What 2,068 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Escape Gas

On 10/12/2025, we noticed the driver's side rear door would not latch properly while shopping. We contacted the dealer the following Monday and dropped the vehicle off for inspection on 10/15/2025 at Classic Ford of Columbia, SC. Two open recalls were identified: Manufacturer Recall 16S30 (NHTSA 16V643) - Door Safety Latch: The pawl spring tab in the side door latch broke, preventing secure latching. The recall requires replacing both latches. The failed door latch assembly is available for inspection at the dealership. Manufacturer Recall 18S20 (NHTSA 18V471) - Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing: The bushing is degraded or detached. Safety Risk: The rear door failure risks the door opening unexpectedly while driving, potentially causing ejection or injury to occupants/others. The shifter bushing risks the vehicle rolling if not properly in Park. The issues were confirmed by the authorized Ford dealership during the 10/15/2025 inspection. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership; no other inspections noted. No warning lamps or prior symptoms before the door failure on 10/12/2025. Shifter bushing symptoms unknown. The dealer claimed to fix the shifter bushing on 10/15/2025, but both recalls remain "Incomplete". The rear door latch is unfixed, requiring bungee cords to secure it. The vehicle has been driven this way for nearly 4 months. We contacted Ford (case XXX) and escalation began. After weather closure, we were told an appointment would be rescheduled. I emailed Tiffany from Ford last night (~10PM 2/5/2026) and called today (2/6/2026); no response yet. This ongoing safety defect endangers the driver who needs the car for work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11716291

Environmental Contributing Circumstances (Select Up to 3):

NHTSA ODI 11709233

see attached documents: Subject: Ongoing Unresolved Recall Issues and Safety Concerns with My Ford Vehicle I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding my Ford vehicle, which currently has 15 open recalls that have gone unresolved for nearly two years. During this time, I have contacted every Ford dealership within a 50-mile radius of my home in repeated attempts to have these recalls addressed. Each dealership has provided a different excuse for not completing the necessary repairs. Some initially allowed me to schedule service appointments, only to cancel them once they realized the work involved recall issues. In several cases, I was never notified that my appointment had been canceled—I only discovered this when no one showed up. Other dealerships claimed they did not have the required parts and assured me they would contact me once the parts became available. To date, none have followed up. One dealership required that I speak with a supervisor before scheduling any recall work, but despite multiple messages, my calls were never returned. On one dealership’s website, I attempted to schedule the recall repairs online. The system showed numerous open appointment dates until I selected “recall service,” at which point all availability disappeared, and I was unable to proceed. Each dealership I contacted referred me elsewhere, passing responsibility without resolution. Ford has been fully aware of the potential safety risks—including the risk of serious injury or death—associated with these recalls, yet I was repeatedly told it was “safe to continue driving.” This was clearly not the case. Recently, while driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and stopped moving. I managed to pull over to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. As the tow truck driver prepared to load my car, it unexpectedly lurched forward on its own and crashed into the tow truck. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle. It could have easily resulted in a fatal accident. My vehicle has been inoperable since the incident. When I reported the matter to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), I was told to contact my insurance company to cover the damages. However, I do not believe I should bear the financial burden for Ford’s negligence in failing to repair known defects. Ford’s continued delay and lack of accountability have not only caused extreme inconvenience but also placed my safety—and the safety of others—at serious risk. I am requesting immediate action to resolve all recall issues and full compensation for the damage caused by Ford’s failure to act. Sincerely,

NHTSA ODI 11694223

MY CAR HAS 15 RECALLS AND 3 different FORD dealerships REFUSES TO do recall work This has gone on for more than 2 years. They claim to have done recall work that has not been done. It has a defective transmission. It took off while in park and hit a tow truck.

NHTSA ODI 11691261

NHTSA Recall Number 16V643 After 3 attempts in 2 years, it is become evidential that Ford dealers are deliberately NOT willing to complete this recall for customer, probably because it takes too much time. [XXX]: rear left door latch failed. Call Robinson Brothers Ford, 11455 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, was told there is no parts, so I had to replace it by myself using part bought from Amazon. 1st attempt: 23-Feb-2023 to 27-Feb-2023 at Robinson Brothers Ford, 11455 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Called weeks in advance in order to complete all recalls, and called few days earlier to confirm door latch, and was told they have spare parts so I left the car there. All recalls were completed except 16V643, and I was told they had no spare parts by shop representative. Register cell phone number with them for spare parts update and NEVER receive any update till now. 20-Oct-2024: front left door latch failed. 2nd attempt: on 21-Oct-2024 call AutoNation Ford Katy, 20777 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450, the lady (Christina) told me they have no spare parts. 22-Oct-2024: once again, I replace the door latch by myself using spare parts bought from Amazon. 3rd attempt: on 23-Oct-2024: I drove by AutoNation Ford Katy, 20777 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450, the exact the same shop I called 2 days ago, the service representative (Austin) check the inventory, found 1 set of spare parts, and promised me recall can be completed in 24 to 48 hours. When I pick up the car 50 hours later, the job is NOT even started for one door. As such, I officially file this claim to urge NHTSA to investigate what is the percentage completion for this recall for Ford? It takes me 2-3 hours to replace 1 door latch, that may be takes too time for dealer and therefore they chose to put the safety of customer at the lowest priority, and bet on customer running out of patience to replace by themselves, just like I have done, TWICE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11622037

