2014 Ford Escape: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Body · SC

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 (the federal safety agency 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 (the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · IA

The right side rear door latch assembly broke. The rear door will not latch and stay closed.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Locks · 99,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Locks · 100,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Oct 28, 2024 · Locks · 140,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Oct 26, 2024 · Body · TX

the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Jun 22, 2024 · VT

I know there was a cyber-attack, it is all very bad timing. Disclaimer. I did educate myself. Door latch broke on rear drivers side and currently 6/22/2024 my door will not close and it's being held shut with ratchet straps. It did not have a warning beforehand, just a rattle. I thought the rattle was another issue but it wasn't. I was told by my mechanics during inspection there was a recall, also my car insurance. Granted I didn't immediately jump on it. My mother owned the car before me, she took the letters to a Ford Dealership in Barre/Montpelier, she was completely dismissed. After I took the car over a few years ago, I got a couple letters but nothing in the last year. I do take my part of the responsibility for not fixing it sooner. My mom was dismissed so I kind of was weary that I would be too. Now, I feel like it was warranted. 3 out of 4 were NOT able to confirm the recall but the last one I called NuCar in St. Albans VT was able to look it up. Now I question the other dealerships. I called 4 Ford dealerships, ALL but ONE was willing to help me. I am supposed to go Monday 6/24/2024 to NuCar in St. Albans VT. I had to explain it's a safety issue, my child is in the car with me, I drive the interstate to work and I have no other means of travel. I'm a single mother, no money, wasn't even offered a rental. I can't understand why when there isn't a computer, there's no will? Backup protocol? I was offered a courtesy shuttle with no guarantee that I'd get a ride home. I have the ability to work from home, I was asked if I had a laptop, yes I do but I have a [XXX], so TV/food in the waiting room? I understand the logic behind the question, I really do. I'm so beyond hurt/frustrated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · AZ

While driving down the interstate, this car started smoking and i was unable to use the brakes. Its like the braking system locked up. I couldn't push the brakes because it was down to the floor hard with NO intentions on stopping. Emergency brakes were needed to stop this vehicle. The gear shift does not seem to in the correct position. Seems to be some type of powertrain issue. The coolant was leaking and there was no vacuum on the motor. The drivers door latch is defective, when opening the door it doesn't retreat, the latch stays in the open position. The backup camera is defective, doesn't show you are backing up. Dashboard shows brake lamp default an brake lights not out.

Filed Dec 31, 2023 · Body · CA

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.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Locks · 50,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated his daughter-in-law received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated she took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy performed. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door opened independently. The contact called the local dealer and was informed to take the vehicle to a closer dealer in his area. The contact took the vehicle to a second local dealer; Champion Ford Edinboro (11941 Edinboro Rd, Edinboro, PA 16412: (814) 734-1616), where it was diagnosed with needing the rear passenger’s side door latch to be replaced; however, the dealer had not received authorization from manufacturer to service the vehicle under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair had been completed back in 2017. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2023 · Locks · 105,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger attempted to open the front passenger’s side door and after the door was unlocked, the outside door handle detached. The contact stated that the door latch was causing an issue with the inside passenger’s side door handle. The vehicle was previously repaired under recall. The contact stated that immediately after the first recall repair was performed the failure occurred. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the door latches needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2023 · Locks · 122,358 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) would be also serviced. The vehicle was repaired under both recall campaigns. The contact stated the following day after the repairs were completed, the front driver’s side door latch failed to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side door opened independently while driving. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,358.