2014 Ford Escape: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

While driving, a message was displayed [Hill Start Assist Not Available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating Traction Control, and ABS failures. Electric Power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the EBCM had failed. The part is on National Backorder. While drivable, I'm afraid other issues will arise. This is my only vehicle and I'm within 20,000 miles of needing the timing belt and water pump replaced as well. I could not find a recall for the EBCM (a part not usually prone to failure) for the 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6L 4-cyl Ecoboost. In 2017, I had the entire transmission replaced @ 70,000 miles, under warranty, but Ford did not honor the warranty terms: coverage for lodging and rental vehicle, so I lost $$$$ that shouldn't have happened.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical · 100,194 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost ABS functionality, and the instrument panel was blank. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced and brake system repair was needed. The contact was informed that the part was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,194.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

ABS braking not functioning, Power steering failure , speedometer and odometer failure, Air Bag indication of non function. Warning indications on dash illuminated at once when failures occured The loss of functioning Air bags, Power Steering, ABS Braking are all possible safety risks, most especially when combined at once. Vehicle has been diagnosed by a registered Ford Dealership. Problems diagnosed as a Failure of the electrical ABS system module by the Ford dealership. Dealership expressed that this was a known issue and all repair parts are currently out of stock and on national back order with no ETA for availability. This leaves the vehicle in a condition that makes it a safety hazard to be driven , for myself and others. Documentation unavailable at this time from dealership, verbal conversation, still awaiting repair options. Vehicle has been in dealership since 11/03/2025.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 115,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the local dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to repair a bushing on the vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the mechanic had forgotten to replace a tubing on the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start, and the contact's husband noticed that the tubing was disconnected. The contact's husband was able to attach the tubing, and the vehicle restarted. While her husband was driving the vehicle and making a turn, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. Roadside Assistance was contacted and left the parking brake activated during towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and several DTC were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the customer service at the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered an failure with the muffler. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · AL

The ABS, Anti-lock braking sytem symbol came on about 3 or 4 months ago. Other symbols that came on were the brake system (circle with exclamation point in it), the red word "brake", the stability control light, and the speedometer stopped working/ The information display stopped working. We have taken the car to three local Ford Service departments to have it checked only to be told the ABS part is on back order. Furthermore, I've read that the brakes could be compromised. No Speedometer or display functions is dangerous. The only receipt I have tells me it is the ABS module that is on back order.

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Engine · 78,200 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low Engine Coolant" message was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 78,200.

Filed Aug 15, 2023 · Brakes · 37,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the 4WD and Hill Assist messages were displayed, and the functionality was disabled. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.

Filed May 30, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 53,000 miles · FL

The contact’s mother owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the recall repair, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer failed to display an accurate reading and remained at 0. Several unknown warning lights started flashing. The contact then stated that the electrical system started to malfunction, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that he veered off the road to park the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the diagnostic result indicated several unknown failures, and it was suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS, the ABS module, and the battery voltage had failed. The vehicle had not yet been repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Brakes · 53,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford escape. The contact stated they noticed that the speedometer was inoperable. The contact took the vehicle to b&b ford located at 10476 dunbarton blvd, barnwell, sc 29812, (803) 259-5524) who stated that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware and informed the contact that they would forward the paperwork to the federal safety agency regarding the matter however, that was never confirmed. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

On february 2017 I brought a 2014 ford escape at about 59 k miles and now it has about 70k miles on it. I was totally clueless as to how unsafe this car was and all of the numerous complaints/issues that consumers are having with this car. On 09/22/2017, this car totally broke down. This car is a safety hazard as I almost got into an accident as the car without made a loud noise, and without any warning just stopped/shut down in traffic. None of the safety indicator alerts worked in this car so I was clueless that the card had any issues. I only owned this car for about 6 months at the time and it was clearly out of warranty. I had the car towed only to find out that it is the transmission, bad battery, ABS issues and possibly an alternator. I was also advised that it was an electrical issues and possible a recall that is why no warnings lights came on to let me know it was a problem. I reached out to ford who basically said sorry we don't care have a nice day. This car is not safe and should be taken off of the market until ford can get this in order. I really hope someone look into this matter before someone lose their life.

Filed May 8, 2017 · Electrical · 13,000 miles · SC

When starting the vehicle the ABS warning light comes on and does not go out as it should. Upon putting the car in gear and moving forward, the speedometer goes out, trip computer goes out, traction control warning light comes on and then hill assist warning light comes on. Dealer has been unable to fix this problem and car is unsafe to drive with fear of brakes failing, no speedometer and other warning lights coming on.

Filed Mar 11, 2015 · Brakes · 11,454 miles · WV

The vehicle brakes had been making a grinding noise, specifically while backing up. After a trip to the dealer they stated there were no issues. A few month later (at night) the vehicles brakes became grabby, grinding, and squealing, causing the ABS system to activate thinking the vehicle tires were locked up and sliding. The vehicle then slid off the road. I inspected the brakes the following morning and found that rotors were heavily damaged with gouges and grooves. They looked as though they had 60k miles on them in-lieu-of the actual 11,454, and as though the pads were worn and had damaged the rotors. The pads actually showed little to no wear however the rotors had severe premature damage. The dealer reluctantly changed the rotors and pads. This seems to me to be either an engineering issue or bad parts, resulting in premature parts failure. This issue can lead to brake failure and a catastrophic accident.