TALKED TO A FORD REP AND WAS TOLD, "NOTHING IS PERFECT, DEAL WITH IT". THE LOCAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NO KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO REPAIR IT AS FORD HAS YET TO ISSUE AN ADVISORY. I WOULD THINK FORD WOULD WANT ITS SOPHISTICATED CARS TO WORK CORRECTLY. WE WILL SEE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 11, 2014
UPDATE ON ODI NUMBER 10567429. FORD CASE # [XXX]. FORD WILL NOT, AT MY EXPENSE, ALLOW THE DEALER TO INSTALL EITHER FORD OEM DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) IN MY NEW VEHICLE OR AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT. THEY SAY ANY SUCH INSTALL BY DEALER OR OTHERS WILL VOID MY EXTENDED NEW CAR WARRANTY. I WAS IN MAINE LAST WEEK & IN A SNOW SQUALL AT NOON & WAS ALMOST KILLED BY A LOGGING TRUCK WHO COULD NOT SEE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF POOR VISIBILITY. CAN FORD BE PRESSURED TO ALLOW THIS INSTALL WITHOUT PENALTY & AT NO COST TO THEM???? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2014
7/12/13 WE PURCHASED NEW 2014 FORD ESCAPE TITANIUM WHICH DID NOT HAVE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) A SAFETY FEATURE. THE DEALER, HERB CHAMBERS, WESTBOROUGH, MA., SAID AT MY EXPENSE FORD WOULD INSTALL DRL WHEN I CAME IN FOR SERVICE ON 12/11/2013. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. FORD WILL ONLY INSTALL DRL ON FLEET ESCAPE VEHICLES BUT NOT ON PERSONAL ESCAPES. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS ASSIGNED A CASE # (CAS-3967188-C7S8M6) TO MY CONCERNS AND ARE ADAMANT. THEY WON'T UPGRADE MY NEW CAR & IF I INSTALL DRL (AFTERMARKET ITEM) THEY WILL VOID MY EXTENDED NEW CAR WARRANTY. THEY REFUSE TO EXPLAIN WHY THERE IS THIS POLICY WHICH PREVENTS ADDING A SAFETY FEATURE, AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE, TO THEIR ESCAPES SOLD FOR PERSONAL USE. THEIR PRACTICE IS DISCRIMINATORY & DECREASES VEHICLE CRASH AVOIDANCE PARAMETERS.
Suspension, Feb 22, 2014
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM STIVERS FORD IN MONTGOMERY, AL. ON JAN. 20, 2014. THIS VEHICLE SHAKE AT LOW SPEED AND HIGH SPEED. I TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT WOULD STOP BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THIS VEHICLE RIDE WORST THAN THE 2006 MODEL I TRADED IN. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2014
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT INTERSECTION. UPON ATTEMPTING TO INITIATE RIGHT TURN, ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AS IF IN NEUTRAL GEAR, AND VEHICLE HAD NO ACCELERATION. DEALER DIAGNOSED A LEFT-SIDE AXLE SEAL LEAK AND SAID THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS "ALL OVER". WHEN ASKED IF THIS WAS UNUSUAL FOR A NEW VEHICLE, DEALER REMARKED THAT IT WAS NOT, AND SAID THAT IT WAS THE THIRD SEAL LEAK THEY HAD SEEN IN A WEEK. *TR