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2014 Ford Escape Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Ford Escape?

481 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2014 Ford Escape, 23% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 69,000–113,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.

481 complaints 23% of all 2014 complaints 90,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Automatic transmission 15
Shift linkage / cable / rod 6
Gear position indication (PRNDL) 5
Torque converter 5
Floor shift 4

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (337 of 481). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by Escape year

2012 Escape 66
2014 Escape 481
2021 Escape 44
2022 Escape 31
2023 Escape 23
2024 Escape 2
2025 Escape 3

Related recalls

Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.

Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022

Floor shift

The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime. If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Recall 18V471000 · Jul 2018
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Other 2014 Ford Escape problems

Common questions

What are common 2014 Ford Escape transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, shift linkage / cable / rod and gear position indication (PRNDL).

At what mileage do 2014 Ford Escape transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 69,000–113,000 miles. The middle value is about 90,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Escape transmission problems?

Yes: 22V413000, 18V471000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Escape year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2010 Escape, with 508 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.