Do 2014 escapes have transmission problems?
The short answer is that some 2014 Ford Escapes have experienced transmission issues, but the problems do not appear to be widespread. While a small number of owners have reported problems, the majority of 2014 Escape owners have not had significant transmission-related issues with their vehicles.
Investigating Transmission Problems in 2014 Ford Escapes
The 2014 Ford Escape was a popular compact SUV that year, with over 300,000 units sold in the United States. As with any vehicle, a small percentage of owners have reported problems with various components, including the transmission.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been a relatively low number of complaints filed about transmission issues in 2014 Ford Escapes. The most common transmission-related problems cited include:
- Transmission slipping or jerking during acceleration
- Delayed or erratic shifting between gears
- Transmission fluid leaks
While these issues can be frustrating for affected owners, it's important to note that they do not appear to be widespread across the entire 2014 Escape model year. Ford has also issued a few technical service bulletins related to transmission concerns, indicating they are aware of the problem and have provided guidance to dealers on how to address them.
Factors to Consider
When evaluating the transmission reliability of the 2014 Ford Escape, a few key factors should be considered:
- Transmission Type: The 2014 Escape was available with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The majority of complaints seem to be related to the automatic transmission models.
- Driving Conditions: Owners who frequently tow heavy loads or drive in hilly terrain may be more likely to experience transmission issues due to the added stress on the system.
- Maintenance History: Proper maintenance, including regular fluid changes, can help extend the life of a vehicle's transmission and prevent premature wear or failure.
Overall, while a small number of 2014 Ford Escape owners have reported transmission problems, the issues do not appear to be widespread or endemic to the entire model year. As with any used vehicle purchase, it's important for buyers to thoroughly research the model's history and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a decision.
What years did the Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Years with common Ford Escape transmission problems include 2008, 2013, and 2014, which are frequently cited for complete failure, rough shifting, and shuddering. Other models with reported issues include 2006, 2009, and 2017, which may experience slipping gears, erratic shifting, or acceleration and fluid leaks.
This video discusses common Ford Escape transmission issues from 2011-2018: 1mBig Ben's Cars & CyclesYouTube · Jun 21, 2023
Model years to be cautious of
- 2006-2009: Models in this range are prone to issues like slipping gears and erratic shifting, especially the 2008 and 2009 years. The 2008 is frequently cited for transmission failures and other problems like steering and A/C issues.
- 2013-2014: These years have been linked to transmission problems such as shuddering, delayed shifting, and complete failure. The 2014 model, in particular, has a history of multiple recalls and issues.
- 2017: Some owners have reported problems like harsh acceleration and transmission fluid leaks.
- 2020: Early models of this year have been noted for harsh shifting and early wear.
Other potential concerns
- 2015: A recall was issued for certain 2015 models due to a shifter cable bushing that could degrade and prevent the vehicle from shifting into "Park".
- 2016: Some 2016 models have experienced complete transmission failure, often attributed to internal component wear or software issues.
- 6F35 Transmission: This automatic transmission, used in many models, has been a point of discussion for its potential to fail.
What is the transmission problem on a 2014 Ford Escape?
Common 2014 Ford Escape transmission problems include slipping, harsh shifting, and failure, often caused by low or degraded fluid, internal failures like worn clutch packs, and issues with the 6F35 transmission. Symptoms can include a Check Engine Light, a burning smell, and a loss of drive, and in some cases, a shifter cable bushing failure can prevent the car from shifting out of park.
You can watch this video to learn about the common transmission issues in Ford Escape models from 2011-2018: 59sBig Ben's Cars & CyclesYouTube · Jun 21, 2023
Common problems and symptoms
- Slipping and delayed shifting: Symptoms include delayed or rough shifting, gears slipping, and sluggish acceleration, which can be caused by low fluid or worn-out clutch packs.
- Transmission fluid issues: Leaks and low fluid levels can lead to premature failure. Overheated or degraded fluid is a major cause of problems, especially for the torque converter clutch.
- Intermittent failure: The transmission may fail intermittently, often resetting after the vehicle is shut off and restarted. This can be due to a faulty transmission range sensor or solenoid.
- Transfer case noise: All-wheel drive (AWD) models may experience a howling or grinding noise from the transfer case, which can progress to a clicking sound and eventually require a full replacement.
- Shifter cable bushing: A recall was issued for a faulty shifter cable bushing that could detach and prevent the vehicle from being shifted out of park.
- Onboard diagnostics: The "Check Engine" or "Transmission Overheat" warning lights on the dashboard can indicate a potential transmission problem.
Solutions and prevention
- Check fluid first: Before any other diagnostics, check the transmission fluid level and condition. Low or dirty fluid can be the cause of many issues.
- Use correct fluid: Always use the manufacturer-recommended transmission fluid to prevent damage.
- Regular maintenance: Adhere to the service schedule in your owner's manual, including regular fluid changes, to help prevent issues.
- Professional diagnosis: If symptoms persist, get a professional diagnosis. An OBD-II scanner can help identify specific error codes that can point to faulty sensors or other internal problems.
- Address recalls: If your vehicle is part of the shifter cable bushing recall, have the repair performed to avoid potential safety issues.
- Consider replacement: In some cases, a full rebuild or replacement may be the most cost-effective or necessary solution, especially for severe internal failures.
How long does a 2014 escape transmission last?
For many Ford Escapes, reaching 150,000 miles without major issues is achievable with regular care. However, as the vehicle approaches 200,000 miles, it's more likely that significant components like the transmission or engine may need repair or replacement.
What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Ford Escape?
For the 2014 Escape, common issues include transmission hesitation due to worn solenoids and thermostat failure leading to engine overheating. Check transmission fluid levels and condition regularly; replace the transmission filter if needed.
