2014 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2,086 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 47 involved a crash and 103 involved a fire. 41 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftJul 16, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Campaign 18V471000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsJul 25, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Campaign 17V472000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 27, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Campaign 17V209000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJun 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.
Campaign 15V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 9, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsSep 26, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
Campaign 14V597000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyJul 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, through October 22, 2013. The panorama roof glass may not be properly bonded to the attaching bracket.
If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect each vehicle and replace the front roof glass if its production date and sequence number falls within the affected range, free of charge. The recall is began on July 14, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S13.
Campaign 14V403000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMay 7, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.
Campaign 14V239000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMay 7, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.
Campaign 14V237000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerApr 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, 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 14C03.
Campaign 14V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
272 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2022
I have an open recall on my 2014 Ford Escape. It says the date here was June 10th, 2022, however I was not informed until I got the letter in the mail on July 19th, 2022. I was going to leave to the grocery store on Sunday the 17th of July, when the shift gear was not at all working and it hasn’t been working ever since. I am just thankful that it happened at home and not any where else. However, I do wish I was emailed or sent a letter earlier to have prevented me from having this problem.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2022
My car gear is stuck it will not move My car literally will not move because I can’t switch gears
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2022
Side door unable to latch. The latch does not come up to securely shut the door. When I try to shut the door it just bounces back.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2022
As of 6/10/2022 there is a ford recall on my vehicle for the transmission shifter cable #22S43. On 6/30/2022 my vehicle stopped working. The transmission is stuck in park and the gear shift is not registering that the car is supposed to be shifting gears. I had the car towed to Ford but they do not have the part and do not know when they will be able to accommodate me. They told me they cannot give me a loaner because they do not have any and I do not qualify for one, because of this I do not have a vehicle to get to and from work. This is causing me to lose out on money from work.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Back over prevention, Jun 18, 2022
I am sure need be checked by technician
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 15, 2022
IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION THE TRANSMISSION/ENGINE SPEEDS UP AND IF NOT EXPECTING IT A SURGE FORWARD COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. SIMILIAR PROBLEMS ALMOST EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2022
Unknown. This is the 2nd time now that my vehicle is just stopped because of electrical issues use the 1st time the Ford dealership said that there is nothing wrong with the electrical and I told that there still was after I got to repair the last there's the last time and now it's the same issue same toll truck coming out to get it bringing it to the same dealership tell me the same stuff
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2022
bushing failure attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission. The condition didn't allow me to move shifter lever to park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in park, with no warning message or audible chime. This faulty bushing is currently a active recall #18s20. I reported to local dealer were he said my vehicles vin # wasn't part of active recall. The bushing failure occurred on 5/22/22 with no warning messages or symptoms. The bushing/cable was replaced by local garage. Mechanic said the part replaced was the same part as active recall. Note: emergency brake was applied during failure to prevent roll away.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2022
The check coolant light comes on but the reservoir is full.Then the dash lights up telling you to turn the vehicle off and the vehicle starts shaking and then shuts down while driving.I’m thankful I didn’t get in a accident on the highway
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2022
Vehicle will start and run normally when first starting. After running for approximately 20 minutes and stopping (turning off engine), then re-starting within 30 minutes, the vehicle will start and run for a short period before stalling. It is unpredictable and dangerous (stalling in traffic or when pulling out into traffic). I see a re-call for a similar problem for recall number 108695 but for some reason this recall does not show up when I put in the VIN number. Has been doing this off and on ever since we owned the vehicle but it has almost caused an accident recently so need to take care of it.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2022
Unknown. The backup camera has stopped working properly. It will come on and then will stop or it will not come on at all. Just seems a possible issue as you could be backing out of a parking space at the mall or grocery store and either hit a car or pedestrian. It seems this would be a safety issue but I'm not positive.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2022, fire
Owner scheduled appointment with Lakeview Ford due to no heat in vehicle, stalling when fuel was full, an active indicator for airbags. They completed the repairs for total around $1500. Shop went to test drive and vehicle caught fire.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Feb 27, 2022
Back up camera not working. Occasionally comes on for short period of time. Error message sometimes says "camera not available". Sometimes nothing but home screen.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 27, 2022
I have a coolant intrusion issue. This issue is causing a major problem to the engine and long block cylinders. This problem has occurred randomly causing the car to buffer, shut off on its own, and have white smoke come out of the exhaust and run terribly. I have taken this vehicle to multiple Ford Service centers in the last two years for its usual maintenance repairs and nobody has pointed out there has been an issue. My car is now in the shop with an $8,000 repair cost. Ford has decided to NOT fix the recall issue on my vehicle. This problem is a known issue for the 2014 Ford Escapes. I purchased this vehicle at Carmax and have paperwork saying there are 2 recalls associated with this vin. Manufacturer Number: 17S09 NHTSA Recall Number: 17V209 Recall Status: Recall incomplete The cycling head crack may cause an oil leak that may result in a fire in the engine compartment. This is an extremely dangerous issue for myself & others.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
1-10-2022 I was driving to my mothers home and suddenly the car stopped driving,I pushed the foot pedal and nothing happened. I stopped and shifted gears to see if I could make it go, I had to get it towed, the person picking it up stated that this happens with 2014 ford escapes. I then went online to find a recall dated from 9-2018 on the transmission and several more recalls on this vechile. I take good care of my ford and I am dissapointed I have no warnings of any kind and now have no way to get to work.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
Our Escape keeps stating it has low coolant, we refill it and within a week it has low coolant again. Also after driving there is a strong antifreeze smell outside of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2022
While driving on a busy street the engine power suddenly dropped to zero, while multiple alert lights (including check engine) turned on. At the same time, the RPM of the vehicle increased significantly. Power steering stayed on, but the car would not move under its own power. There was just enough momentum to coast into a parking lot.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 13, 2021
In brief, It is my contention that safety recall# 17S09 service was not performed in its entirely on my vehicle and likely several others by the dealerships. The dealerships only replaced the engine coolant sensors & the motor mounts per their understanding of the recall instructions but did not replace the coolant system hoses as instructed in the Dec 13th correspondence to the dealers. After having several problems with coolant leakages in my vehicle which caused the check engine light to come on it was discovered that I had multiple hoses leaking. I spoke with a service manager at the dealership that performed my recall service in April/2018 about the hoses not being replaced which was my current problem? I was informed this was not what the dealerships were instructed to do by Ford Motors in their recall notices to them. Two different dealerships I visited were oblivious to this recall mandate. In the meantime I have incurred nearly $1500 in repair expenses because the recall that was investigated and mandated by NHTSA in 2017 was not performed in its entirety although Ford Motors assured this would be addressed in the recall. Investigation needed/warranted.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2021
I stopped at a light at a busy intersection and my car just died. No power whatsoever. After a couple of minutes I was able to start it. It’s almost occurred multiple times previously.
Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2021
Unrepaired door recall/door won’t open from inside
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
Vehicle stalled while driving around 45mph while in traffic this has happened 2 times now and mechanics were unsure of issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
Went to pull out from light and car would not go into gear then clunk it jammed into gear but then the light was red and it almost sent me into the intersection
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated he turned off the vehicle and as he turned it back on, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated when he switched gears to drive the vehicle moved with delay, however, he was able to drive to his destination. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,342.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2021, crash, fire
Engine caught on fire
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2021
Rear window shatter due to heat while parked, when not in used the vehicle is parked in the garage.