2014 Ford Escape Brakes Problems

My vehicle had no warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms before driving that day. Vehicle was well maintained. Driving on a rural straight paved road that is in excellent condition, at approximately 55 miles per hour, smoke suddenly came through the dash top (defroster along windshield) and bottom (underneath the dash - heavier volume of smoke); almost immediately, the horn started sounding independently, a message appeared that read engine failure, brakes failed simultaneously and could not stop the vehicle. Only possible way to get the vehicle to stop was to remove the ignition key, put lever in park, pulled park break up. Flames now under the dash & smoke was pouring out from under the hood. My safety was at risk and had to exit the vehicle as fast as possible from drivers side with cars approaching. After exit, saw flames in the tire well also; witness saw flames under the car therefore he was yelling "get away from the car, it's on fire". Got away as fast as possible. The witness called the fire department who arrived extremely timely (and police even sooner). FD attempted to put out fire with water first, then needed foam as it ultimately turned into a gas tank fuel fire. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer since there was nothing to speak of left. The Police, Fire Department, Tow Company, and also the Insurance Claim Inspector did view and/or inspect the remnants of the vehicle. The insurance inspector took possession of the remnants of the vehicle from the tow company. My safety was extremely put at risk as I could have died from many factors including brake failure, smoke inhalation, burns from the fire, getting hit from another vehicle upon exit from the burning vehicle, or heart attack.

NHTSA ID

11710410

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11701320

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11680629

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

115,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11678864

Incident

May 1, 2025

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the brake pads were overlapping the top of the rotors. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11608714

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11568197

Incident

Sep 14, 2023

Hello -- 1) My wife explained to me that the acceleration would rev very high on rpms but no power -- ( 1st & 2nd especially) then the check engine light came on -- I drove it to check and there was something very wrong -- unfortunately I could find no dealers w\o a full months wait or more -- Then on the Friday after Thanksgiving she came home & said she had no brakes -- I take it for a ride to investigate -- sure enough the vacuum booster failed -- like driving w manual brakes in the old days & u still need to use the emergency brake -- It failed as she drove (no idea) til she needed to stop -- fortunately we live in a rural area and she had space and time to try to figure out what happened -- otherwise there would have been at the least a deadly car crash from behind -- When the accelleration fails there will be death from being broadsided entering traffic -- what a choice !!!! -- Also it might not seem too big a deal but the A\C condensate drain line plugs up and there will be 2" of water on floor inside the cab on both sides -- I had to finally fix it because i couldnt take it anywhere because -- no parts -- too busy -- UNFORTUNATELY THE PERSON WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE HAS ASTHMA -- THE MOLD AND MILDEW WERE UNREAL -- How are there no recalls on these life altering situations ?? I work for this company and I'm thoroughly disgusted. The date for A\C & turbo was in August -- the failed brakes is the date below -- I just got the vehicle back today and the brakes work because of replacing vacuum booster -- then the dealer wouldnt read my notes and car still does what they charged me $1450 for -- westgate solenoid -- boost solenoid -- NOW -- BECAUSE OF THEIR DESIGN -- FORDS -- NOT ONLY DID I SPEND THAT MONEY FOR NOTHING -- THEY WANT TO REPLACE MOTOR & TURBO FOR ONLY $11500 -- ONLY 82000 MILES !!!! I do have bills from the dealer -- just no way to upload right now -- if u need them they can be uploaded in the next couple of days --

NHTSA ID

11560209

Incident

Nov 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal was very hard while pressed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to slow or stop as needed. The contact used the parking brake to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft vacuum pump had detached, causing the braking system to fail. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11545677

Incident

Sep 19, 2023

Mileage

108,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11538666

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

37,000 mi

Turned in the ignition. I heard air coming from the brake when i turned on the car. I then could feel resistance when pushing the brake after pushing to the floor. Brake booster fixed once and after a month. The air sound started again when not pressing the brake. I had to use my emergency brake to drive home from work.

