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The Ford Escape is one of the most popular SUVs in its class. As a result, used Ford Escapes are a top choice for many. Unfortunately, the Ford Escape isn’t a perfect vehicle. There are some years to avoid when buying a pre-owned Ford Escape model. The Ford Escape 2014 is one of those examples. In fact, it has been called the worst from the lineup. 

Here’s why you should avoid the 2014 Ford Escape. 

The Ford Escape 2014 is the worst

A red 2014 Ford Escape
2014 Ford Escape | Ford

According to CarComplaints, the 2014 model Ford Escape has the distinction of being the worst version to date. Weirdly enough, this isn’t due to the number of complaints regarding the Ford SUV but rather the severity. The 2014 Ford Escape received over 200 NHTSA complaints; it should be noted that the previous model year received a whopping 3,000. 

Of course, this isn’t the only Ford Escape model year to avoid. As mentioned before, the 2013 was also reasonably bad as a whole. In fact, the SUV even received the “Avoid Like the Plague” badge from CarComplaints. However, the problem with the Ford Escape 2014 is its costly issues, which means it’s not a great investment for anyone looking for a used SUV. 

Major Ford Escape 2014 problems

A White 2014 Ford Escape
2014 Ford Escape | Ford

Perhaps the most significant problems with this model Ford Escape have to do with the transmission. There were some pretty major problems, one of which was the vehicle suddenly stopping while driving. Less severe is that the SUV often feels unstable when in use. Drivers have reported that this model Ford Escape shakes a lot and can even be hard to drive as a result. 

People with 2014 Ford Escapes have also reported experiencing gear-shifting delays. In addition, the vehicle will sometimes grind or even jump while the driver tries to accelerate. As almost anyone knows, transmission repairs are among the most expensive for a vehicle. An owner could easily spend thousands of dollars on repairs even before a transmission replacement. 

Better used Escape years to choose 

A Red 2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Escape | Ford

The worst used Ford Escapes model years are pretty spread out. However, quite a few aren’t super expensive in repair costs. One of the most recent is the 2020 Ford Escape. For anyone not wanting an SUV that recent, the 2015 model is also considered one of the best. This is important because it shows the automaker put a great deal of work into fixing the problems from the 2014 version. 

In addition, people consider the 2010-2012 Ford Escape models to be reasonably safe choices for used SUV buyers. Of course, not everyone with this model Ford Escape will experience expensive mechanical issues. However, the world primarily considers it the worst from the lineup, meaning there is almost no good reason to take the risk of purchasing it. This is especially true when there are so many similarly priced great models.

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