Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part is available through the parts catalog. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Escape suspension problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Ford Escape have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 74,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Escape | 23 |
| 2011 Escape | 21 |
| 2012 Escape | 8 |
| 2013 Escape | 24 |
| 2014 Escape (this page) | 15 |
| 2015 Escape | 10 |
| 2016 Escape | 4 |
| 2017 Escape | 8 |
| 2018 Escape | 9 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part BV6Z-5500-D with a solid bushing is available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Ford Escape has widespread suspension failures that begin early in the vehicle's life. Rear shock absorbers consistently leak fluid and fail, with some owners replacing the same shock twice in short intervals. Dealers flag leaks as routine maintenance findings, yet Ford's extended warranty explicitly excludes these parts despite issuing TSB 15-0194 acknowledging the defect.
Front struts and CV axles fail prematurely. One owner's axles needed replacement at 85,000 miles; another had a blown strut and tie rod at just 47,000 miles, which an independent mechanic called poor-quality parts and abnormal for that mileage.
Noise, vibration, and shaking plague these vehicles at all speeds. Owners report persistent rattling from the rear, and in at least one case, a metal strut component popped through the interior trim while the vehicle was being parked—a genuine safety hazard.
More critically, suspension components fail catastrophically during highway driving. One owner heard a bang at 65 mph, the rear lower control arm broke, and the vehicle suddenly jerked into the next lane before stopping in freeway traffic. Another reported suspension link kits exploding and a stability arm bending during a slight curve at highway speed. These failures create immediate loss of vehicle control with no warning.
Same Ford Escape suspension reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Shock Absorber Failure
Rear shock absorbers leak fluid and fail prematurely. Owners report multiple replacements over short time periods and dealers consistently notify them of leaks during service visits.
When: Various mileages; leaks detected during routine maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leakage from rear shocks; Loss of damping control; Noise in rear suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger-side shock replaced twice on one vehicle; driver-side also failed. One owner paid $556 for replacement plus $100 wheel alignment; extended warranty did not cover the repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSB No. 15-0194 acknowledging defective shock absorbers but refused to cover under extended warranty despite safety concerns.
Front Strut and Axle Failure
Front struts and CV axles fail prematurely. One owner reported both front passenger and driver side axles required replacement at 85,000 miles; another experienced blown right front strut and tie rod at only 47,000 miles, which a mechanic noted is extremely unusual.
When: 47,000 to 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front-end vibration at speeds above 55 mph; Check engine light illuminates; Blown strut cartridge
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Front passenger and driver axles needed replacement at 85,000 miles; blown right front strut and tie rod at 47,000 miles; mechanic stated this is poor-quality parts and unusual for that mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer told one contact the vehicle was 'new to experience the failure' and directed them to call NHTSA; no recalls or warranty programs mentioned.
Suspension Noise and Rattling
Multiple owners report persistent noise, rattling, and shaking from rear suspension. In one case, a loud pop was heard and a metal screw part from the strut/shock protruded through the interior trim, creating a safety hazard.
When: Low mileages in some cases; one reported brand-new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop or bang noise from rear; Rattling and shaking at various speeds (5 mph to highway speeds); Noise audible when turning off AC system; Metal strut/shock parts protruding through interior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially tightened two shock-mounting screws on new vehicle; noise returned within 10 minutes. One owner heard loud pop while parking; metal part from strut/shock burst through interior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated loose shock screws would be an 'easy fix' but problem recurred quickly; no manufacturer response documented.
Lower Suspension Control Arm Fracture
Rear lower suspension control arms crack and break while driving, causing sudden loss of control and vehicle immobilization.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang while driving; Sudden jerking into adjacent lane; Wheel becomes loose and moveable; Vehicle requires towing
Repairs/costs cited: Rear right lower suspension control arm broke at 65 mph on freeway; control arm connecting wheel to vehicle fractured; vehicle had to be towed.
Vibration and Shaking at All Speeds
Vehicles vibrate and shake at both low and high speeds, with shaking worsening over time despite dealer reassurance.
When: Early in ownership; continues throughout vehicle lifespan
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking at low speed and high speed; Vibration when driving over bumps; Vibration at speeds above 55 mph; Condition worsens over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer told owner it would stop but condition worsened; one owner noted vehicle rides worse than 2006 model traded in.
Suspension Link and Stability Arm Failure
Suspension link kits fail catastrophically while driving. One owner reported link kits 'exploded' and stability arm bent.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang while driving; Tire blowout (secondary to suspension failure); Stability arm bent; Vehicle veers to side
Repairs/costs cited: Link kits exploded and stability arm bent during highway driving at 65 mph; tie rod also affected.
Control Bar Issues
Rear suspension control bar problems emerge after shock replacement. Owner was told by independent shop that control bar issues may be the underlying problem rather than shock failure.
When: After shock replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger-side tightening needed repeatedly after shock replacement; Possible control bar fracture or looseness
Repairs/costs cited: Owner required three separate visits to Goodyear in one month to re-tighten rear passenger-side after shock replacement; mechanic suspected control bar issues; front struts also needed replacement.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension trouble with your 2014 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2014 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 45,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.