2014 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Doors, latches or locks fail
- 83owner reports
- 60,500median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jul 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
135 of the 2,020 complaints on this car are about the latches and locks. 83 of those describe door latch.
Tick what matches of 83 reports
Door latch on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
Door complaints sound minor until you read them. The most common is a "door ajar" warning with every door shut. Others describe a door that won't open from inside, one that won't latch at all, locks that cycle on their own, and occasionally a door that opened while the car was moving.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the latch (79 reports) and the handle (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the latches and locks cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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, 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.
Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
All 16 recalls on the 2014 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the latches and locks on the Escape
Failed door check arm attachment point. Closed jan 24, 2024.
Door latch failures. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-177.
Door latch failure. Closed oct 29, 2016, led to recall 16V-643.
Rear liftgate window glass breakage. Closed aug 18, 2011.
Engine compartment fire. Closed feb 29, 2012, led to recall 12V-005.
Engine compartment fire. Closed jan 15, 2010.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 15, 2009.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 17, 2007, led to recall 07V-156.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 39,899 and 100,000 miles, from the 41 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Hood latch became un bolted and opened on the freeway going about 60mph . smashed the windshield and damaged the hood .”
Filed Aug 17, 2023
“The door latch was fixed about 2 years ago at the Ford dealer in Lewisville Tx due to a recall, now the door latch is broken again and according to them , they can't replace it again because it was done already. But I read that some were not placed properly . I would like report this as a safety issue, so it can be reconsider the recall to be open again. Thank you!”
Filed Sep 14, 2022
“Had a child in car seat when the passenger door opened thank goodness I was in driveway. I have a door that does not close due to the recall latch and part is on back order. NO ETA from local Ford company. In the meantime door does not close and Iâm left waiting for who knows how long for the parts to arrive for a recall that Ford has been aware of for years.”
Filed Jul 31, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 83 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 573 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 317 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 304 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 139 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 128 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 112 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 107 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 97 reports
- Vehicle fire 97 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 59 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 51 reports
- Fuel pump failure 33 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 33 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 32 reports
- Engine leaks oil 30 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 28 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 27 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 26 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 25 reports