Recall 14V165 affects 348,950 2001-2004 Ford Escape vehicles for lower control arm corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 348,950 2001-2004 Escape vehicles because corrosion can weaken the forward attachment point for the lower control arm. If the lower control arm separates, the driver can lose significant steering control and crash risk rises; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The lower control arm on a 2001-2004 Ford Escape is a suspension link that holds the front wheel in its proper position while the wheel moves up and down over bumps. Its forward attachment point is where that arm bolts to the vehicle structure. That mounting point has to stay solid because it helps keep the wheel, tire, and steering geometry aligned.
On affected Escapes, road salt and moisture can cause excessive corrosion at that forward attachment area. As the metal rusts, the mount loses strength and the lower control arm is no longer held as designed. The recall covers vehicles originally sold or registered in listed states and the District of Columbia, where corrosion exposure is part of the concern.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat visible rust, clunking from the front suspension, or a change in steering feel as a reason to stop driving and arrange service.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 Escape model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2001 Ford Escape | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Escape | body or structural component |
| 2003 Ford Escape | body or structural component |
| 2004 Ford Escape | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 348,950 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A lower control arm separation can cause significant loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, schedule service soon and avoid unnecessary trips. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2004 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the free reinforcement cross-brace repair is ready for your vehicle.
- Reference recall number 14V165 when you call, and bring the Ford notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since lower-control-arm separation can cause a significant loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
Ford's remedy is a reinforcement cross-brace at the forward lower control arm attachment area. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician installs the newly designed cross-brace to support the corroded mounting area and stabilize the lower control arm attachment. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Ford. Ask the service desk to confirm the VIN and campaign 14V165 before work starts, then have the cross-brace installation completed under the recall.
Timeline
| April 2, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V165?
Recall 14V165 covers 348,950 2001-2004 Ford Escape vehicles with excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm. A lower control arm separation can cause significant loss of steering control and raise crash risk. Ford dealers install a redesigned reinforcement cross-brace for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2004 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 14V165. The year and model are not enough because this recall depends on where the vehicle was sold or registered. If your VIN is included, call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 14V165 or Ford recall number 14S02.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Ford's remedy for recall 14V165 is free. A franchised Ford dealer will install the redesigned reinforcement cross-brace. Ford also lists 1-800-392-3673 for owner questions about this recall.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Escape before the repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect involves steering control. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and avoid ignoring steering changes, suspension noise, or visible corrosion near the lower control arm area.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Because this recall depends on the specific VIN and registration or sale history, check your VIN, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 14V165.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V165000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V165 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V165000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →