Power steering assist went out without warning while driving.
2014 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2014 record →
I was driving in Manhattan and stopped on East 5th Street in the East Village on my way home at around 7 pm. I stopped the car on a bit of a diagonal in the middle of the street in order to get out and quickly hand something off to someone there. I put the car in park and stepped out for maybe 30 seconds without even closing my door. Then when I got back in and tried to drive the car I had no ability to shift into any gear. The gear shifting didn’t click in in any way. The car didn’t register as in park. No lights highlighted the gear on the dashboard. The 4 tires were locked but the steering wheel moved freely and everything else in the car seemed to be perfectly fine. No warning lights came on. We turned the car off and back on many times hoping the computer system would resolve the issue - but that never changed the situation. I could not drive this car. I could not move the car. I was blocking other cars. I called AAA which took an hour and a half to get to me. I had AAA put the car on a flat bed truck and bring it to my Darien CT driveway ( at great expense) and then the next morning spoke with my Ford dealership and had AAA move the car to the dealership While now having to take a subway and a train to get back to Darien I looked up what could be wrong and discovered there had been a recall of many 2014 Escapes in 2018 to replace a faulty bushing which could detach from the transmission cable and make it impossible to control the gears. MY ESCAPE WAS NOT RECALLED - BUT
I am having to add coolant in the reservoir. There is a indicator on the dashboard states coolant low. I don't know where the coolant is going. They're no visible leaks. I have not had a recall for this matter. Recalled are 2014 Ford Escape. They can overheat due to lack of antifreeze. Lack of coolant circulation could cause the engine to overheat and experience a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked head can cause pressurized oil leaks, oil that can leak onto hot engines. There have been reported fires.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 2 MPH, the rear-view camera would malfunction and display a message "camera not available" also the camera image would display upside down on the monitor or was completely blank. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle would also stall with a burning odor was present coming from the antifreeze. The contact added coolant and the warning light was no longer displayed. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the heater hose failed. The hose was replaced; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was returned to the dealer due to the coolant not circulating in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 115,189. Claim number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Transmission just stopped engaging into gear all together around 85000 miles. Would not move at all. Had to be towed and new transmission had to be put in by Shore transmissions LLC 306 TANYARD rd. Centerville, MD 21617
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plug in cylinder number four was welded into the head of the engine, causing an engine failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH the instrument panel dimmed and then became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Owner scheduled appointment with Lakeview Ford due to no heat in vehicle, stalling when fuel was full, an active indicator for airbags. They completed the repairs for total around $1500. Shop went to test drive and vehicle caught fire.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that the speedometer and the odometer no longer functioned due to the failure. The contact called the dealer and he was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer informed him to use the "Ford Pass" App to keep track of his vehicle mileage. The contact stated that the App did not work with his model year vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door could not be opened from the inside and would only open from the outside when aggressively pulled. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/ Locks/Linkages) which the contact linked to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed that the recall could not be serviced due to the numbers on her door not matching the numbers on the recall. The contact was informed that the dealer would contact the manufacturer about the failure; however, the contact had not yet received a response from the dealer. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer twice and was denied service both times. The contact then called the manufacturer who referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle reversed without warning. In addition, the RPM was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,875.
Back up camera not working. Occasionally comes on for short period of time. Error message sometimes says "camera not available". Sometimes nothing but home screen.
I had a faulty instrument cluster repaired, which apparently is a recurring issue with this model of vehicle. In fact, my car is only 3 months outside the period that would have qualified it for a recall for this exact issue. It’s clear that this vehicle should have qualified for recall, as the mechanic who repaired it was happy to admit. Myself and other Escape owners who have experienced this same issue with slightly newer cars should be eligible as well.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle the gear shifter cable fractured making it difficult to safely park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
My warning light comes on and it says coolant is low. I add some coolant and the warning light goes off. In a month the same thing happens again. I add coolant again. I have to keep adding coolant approximately every month. There is no puddle under car and the heat temperature gauge stays the same in normal range. Also My Daughter’s 2014 Escape also does the same thing. Hers started doing it in November.