NHTSA ID

11526338

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

The contact’s mother owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11524518

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

Mileage

53,000 mi

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while being depressed. The contact had to apply pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the instrument cluster was inoperable with a blank display. The contact related the instrument cluster failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the brake master cylinder was leaking fluid and that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11507008

Incident

Feb 13, 2023

I was driving on I95 southbound with my 3.5 month old daughter when my cars engine failed, my brakes and acceleration failed, and my car started being engulfed in smoke. I had to veer off of I95 as far as I could with my breaks or gas working. Within 2 minutes my car was in complete flames. I was able to get my daughter and I out in time but everything in the car was demolished. Ford has refused to reimburse for any value of the car as well as any value of the items that were in the car. The value of the items in the car totaled more than $5,000. My husband and I were forced to sell our other car in order to afford to buy a new car. Both of our cars were paid off.

NHTSA ID

11506932

Incident

Mar 14, 2022

At 60 mph without any warning my brakes failed, the brake pedal was really stiff and it took both my feet all of my strength and the emergency brake to get the car to stop, Had there been other cars in front of me I’m sure that I wouldn’t have been able to avoid a collision as the only other place to drive would have been a gully. After I removed the vacuum pump for replacement, I found that the coupler bolt was broken off in what I assume was the camshaft. I used an easy out kit to remove the coupler bold. Then replaced with a new one I ordered from the dealership and also replaced the vacuum pump also purchased through the dealership total cost was about $350-400

NHTSA ID

11481323

Incident

May 6, 2022

The mechanical brake booster is connected to the overhead cam on Fords Ecoboost engine. This part is a vacuum pump that is powered by the overhead cam shaft. Over time the vacuum pump begins to have issues and becomes increasingly harder for the cam to turn. As the vacuum pump slows, it causes the brakes to be less efficient and increases stopping distance. As the pump degrades, it eventually will fail and freeze up. When this happens, the internal connection to the overhead cam shaft shears off. This cause a complete loss of breaking power leaving only the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. It also drops the internal connectors from the vacuum pump into the motor which damages the motor to the point where the motor must be replaced at a very high cost (it exceeds $10,000). Fords warranty does not cover this design failure. Owners of these vehicles are forced to replace the motor at their own cost or to scrap the vehicle. I believe that ford was aware of the possibility of the mechanical vacuum pump failure when they tested the design on F150s. Ford made a design change on the F150s to an electric vacuum pump. This may have been due to the F150s use as work vehicle and as a towing vehicle which exasperated the issue. Please investigate this issue, I believe you will find many other people who have this same issue with the eco boost engine design.

NHTSA ID

11473150

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

I was on my way home, turned On my turn signal to turn left. Went to apply the brakes and they were very hard to push I was unable to stop for about a mile luckily there was no traffic ahead of me if there had I either would’ve gone off the road or hit someone. Finally when I came to a stop using both feet to apply pressure to the brake I finally stopped then drove about 5 miles an hour all the way home. After A lot of investigations online I narrow down that it was the brake booster vacuum pump. I ordered the part and when it arrived I proceeded to remove the old one when I did I found that the coupler was broken off inside the camshaft, I was able to get it out with an easy out kit so I ordered a new one of those from Ford dealerships. I have since replaced those items completed today but I have not test drivenñ

NHTSA ID

11471476

Incident

Jun 3, 2022

SHIFTER CABLE BROKE. WOULD NOT ALLOW TO SHIFT IN ANY GEAR. THIS HAS RECALLED ON SEVERAL THOUSAND VEHICLES, UNFORTUNATELY MY VIN # WAS NOT HONORED. ALSO BRAKE BOOSTER HAS FAILED. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA ID

11389495

Incident

Oct 10, 2020

Mileage

140 mi

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 NHTSA REGARDING THE MATTER HOWEVER, THAT WAS NEVER CONFIRMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11343821

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

53,000 mi

TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. I'M LITERALLY WAITING FOR IT TO DROP DEAD. WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE HARD SHIFTS INTO DIFFERENT GEARS. THIS OCCURS NO MATTER WHAT GEAR IT GOES TOO. THE POWER ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO GIVE UP AND ROCKS THE CAR BACK AND FORTH WHILE ACCELERATING AND SHIFTING GEARS. SOMETIMES THE SHIFT DOESN'T EVEN OCCUR. MOVE THE PRNDL LEVER TOO FAST FROM ANY SETTING, THE CAR MAKES A LOUD JERKING NOISE. ALSO WHEN PARKING ON ANY HILL WITH THE E-BRAKE ON, THE CAR MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE SOUNDING LIKE THE BRAKES ARE GOING TO GIVEAWAY AND THE CAR MOVES. ITS BARELY NOTICEABLE, BUT I SAT IN THE CAR TO TEST IT , AND WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR YOU COULD TOTALLY TELL IT MOVED. IT DOES THIS 3 TIMES MINIMUM WHEN PARKED. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327138

