FORD ESCAPE · model year

2014 FORD ESCAPE

2590 NHTSA complaints, 78 crash reports, and 16 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014FORDESCAPE carries 2590 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 78 crashes, 146 fires, 62 injuries, and 6 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 ESCAPE is engine with 698 filings, followed by power train (440) and unknown or other (255). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 16 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2014 ESCAPE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

2590
Complaints
78
Crashes
146
Fires
62
Injuries
6
Deaths
2014 FORD ESCAPE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 FORD ESCAPE. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

2590 filings

Crashes Reported

78 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE698
POWER TRAIN440
UNKNOWN OR OTHER255
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING171
STEERING146
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM119
STRUCTURE:BODY68
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL41
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES40
WHEELS34
AIR BAGS32
SERVICE BRAKES30
SEAT BELTS26
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH24

Recalls (16)

17V20900027/03/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

14V59700026/09/2014

AIR BAGS

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

17V47200025/07/2017

SEAT BELTS

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.

15V40600024/06/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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 incl

18V47100016/07/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

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 tran

26V01100015/01/2026

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

14V49500011/08/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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 compre

22V41300010/06/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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.

15V00500009/01/2015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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

20V33100008/06/2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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

14V23900007/05/2014

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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

14V23700007/05/2014

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

16V64300006/09/2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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

14V52500002/09/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

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

14V40300002/07/2014

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

14V16400002/04/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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 Ju

Recent Complaints

20260218ENGINE

At less than a thousand miles after purchasing the vehicle the Coolant has begun intruding into the cylinder wall and causing a sweet smelling exhaust from the rear

20260214ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Passenger side door will not.lock.

20260213ENGINE

[XXX] *PERSISTENT LOW COOLANT - REQUIRING CONSTANT TOPPING OFF THE COOLANT FLUID * ENGINE OVERHEATING * ODOR OF COOLANT LEAK n the affected vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked cylinder head can result in a pressurized oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment. Ford Dealership and Ford Customer Service Representatives have stated my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium with the 1.6 L engine was not covered under FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN #17S09. With the claim only certain engine series were covered. Requested the eligible engine series covered and the engine series of my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium. Dealership advised they did not have that information and that I needed to contact Ford's Corporate Office. The overheating of the engine required my daughter to pull over to the side of the road. Ultimately the vehicle was towed to our h

20260213ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

[XXX] No accidents thank God no accidents have occurred. The vehicle was not starting and the Ford Dealership ultimately diagnostic the issue to be repaired needed an Instrument Cluster Panel. Dealership advised there was no open recall for my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium with the 1.6L was not eligible for the vehicle under the terms of the 15V406- despite the fact the production date noted in the RECALL notification was May 19, 2014 through Feb. 6, 2015. The production timeline for VIN: [XXX] (my Ford Escape) was Feb. 12, 2013 through Sept. 2, 2014. The Instrument Cluster Panel was replaced at a cost of over $3000.00. That service was completed around the first of July 2025. A very expensive repair especially it appeared it should have been cover under RECALL 15V406, although necessary to ensure my college student daughter was driving a safe vehicle. This complaint is to express my concern, however, it is for other 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6L owner's who may be unsafely driving

20260212ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her son previously replaced the spark plugs and other unknown parts of the vehicle due to a coolant leak onto the spark plugs; however, the coolant leak recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the coolant outlet, the engine connector assembly with vacuum filling and bleeding, and the coolant hoses assembly were replaced. Additionally, other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the message “Engine Coolant Low - Service" was displayed, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no coolant leak was found. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message "High Temp-Stop Safely" was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot until the vehicle cooled down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that coolant was leaking from the thermostat housing. The vehicle was not repaired

Mileage: 237,500

20260211ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to activate the heater, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the vents. No warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 94,602.

Mileage: 94,602

20260208ENGINE

Coolant intrusion due to head gasket/ cracked cylinder head

20260207FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle has fuel problems and I'm not able to pass the emissions test for a year. This vehicle has serious electrical problems when I go in reverse the radio starts cracking and popping really loud and it's very annoying and ear splitting. I don't think it's fair that the van is not showing a recall when you issued engine fire recalls for 2014 Ford escapes l feel mine should be included??

20260207ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This vehicle has fuel problems and I'm not able to pass the emissions test for a year. This vehicle has serious electrical problems when I go in reverse the radio starts cracking and popping really loud and it's very annoying and ear splitting. I don't think it's fair that the van is not showing a recall when you issued engine fire recalls for 2014 Ford escapes l feel mine should be included??