My 2014 Ford Escape warning light comes on and says coolant is low so I add coolant and the warning light goes away. In another month this happens again so I add coolant again and light goes off. This happens approximately every month. The temperature gauge stays the same, it stays normal. My moms 2014 Escape does the same thing.
Could not replace tire, swollen lug nuts
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon placing the gear shifter into PARK, the “Shift to PARK” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon placing the gear shifter into PARK; the vehicle would roll away without warning. The contact called two dealers and each informed her that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V471000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that initially, the coolant valve had become defective which resulted in her vehicle overheating as indicated by the temperature gauge. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the coolant valve and coolant tank. Despite the repairs, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the diagnostic trouble code indicated that the coolant bypass was defective. The contact had the coolant bypass valve replaced and later discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. Also, the contact stated that while her daughter was at a red light, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact's husband was called to the scene and was able to restart the vehicle. Once home, the vehicle was towed to the same independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The transmission was replaced. Additionally, she also stated that her vehicle would fail to start up after filling the vehicle with fuel. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the independent mechanic where he diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel pump. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact then called both the dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that her vehicle was not inc
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing and then attempting to shift into drive, the gear shifter would not function as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer, where it has not yet been diagnosed. The contact was informed by the tow truck driver that the shifter cable had detached and that there was a recall from the manufacturer regarding the shifter cable. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds the vehicle would overheat and produce smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LEAKED COOLANT. ALSO, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND BLOWING SMOKE. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
The power steering goes out intermittently when turning, which has almost caused me to be in several wrecks. There are no warnings lamps or messages displayed. This seems to be a problem noted by numerous other people on the Internet with this year.
The car loses coolant but know leaks. The dash says coolant low so I add coolant to the reservoir and then it is fine till around a month and does it again so I do the same thing. Started doing it when got cold and use heater all the time. My daughter has a 2014 escape to and it is also doing it.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the turbo and wiring harness was burnt, and there was coolant leaking in cylinders # 2 and # 3. The mechanic replaced the turbo, wiring harness, and valve cover gasket; however, after the repairs, the mechanic discovered there was a cracked head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
I have a coolant intrusion issue. This issue is causing a major problem to the engine and long block cylinders. This problem has occurred randomly causing the car to buffer, shut off on its own, and have white smoke come out of the exhaust and run terribly. I have taken this vehicle to multiple Ford Service centers in the last two years for its usual maintenance repairs and nobody has pointed out there has been an issue. My car is now in the shop with an $8,000 repair cost. Ford has decided to NOT fix the recall issue on my vehicle. This problem is a known issue for the 2014 Ford Escapes. I purchased this vehicle at Carmax and have paperwork saying there are 2 recalls associated with this vin. Manufacturer Number: 17S09 NHTSA Recall Number: 17V209 Recall Status: Recall incomplete The cycling head crack may cause an oil leak that may result in a fire in the engine compartment. This is an extremely dangerous issue for myself & others.
I had a blowout on my left driver tire. We were on a interstate highway. The Highway patrol was unable to get the lug nuts off to change the tire. I had the tire iron that came with the car and the Highway Patrol had a 4 way tire iron. None of them were able to get the lug nuts off. When I had it towed to a Ford dealer I was told that this is a problem with all the Ford Escapes. The lug nuts swell up and cannot be removed. I was told to get the lug nuts changed out and I would not have this problem. I did this at my expense. Why is Ford not required to change these out at their expense and why were we not notified before I had this blowout out on a interstate???? It cost me $150.00 to get all the lug nuts replaced.
While driving in traffic the vehicle lost drive power and would not engage into gear. No warning lamps or dashboard signals. The safety of other drivers became clear as I had to move the car (while coasting) from lane to side of road. The dealership called this a catastrophic transmission failure of the pump and suggests a full transmission replacement. My incident could have been far worse if on highway or heavier traffic. This failure contributed to unsafe conditions. I’m reporting this because I’ve read about many other instances of the same transmission problem on the same model and make and year.
