Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having new tires installed on the vehicle, the tire dealer was unable to remove the lug nuts because the lug nuts were swollen. The contact was informed by the tire dealer that the bolts and the lug nuts needed to be removed and replaced to properly mount the new tires. The contact called a dealer and was informed she had to pay out-of-pocket to have the lug nuts and mounting bolts replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
May 31.2023 I was involved in an accident your left front wheel Castor and wheel . Separated from vehicle. Causing me to crash into a light pole.in the east bound lane when I was going west bound on Franklin rd in Boise id Knocking me unconscious idaho state police made report. Before accident left front wheel pulled left when braking gave car gas car pull right last thing I remember. EMT took Alfonso's hospital. As investigate because I was almost killed lucky I survive.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while in the driveway and loading the vehicle, wheelchair lift fractured. Additionally, there was a low-pressure sensor light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was still drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
During an oil change, the technician discovered 14 of the 20 lug nuts had swelled and needed replacement for a 2014 Ford Escape. The cost was $110. The service manager stated the technician would not put the old lug nuts on the vehicle since it was a safety issue. He said the nuts could not be removed with the lug wrench which comes with the vehicle and there is potential for the nuts to crack. He said Ford is aware of the problem and the cause is defective lugs especially in an environment where salt and brine solutions are used for snow and ice control. We live in Wisconsin. He suggested searching the Internet for the problem. I searched the Internet and found a large amount of complaints related to Ford Escapes and other Ford models.
I had a blowout on my left driver tire. We were on a interstate highway. The Highway patrol was unable to get the lug nuts off to change the tire. I had the tire iron that came with the car and the Highway Patrol had a 4 way tire iron. None of them were able to get the lug nuts off. When I had it towed to a Ford dealer I was told that this is a problem with all the Ford Escapes. The lug nuts swell up and cannot be removed. I was told to get the lug nuts changed out and I would not have this problem. I did this at my expense. Why is Ford not required to change these out at their expense and why were we not notified before I had this blowout out on a interstate???? It cost me $150.00 to get all the lug nuts replaced.
Ford Motor Company should issue a recall and replace the known faulty manufacturing defective lug nuts since 2019. The lug nuts swell and can not be removed by standard lug nut wrench. This is a safety issue because recommend tire rotation is impossible with standard tools. Dealerships are requiring owners to replace faulty lug nuts at an exorbitant cost. Vehicle owners are not performing the routine tire rotation thus creating a safety hazard resulting from tire failure, roadside safety issues and crashes due to excessive tire wear. This has been a known manufacturer fault since 2019. It is immoral and unprofessional to allow this practice to continue.
The lugnuts on my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium have swollen to the point that the lug wrench will not fit to remove the lugs. I found out that this is an ongoing problem and could result in lug failure and potentially cause an accident. When the Ford Dealership (Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly, Virginia) informed me that all 20 lugs will have to be replaced at $10 per lug nut (for a total of $200) plus $50 (or so) for installation. Auto supply parts have OEM replacement lugnut for about $25 to $8for0 for a set of 20 lugnuts. Over the years I've owned 4 Ford products and am at the point of trading in my Escape for a new one, but now have my safety concerns.
Brought in vehicle for service. Was told the tires couldn't be rotated because of "swollen lug nuts". I would be responsible for replacing all 20 at a cost of around $180.00 for the parts. The dealership said if I should happen to get a flat tire, I would not be able to do it and the car would most likely need to be towed. I don't think I should have to pay for this repair on an item so basic and so important. I have not had an issue until the dealer brought it to my attention. I spoke with Ford customer service and was told this is out of warranty and there was no way to escalate my concern at Ford.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving, there was an abnormal knocking sound detected. The contact became aware that the lug nuts were loosened. While driving at an unknown speed, the wheel detached. The contact stated that the studs had sheared off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
January 9, 2019 at 10:39 pm my 2014 Ford Escape caught on fire. Driving down interstate 81, going speed limit 70 MPH, vehicle shut off and said "service engine now". Steering and brakes did not lock up but the vehicle lost rpms and was not running as I pulled over to the right hand shoulder, I was in the left hand lane when my vehicle shut off. As I stopped, I put vehicle in park and turned key off, all while it said "service engine now". I turned my hazards on and got out my phone to call someone for help. As I looked up I seen flames coming from the windshield wiper area and smoke in front of my lights, I grabbed my work bag and jumped out of the vehicle, jumped across the guard rail, and immediately called 911 from a safe distance. In approximately 6-9 minutes the entire front end of my vehicle was engulfed in flames as I was on the phone with 911. …
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2014 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2014 Ford Escape, 3% of the model year's 2,089 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Escape wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2014 Ford Escape, though it has 16 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Escape wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.