Incident

May 15, 2020

Mileage

87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SELLERS-SEXTON FORD LINCOLN MAZDA (LOCATED AT 341 VFW MEMORIAL DR, ST ROBERT, MO 65584, (573) 336-2000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AGAIN AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11244443

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

58,000 mi

VACUUM PUMP FAILED ON THE ENGINE CAUSING THE BRAKES BOOSTER TO FAIL INSTANTLY. LOST ALL BRAKE ASSIST AND HAD TO USE BOTH FEET WITH ALL THE PRESSURE I COULD MUSTER TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR ATTACHING PARTS, SEARCHED FOR PARTS. PARTS REQUIRED ARE VACUUM PUMP AND PUMP DRIVE COUPLING, COUPLER WAS SHEERED OFF CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAMSHAFT INTERNALLY. SEARCHED FOR PARTS CALL 5 DEALERS NATIONWIDE AND THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK, SEARCHED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. NO PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE WORLD. LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS 4 CARS IN SHOP WAITING ON PUMPS, PARTS WON'T ARRIVE FOR 30 DAYS. CALLED ANOTHER DEALER IN THE MIDWEST THAT SHOWED PARTS AVAILABILITY(6) ALL THOSE PUMPS ARE FOR ON-GOING REPAIRS IN SHOP AND NONE OF THEM ARE FOR SALE. THIS PUMP FAILURE IS DEADLY, DANGEROUS AND NOT BEING ADDRESS BY THE MANUFACTURER. PLUS EVEN TO REPAIR WITHIN 30 TO 45 DAYS I HAD TO USE A SALVAGE PART (I MAY HAVE BOUGHT THE ONLY ONE IN THE NATION) CALLED 12 SALVAGE YARDS AND THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK AS WELL. YOU CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND THEN BAM. YOUR BRAKE ASSIST BOOST WILL BE GONE AND YOU DO NOT KNOW IT. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE SAFELY STOPPED. PART NUMBER IS BB5Z-2A451-C AND OTHER SIMILAR FORD VEHICLES AND EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2.0L ENGINE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

11244430

Incident

Aug 13, 2019

Mileage

64,000 mi

BRAKES NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED (UNDER 15MPH). COULD ONLY STOP WITH PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND UTILIZING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND IT'S THE VACUUM PUMP, NO BIG DEAL EXCEPT THE PART IS ON A 2 MONTH BACK ORDER BECAUSE IT SEEMS EVERYONE'S HAS GONE BAD BUT NO RECALL. MY MECHANIC IS BAFFLED!!

NHTSA ID

11219080

Incident

Jun 7, 2019

Mileage

110,000 mi

AT AROUND 40K MILES I STARTED TO NOTICE PULSATING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. MORE PULSATING THE HARDER BRAKES ARE APPLIED. AT SLOWER SPEED, NEAR STOPPING I CAN HEAR CLICKING SOUIND AS WELL IN THE BRAKES. AT 45K MILES THE REAR BRAKES AND "WARPED" ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE SUFFICIENT THICKNESS SO THEY DID NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. BUT THE FRONT BRAKES CONTINUE THE PROBLEM OF PULSATING / VIBRATION UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AFTER ONLY 40K MILES. DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT DANGEROUS AND WARPED ROTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED WHEN BRAKE PADS ARE REPLACED. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT UP WITH VIBRATION, NOISE AND INCONVENIENCE OF THIS PROBLEM. I DO MORMAL STREET AND HIGHWAY DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11092161

Incident

May 2, 2018

Mileage

40,000 mi

BRAKE VACUUM PUMP LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES. I WAS GOING 70 ON INTERSTATE AT THE TIME HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. LUCKY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC ON THE EXIT BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO STOP RUNNING THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11084471

Incident

Mar 25, 2018

Mileage

38,000 mi

BREAKING MAKES KNOCKING SOUND

NHTSA ID

11024816

Incident

Sep 15, 2017

Mileage

57,000 mi