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side doors were inoperable and could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the door plastic panels had slid down and became stuck inside the door trim. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure, but the failure reoccurred. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11571473

The rear door panel gets stuck in the door frame, preventing the door from opening. This happens with all of the screws and clips firmly in place but the problem does eventually loosen and dislodge clips. It seems to be that the panel is a little too big for the door frame. Looking for solutions, the problem is very common and many people have attempted to fix it with little success. We have two small children who sit in the back in car seats and we have to put them both in and out from the one door that doesn’t get stuck. This has been an issue for about two years now and has damaged the panel so much that it nearly rips off when attempting to open the door. I have read that Ford has acknowledged the problem but has not issued a recall. Clearly a safety issue to not be able to open a door.

NHTSA ODI 11571206

Our Ford Escape 2014 has two safety recalls. My complaint is that they didn't fix it timely. One of the door latches failed and the door was opened by itself on the road in August 2022. I have taken the car to a local FORD dealership and got it inspected. They said they would request the parts and fix it. However, nothing happened after weeks of waiting. I have checked back many times, and they kept saying that the parts were not available. Now, we have been driving a car that has one door unlocked for the past 1.5 years. How to solve this? FYI. Dealer name and address, Mission Valley Ford Truck Sls. 780 East Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 471-2302. I also contacted the FORD customer service department in 2022; they asked me to check with the local dealership for parts availability.

NHTSA ODI 11562860

The car announced a low coolant in the system and then 10 seconds after the car turn on fire and burned down completely.

NHTSA ODI 11554602

Contacted Ford again fourth time about saftey recall=20S30/20V331. I've been trying to get this fixed since i got the vehicle and recall letters from Ford. Multiple failed attempts because dealership's in my area stood me up, told me they dont do recalls, and said it was basically my fault for buying Ford. Ford customer service is no help, all they say is get in touch with my local dealership's to get it resolved. Duh!! Thats what I've been trying to do, then they give me contact details for dealerships that already stood me up and who said they cant fix the recall. So why bother. Unbelievable, i might as well just contact the dealership i purchased from and surrender the vehicle. Never will i buy Ford again!! Their customer service is lousy!

NHTSA ODI 11553894

Ive been trying to get my local Ford dealer to fix this saftey recall but have just been ignored. First time i called my local dealer (Boggus Ford) in harlingen, TX, they just changed there name to Sames Harlingen Ford. They made a mobile appointment for me in April 21st at 9am, no one showed up i didn't even get a call. I called them to see why no one showed up. They told me my appointment was at the dealership and i didn't show up. I was angry and mad because they just lied to me, i have the texts from the dealership service team and a automated reminder that my appointment was mobile at 9am. I said get me another appt, the next appt was on the 26th of April at 9am it was mobile. Then the night of the 25th i get a notification that my appointment tomorrow is at the dealership at 8.30 am. I was dumbfounded, thats not what was discussed, it was mobile,(i have the texts) i couldn't go in to the dealership because my husband was working on the tires. So another missed appt by the dealership's error not mine. I called again no one answers me. I decided to contact Ford customer service directly, they said they will get in touch with another local Ford dealer to fix my saftey recall but, didnt get a reply back. I contacted Ford again same thing, no reply. In the mean time my doirs fling open when on the highway. First time was a scare, sone of my things in the car flew out. Good thing no one got hurt. And lots of times i see my door open out of nowhere.But now i have to physically tie the doors inside so they wont fling open. Either that or not drive it, which means i cant work. Ive contacted another Ford dealer near me and they said they dont do saftey recalls, so i guess im left with defective doors. I just want this recall fixed!

NHTSA ODI 11552678

Hood latch became un bolted and opened on the freeway going about 60mph . smashed the windshield and damaged the hood .

NHTSA ODI 11539107

My driver passenger door does not close anymore as of 7/9/2023. My 2-year-old son could have flown out the door as he sits on that side in his car seat.