Lost power, didn't seem to get into dive on freeway could't get power on to freeway when at a stop take time to get power up to a good speed Car at AAMCO for inspection needed to re build leaking bad brushing No did not get any warning warning light came on as i went to AAMCO of low coolant only
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant was leaking. Additionally, the vehicle failed to heat up. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir however, the coolant level was low the next day. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the coolant system was pressurizing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and shut off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an air bubble in the coolant. The fluid was drained and refilled. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the cooling fan was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was oil mixing with the coolant. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 51,479.
While driving on HWY 65-N, the interior lights came on and on the LCD we got a warning sound & message saying that the rear left door was open !!, we panic b/c our dog was in the back seat, we thought that he had open it, we rushed to the stop on the side of the hwy, we try, and try to closed the door, it never latched, we had to "secure" the door with my belt. very scary and dangerous situation. never got a warning about it; we went directly to the dealer that we bought it from, they inspected the problem, and said that we had to pay for the repair... why?
PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH NO WARNING AT ALL WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID CONFIRM THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT APPEARS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE YET THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CONSUMER EXCEPT TELL THEM IT FAILED AND THEY HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR $6000 DOLLARS. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE ON THIS EXACT VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING - THIS IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE INJURED OR KILLED AS THERE IS NO WARNING OF POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION ISSUES - JUST FAILS WHILE DRIVING OUT OF NOWHERE AND ON VEHICLES THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES YET. FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS BUT THEY KNOW OF THE ISSUE - THEY JUST LEAVE THE CARS OUT THERE SO SOMEONE CAN POSSIBLY GET HURT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED IN FULL AND THE CONSUMERS TAKEN CARE OF AS YOU CANNOT KNOWLINGY PUT FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS IN CARS AND LET THE CONSUMER GET INJURED OR EVEN POSSIBLY KILLED.
1-10-2022 I was driving to my mothers home and suddenly the car stopped driving,I pushed the foot pedal and nothing happened. I stopped and shifted gears to see if I could make it go, I had to get it towed, the person picking it up stated that this happens with 2014 ford escapes. I then went online to find a recall dated from 9-2018 on the transmission and several more recalls on this vechile. I take good care of my ford and I am dissapointed I have no warnings of any kind and now have no way to get to work.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. The hesitation continued as the contact exited the highway and coasted the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to her residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where they replaced the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
2014 Ford Escape AWD, driving on roadway and engine light came on. Vehicle was chugging at various times and able to reach home. Checked oil, was same color not milky. Drove to dealership, on way engine light flashed and then remained steady. Vehicle chugged off and on. Reached dealership. Assessment conducted by service tech. Complete engine failure and replacement needed. Coolant intrusion into block and spark plugs in cylinders 2 and 3 fused to block. Cost estimate at $8000.00. I am required to have dealership give me a salvage amount and applied to $5000.00 remaining balance. Another vehicle will be required to be purchased. My wife and me are retired on fixed income. Another dealership repair tech. advised this is an ongoing issue with these engines self distructing. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Our Escape keeps stating it has low coolant, we refill it and within a week it has low coolant again. Also after driving there is a strong antifreeze smell outside of the vehicle.
While driving on a busy street the engine power suddenly dropped to zero, while multiple alert lights (including check engine) turned on. At the same time, the RPM of the vehicle increased significantly. Power steering stayed on, but the car would not move under its own power. There was just enough momentum to coast into a parking lot.
Purge valve failed. car stalled with no warning in traffic at lights in busy intersection in the dark. I was stranded alone in winter thirty miles from home in the country. Finally a man assisted to push the car on a side road. Waited another hour alone for tow to Landmark Ford in Tigard Oregon. Dealer stated purge valve failed. Paid $700 to fix plus $250 for rental car. Found exact problem on Ford recall 18S32 Ford Focus same model years and engine type as my escape. Ford corporate stated they didn't issue a recall on the Escape because they didn't think it was a problem. This is a known issue with Ford Focus. Why wasn't a recall issue for the Escape?
