The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door failed to latch or lock as intended. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
2014 Ford Escape locks problems
65 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 65
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Doors: latch24
- Hood: latch1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford Escape locks problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Ford Escape locks
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V331000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 16V643000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V‑177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V‑177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V‑177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under the federal safety agency TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under the federal safety agency Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD
RQ19005
Door Latch Failure
In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.Another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.In response to ODI's information request, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 500 unique reports related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.Ford reported no injury or accident claims.Ford also submitted 1,513 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the affected door could not be latched at all and some of them decided to restrain the door by other means in order to operate the vehicle.Some customers also reported door latch failures occurring on multiple doors and at different times.Additionally, Ford stated that MY 2014-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape, 2013-2015 Ford C-Max, 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2015 Lincoln MKC, all use the same door latch as the 2012-2013 Ford Focus.On September 6, 2016, Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (16V‑643) to remedy the door latches in the MY 2012-2015 Ford Focus and other Ford models mentioned above (total of approximately 2 million vehicles).According to Ford, a component within the door latch may break preventing the door from latching.Ford dealers will replace all four door latches in the recalled vehicles with a new more robust latch design that is currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
PE16001
What 2014 Ford Escape owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to securely close. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side rear passenger’s door independently opened. The contact drove back to the residence but was unable to securely lock the door. The contact stated that when the door opened, the "Door Open" chime sounded, and the " Door Ajar" symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear driver’s side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a recall related to the failure, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The contact informed the manufacturer of the recall and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the recall repair. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to open properly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had already received the one-time free repair under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after opening the rear driver’s side door, the locking mechanism failed, and the door failed to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the interior door latch mechanism had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanism was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway at a very slow speed, the front passenger’s side door opened unexpectedly. The vehicle was stopped and while attempting to close the door, the door failed to latch as needed. The contact held the passenger’s side door while driving until the vehicle was parked in the garage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a fractured door latch that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was related to Manufacturer Recall: 16S30. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Transmission" message was displayed, and the vehicle started to hesitate. The contact was on the way to the dealer and heard an abnormal sound and saw black liquid coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that soon after the failure, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel displayed an error message "Engine Overheating” and the fuel tank failed to function as need. The message “Turn OFF Engine" prior to the engine overheating. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was extremely elevated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver's side door failed to open from inside and from outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the bottom center door panel retainer was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
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.
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated after her daughter had driven and parked the vehicle, the vehicle started overheating and there was steam coming from the cowl. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two different independent mechanics, where the vehicle was inspected, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The coolant bypass was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to close securely. The contact stated that the latch needed to be pushed manually in order to lock the door. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000(Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Questions about the 2014 Ford Escape locks
Does the 2014 Ford Escape have locks problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the locks of the 2014 Ford Escape, 3% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Escape locks problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Ford Escape locks?
Yes, 2 recalls: 20V331000, 16V643000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Escape have the most locks problems?
The Ford Escape model years with the most locks complaints are 2013 (65 complaints), 2014 (65 complaints) and 2020 (54 complaints).
Other 2014 Ford Escape problems
Engine 886Transmission 481Electrical 216Steering 151Fuel system 137Body 84Driver assistance 64Wheels 46Acceleration 42Brakes 38Airbags 32Visibility 27Seat belts 26Suspension 18Lights 15Tires 12Seats 10
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