NHTSA ODI 11534084

The driver side rear door can not be opened. It appears the paneling of the door is caught on the frame, which prevents the operation of the door. This has been reported twice to the dealership, and so far they have ignored the request to inspect or fix it. In an emergency if needed passengers would not be able to exit through this door, which would put that at risk if the car were pinned on one side and the front too damaged to operate. Also the rear camera has failed and does not operate. This is the second camera to do so as the first was replaced under warranty a few years after purchasing the vehicle. If a child were behind the vehicle there would be no way to know looking over your shoulder, as you could only see them on camera. The only warning or indicator of the camera failure is a black screen with a message that you need to contact a service professional.

NHTSA ODI 11513448

If the rear door (both passenger and driver side) is closed in an aggressive way (such as a child closing a door as hard as they can) the plastic paneling on the door can be "dislodged" sliding down and jamming with the metal door frame making the door unable to open from either the inside or outside. In the event of an emergency, the door would not be able to be opened leaving a child or passenger trapped in the vehicle. A jolt from a low speed crash (not directly on the door) could cause the door plastic to dislodge causing the door to jam leaving children or passengers in the back unable to exit the vehicle safety. The issues has been reproduced only by myself, that I am aware of; (first happened on drive side and then reproduced on passenger side) and could most likely be repeated on similar models preforming repeated aggressive door closes. This issues was brought to a certified Ford dealer and they made notes in the repair that the plastic was dislodged wedging with the metal door frame. The only warning signs were screws falling off the door panels and the plastic separating from the door through normal use and driving.

NHTSA ODI 11498165

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that as her husband grabbed the front passenger's side assist grab handle to adjust himself in the front passenger's side seat, the grab handle fractured and separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while her husband was grabbing the rear passenger's side grab handle to exit the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband fell on the ground and sustained a sore right ankle and bruises on and above the knee of the left foot. Additionally, the contact's husband sustained back pain. The contact's husband had not sought medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

NHTSA ODI 11494730

Contacted local Ford dealership(s) in reference to 2 open recalls on my vehicle: Transmission gear shift linkage and door latches. I was made aware of the door latch recall when I was traveling with my 2 children who were in the back seat and the back door opened and would not latch closed. Upon researching, I found the 2 recalls and have tried for over 4 months to get it repaired as it is a serious safety issue. I was advised that it could be in the repair shop for 2-3 months and I would not have any transportation as they stated they do not have "courtesy" vehicles. I feel like Ford should honor the recall in a timely manner which they are NOT. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11490743

Every time I put my car in park and I take my foot off the break it rolls back a little. I did have a overheating warning and my rear camera didn’t work and it is also upside down.

NHTSA ODI 11470562

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side rear door had fractured from daily use, and the contact had to continuously refill the coolant reservoir due to the loss of coolant in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,024.

NHTSA ODI 11462601

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?

NHTSA ODI 11447550

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front-end experienced shaking and vibrations. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mount had fractured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442565

A CAR TOOK THE RED LIGHT AS WE HAD THE GREEN LIGHT SHE RAN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN FISH TALED AND HER REAR CAR SMASHED INTO MY FRONT... NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL BUT THE OTHER 2 CAR DID AND MY FRONT END DAMAGES ARE SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ACCIDENT WAS ARRESTED AT THE SCENE AND THEY DID A SOBRIETY TEST ON HER

NHTSA ODI 11390646

MY REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOOR PANELS HAVE COMPLETED BEEN PULLED OFF AND HARD TO OPEN THE DOOR BECAUSE THE PANELS WERE CAUGHT ON THE RECALL DOOR LATCHES. I'VE HAD THE DOOR LATCHES REPLACED AND IT STILL CONTINUED, THEY SAY THE PANELS WON'T BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTIES I HAVE BUT I TOLD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE LATCHES THAT WERE RECALLED THAT MY DOOR PANELS ARE DOING THIS IF THE LATCHES WERE GOOD AND NOT RECALLED IN THE FIRST PLACE I WOULD NOT HAVE THE ISSUE. SINCE MY PANELS ARE MESSED UP BECAUSE OF A RECALL SPECIFICALLY MADE ON MY VEHICLE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY 400-600 TO GET MY DOOR PANELS REPLACED WHEN IT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL

NHTSA ODI 11373613

UNDER RECALL 20S30 I DID ON LINE CHECK.IT CAME BACK RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR NEED FIXED.WHEN I REDID CHECK I PUT IN WRONG NUMBER IT CAME BACK OK AND CLOSED RECALL.NOW FORD DEALER CAN'T FIX PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI 11350218

DRIVING 65 MPH, SLIGHT CURVE TO THE RIGHT. HEARD A BIG BANG AND THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE POPPED CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE TIRED NEVER SHREDDED OR ANYTHING. UPON INSPECTION, THE LINK KITS HAD EXPLODED AND THE STABILITY ARM HAD BEEN BENT.

NHTSA ODI 11343047