The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
The risk
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-165 (14V165000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 14S02 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Structure › Frame and members |
| Report date | April 2, 2014 |
| Owners notified | May 30, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 348,950 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-165 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 348,950 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.