Recall 14V237 affects 594,785 2013-2014 Ford Escape and C-Max vehicles for delayed side-curtain rollover air bag deployment. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 594,785 2013-2014 Escape and C-Max vehicles because restraint control module software errors can delay side-curtain rollover air bag deployment. In certain rollover crashes, that delay increases the risk of passenger injury, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The restraint control module in the 2013-2014 Ford Escape and C-Max is the air bag system's decision unit. It reads crash and rollover sensor signals, then commands the correct air bags to deploy at the right time. For a rollover, that timing matters because the side-curtain air bag is designed to cover the window area and help protect occupants from the side structure and glass.
In affected vehicles, the module has programming errors in its software. During a rollover event, those errors can delay deployment of the side-curtain air bag. The air bag is still part of the vehicle's safety system, but the delay means it does not provide its intended protection at the moment the system needs it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the module software, so an owner would not feel, hear, or see a change during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Spans the Escape and C-Max across the 2013 and 2014 model years, with both front and side air bag components named.
| 2013 Ford Escape | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Escape | front air bag |
| 2014 Ford Escape | front air bag |
| 2014 Ford C-Max | side air bag |
| 2014 Ford C-Max | front air bag |
| 2013 Ford C-Max | side air bag |
| 2013 Ford C-Max | front air bag |
| 2014 Ford Escape | side air bag |
| Units affected | 594,785 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A delayed side curtain rollover air bag deployment in certain rollover circumstances increases the risk of injury to passengers. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and contact a Ford dealer about the remedy status. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Ford Escape or C-Max is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the free RCM reprogramming is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 14V237 when you call Ford or the dealer.
- Schedule the RCM reprogramming that fixes delayed side-curtain rollover air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, plus your registration and keys.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the restraint control module, the computer that helps command air bag deployment during a rollover. Ford's notice says the reprogramming is performed free of charge. Because the current remedy status is not listed here, confirm with a Ford dealer that the campaign repair is open for your VIN before scheduling. Once available for your vehicle, parts and labor are covered under recall 14V237.
Timeline
| May 7, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V237?
Recall 14V237 covers 594,785 2013-2014 Ford Escape and C-Max vehicles with restraint control module software errors. The error can delay side-curtain rollover air bag deployment in certain rollover crashes, increasing injury risk for passengers. Ford dealers reprogram the RCM for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Ford Escape or C-Max is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V237. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the restraint control module software reprogramming. Reference recall 14V237 and Ford recall number 14S04 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will reprogram the restraint control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V237?
The risk is delayed side-curtain rollover air bag deployment in certain rollover circumstances. If that delay happens during a rollover crash, passengers face an increased risk of injury. Ford's repair updates the restraint control module software so the air bag system responds as intended.
What if I bought my Ford Escape or C-Max used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ford Escape or C-Max is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 14V237.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V237000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V237 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V237000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →