2014 Ford Escape: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Transmission · GA

Transmission has violent jerking and shuddering. Sometimes it has hard time accelerating. Dealer doesnt want to do anything. It is still messed up

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Engine · 88,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered with blue smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2022 · Transmission · 91,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated upon making a turn and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and decelerated independently. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission assembly and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 5-6 months until repaired. Upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer and driving to her residence, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The used car dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle back. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2022 · PA

The transmission seized and would not go into any gear. I was pulling out into street traffic from a parking spot, stuck diagonally while cars tried to avoid hitting my car by sharing a lane if necessary. This was the day after receiving transmission bushing recall. Ford will not assist and transmission has to be completely replaced, which is financially impossible. Already experienced the dangerous engine issue (rebuilt twice and check engine light still on for cooling sensor) that Ford refused to take accountability for. Had that transmission seized while on major road or highway, I shudder to think of results. Please do not allow Ford to continue this insidious behavior.

Filed Oct 31, 2019 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · OH

While in motion, the vehicle shudders and/stumbles between 1800 and 2000 rpms causing the vehicle to become unstable. The dealership was not able to address any issue. I then contacted 2 other dealerships. I suggested that it may be an issue with the transmission and I was told that they were not looking at any transmission issues. "this came down from management" the service technician shared. My teenage driver is driving the car and I am concerned that an accident is eminent.

Filed Mar 14, 2019 · Engine · 150,000 miles · VA

Manufacturer name : ford motor company the federal safety agency recall no. / mfr recall no. : 17v‑209 / 17s09 recall subject : engine cylinder head may leak oil when sitting at a stop light, a message came up on my message board "service engine now". The vehicle started to shudder and then smoke came out from under my hood. I turned the vehicle off immediately, while still sitting at the light, and got out. The vehicle was inspected by a ford dealership and stated the head needed to be replaced due to a cracked cylinder head with an estimated of $3500.00. I did not receive notice of the recall referenced above. My vehicle has been "losing" coolant, which I had been refilling quite often with no visible leaks or puddles. If I had known of the recall this could have been prevented. Due to an issue by the manufacturer, I am now somehow responsible to fix their problem. This has happened on many other vehicles and should be corrected by the company. I am thankful I did not have my young daughter with me at the time.

Filed Jan 13, 2019 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · TX

The vehicle tremors and shudders while driving. It started just a little over 100,000 miles. It feels like you're driving across a rugged or bumpy road, but it's the entire vehicle that shakes. Fords diagnostic was concluded without the transmission fault light or ce light on acknowledging an issue. They kept for days and ran several tests. The mechanic could tell by driving it a few times that is has what he called the 'transmission shudder.' if he knew what it was and mentioned how common it was on my model, then why is it not under a recall? After research, I have read other experiencing the same complaints. Also, why after driving 12,000 miles after the diagnostic not a single light has indicated an issue. It just continually shakes and I have absolutely no trust for it to take my family and I anywhere. It's my daily driver but I only live 4 minute sfrom work and that's already risky to me.

Filed May 20, 2016 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · FL

When driving at highway speeds on cruise control and you push the accelerator to pass another vehicle, when the transmission downshifts it sounds like two manhole covers slamming together with a strong shudder. It does not occur every time. Took it to the dealer and they could not replicate it.

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 10,500 miles · NC

I experienced on three occasions that this vehicle misfires, stumbles, shudders and almost shuts off under heavy acceleration while attempting to merge onto a highway.the last time this problem occurred I was forced to pull onto the breakdown lane and almost caused an accident due to highway traffic traveling at 70 MPH and my inability to attain a suitable merging speed. I have further observed that this situation has only occurred and could be replicated during rain and high humidity. This problem is a definite safety hazard that needs to be addressed!

Filed May 10, 2014 · Engine · 4,000 miles · HI

For the first incident, the car's warning light came on and said "engine failure - service immediately." I attempted to proceed to the dealer for service but, before I made it off of our street, the car began to shake and shudder violently, then died in the middle of the road. I was able to get it to coast to a small parking area. As it would not start again, it required a tow to the dealer. The dealer informed me that it was a sensor issue and ensured that it was repaired and would not happen again. Today (may 10th) a similar issue occurred, though this time it was while I was pulling into traffic. Again, the same warning light came on. I attempted to turn and get the car home but, before I could do this, the car began to shake again and the engine lost power. This required another tow to the dealership for repair; the vehicle is presently in the shop.