While driving 75 mph down the highway the transmission failed with no warning lights or symptoms. Car wouldn't change gears and thankfully was able to exit the highway without an accident in a highly congested area. After pulling off the highway car would not move or go into reverse then transmission light came on. Only owner of vehicle and it was bought brand new from the dealership always being serviced by Ford. Dealership has advised the transmission failed though this should not happen at this mileage and the repair is a new transmission. This appears to be a known issue with this make and model of vehicle yet is continuing to happen. A faulty transmission that goes out with no warning while driving is a huge safety issue. Thankfully I was not hurt but Someone is going to get hurt or killed.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would intermittently fail to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. As the failure persisted, the contact checked the engine and discovered that there was no coolant in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the mechanic discovered that the coolant sensor was defective. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
LUG NUTS ON WHEELS i HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REPLACE THE FORD LUG NUTS FOR SWELLING FIRST....WHEN I PURCHASED NEW TIRES,AND I JUST WENT IN FOR SERVICE TO FORD AND THEY DIDNT SAY ANYTHING.
CVT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THE STREET CAUSING ME TO STALL IN A HIGHLY CONGESTED AREA. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT REAR END CONDITION..
All Lug nuts needed replaced due to swelling
Coolant level sensor failed after repair for recall number 17S09. Mechanic reports that senior failed in same way as documented in the recall. However Ford refuses to conduct the repair a second time.
Transmission fault: engine suddenly reved high and didn’t move. Weird noise coming on and off. No prior warning or notifications with transmission
Lights come on for engine and gas pump while in motion throws vehicle to right at 55 mph when gas light comes one says empty all the time does at stops too slams into next gear shaking car badly with a bang it does often enough at 1/2 tank only or below but does not read more than 1/8 tank from full when filling up at pump all the time
In brief, It is my contention that safety recall# 17S09 service was not performed in its entirely on my vehicle and likely several others by the dealerships. The dealerships only replaced the engine coolant sensors & the motor mounts per their understanding of the recall instructions but did not replace the coolant system hoses as instructed in the Dec 13th correspondence to the dealers. After having several problems with coolant leakages in my vehicle which caused the check engine light to come on it was discovered that I had multiple hoses leaking. I spoke with a service manager at the dealership that performed my recall service in April/2018 about the hoses not being replaced which was my current problem? I was informed this was not what the dealerships were instructed to do by Ford Motors in their recall notices to them. Two different dealerships I visited were oblivious to this recall mandate. In the meantime I have incurred nearly $1500 in repair expenses because the recall that was investigated and mandated by NHTSA in 2017 was not performed in its entirety although Ford Motors assured this would be addressed in the recall. Investigation needed/warranted.
My transmission went out at 107,500 miles while going 85 on the highway after leaving work. I was pressing the gas, but my car would not accelerate. My car was at almost 5000 RPMs and making a terrible noise. I was able to coast into a parking lot. My car was struggling to shift from neutral to reverse and was making a loud revving noise even when idle. I was almost read-ended when my transmission went out and caused others to change lanes quickly to avoid hitting me. I was lucky that I did not get stranded in the middle lane of the highway. I had my vehicle towed to AAMCO who confirmed it was my transmission. The service representative I spoke to said that he drove my car around the block himself and got stranded in the middle of the road. He confirmed my transmission was reading multiple error codes and that it would need to be rebuilt. It is still currently being repaired, but they estimated it would be around $3300 to rebuild the transmission. There was no check engine light, and the only light that was on was a low tire pressure alert due to the sudden cold weather. On the way to work that day (about 8 hours prior to the incident), my car was making a loud noise but driving fine. Once I left work, I continued to notice the abnormal noise. I stopped at a red light then accelerated to turn at the intersection. Once I turned, I made it about a quart of a mile before my car stopped accelerating. I am waiting on the official findings from AAMCO to determine what the exact iss
The wipers became slow and erratic, then stopped when headlights were turned on. The lights also were affected as they became dim or out depending on the selection of Hi, Low or Driving. The wipers could have failed during a storm, or the headlights could have become inoperative with no warning. The problem was reproduced at the dealer and inspected as well. There was no indication that there was a problem until the wipers and lights were operated. There could have been more systems that were failing we did not notice as the problem was all of the grounding wires were on painted surfaces. There are several Service Bulletins on this car and the Ford Focus in the same model year range. I have correspondence from the dealer that indicates the problem. Although our car did not fall under these bulletins, I feel this should be a recall since any electric component could fail with no warning by the design of these cars.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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