20260206STRUCTURE:BODY

On 10/12/2025, we noticed the driver's side rear door would not latch properly while shopping. We contacted the dealer the following Monday and dropped the vehicle off for inspection on 10/15/2025 at Classic Ford of Columbia, SC. Two open recalls were identified: Manufacturer Recall 16S30 (NHTSA 16V643) - Door Safety Latch: The pawl spring tab in the side door latch broke, preventing secure latching. The recall requires replacing both latches. The failed door latch assembly is available for inspection at the dealership. Manufacturer Recall 18S20 (NHTSA 18V471) - Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing: The bushing is degraded or detached. Safety Risk: The rear door failure risks the door opening unexpectedly while driving, potentially causing ejection or injury to occupants/others. The shifter bushing risks the vehicle rolling if not properly in Park. The issues were confirmed by the authorized Ford dealership during the 10/15/2025 inspection. The vehicle has been inspected by the deale

20260203ENGINE

The coolant reservoir needs to be refilled on a regular basis even though there is no discernible leak. When it does get low but is not empty, the warning ⚠️ light comes on and if this is not attended to in a matter of days it can lead to the red warning ‼️ light coming on and the car losing power. The warning states a coolant issue and to pull over as soon as possible. Once the reservoir is refilled to max level the engine can be restarted and the car is again drivable. This has happened multiple times while on highways or interstates and can come on quickly. This has happened for years even after repairs have been made to supposedly address the problem I have had to make previous repairs to the engine where I was told that the spark plugs were stuck in place due to a leak from a line that by design is placed next to the engine block and it leaks the coolant into the plug sockets and it causes the plugs to become stuck in place. The last repair involved having to use a speci

20260128FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Stalls when tank is 1/2 full. With only 2-3 seconds warning, engine light goes on I loose all power. Engine’s light used to be on for about 3/5 years straight. Stalls on rough roads. Stalls a few miles into a drive when not driven for 3 or more days Started having problems 10 + years ago. Ford in henderson , no could not find anything wrong. It used to stall or almost stall when I got gas every time, but it doesn’t really do that anymore. Now it just stalls in the middle of the road a few miles into every drive when my tank is at half or less.

20260123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’ve always had electrical problems and now when I try to drive it, it smells like it’s going to catch on fire. And I’ve had to fix something within the fuel system 3 times.

20260123FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’ve always had electrical problems and now when I try to drive it, it smells like it’s going to catch on fire. And I’ve had to fix something within the fuel system 3 times.

20260123ENGINE

I’ve always had electrical problems and now when I try to drive it, it smells like it’s going to catch on fire. And I’ve had to fix something within the fuel system 3 times.

20260122BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Rear camera intermittently stopped working. This was recalled for other years of Ford Escape models, but (according to the dealer) not for the 2014 model year. This puts at risk the driver and others that we might not see (little kids in the neighborhood) when we are backing in or out of our driveway. We had this problem repaired at the dealership (because we're responsible adults) but think that it should have been covered by the recall of other model years.

20260121UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2014 Ford Escape backup camera work intermittently and says it needs repaired. Not under the current and verified with the dealership that it would be over $600.00 fix possibly. This should be included under the current recall as it seems to be a computer malfunction or a coincidence that it started roughly around the same time that current recall has been in effect. Dangerous after relying on camera for backing up especially when that it one of the features that you look for in purchasing. Ford should not deny that the 2014s should not be included in the recall.

20260121BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

2014 Ford Escape backup camera work intermittently and says it needs repaired. Not under the current and verified with the dealership that it would be over $600.00 fix possibly. This should be included under the current recall as it seems to be a computer malfunction or a coincidence that it started roughly around the same time that current recall has been in effect. Dangerous after relying on camera for backing up especially when that it one of the features that you look for in purchasing. Ford should not deny that the 2014s should not be included in the recall.

20260112FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle had no warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms before driving that day. Vehicle was well maintained. Driving on a rural straight paved road that is in excellent condition, at approximately 55 miles per hour, smoke suddenly came through the dash top (defroster along windshield) and bottom (underneath the dash - heavier volume of smoke); almost immediately, the horn started sounding independently, a message appeared that read engine failure, brakes failed simultaneously and could not stop the vehicle. Only possible way to get the vehicle to stop was to remove the ignition key, put lever in park, pulled park break up. Flames now under the dash & smoke was pouring out from under the hood. My safety was at risk and had to exit the vehicle as fast as possible from drivers side with cars approaching. After exit, saw flames in the tire well also; witness saw flames under the car therefore he was yelling "get away from the car, it's on fire". Got away as fast as possible. Th

20260112FireSERVICE BRAKES

My vehicle had no warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms before driving that day. Vehicle was well maintained. Driving on a rural straight paved road that is in excellent condition, at approximately 55 miles per hour, smoke suddenly came through the dash top (defroster along windshield) and bottom (underneath the dash - heavier volume of smoke); almost immediately, the horn started sounding independently, a message appeared that read engine failure, brakes failed simultaneously and could not stop the vehicle. Only possible way to get the vehicle to stop was to remove the ignition key, put lever in park, pulled park break up. Flames now under the dash & smoke was pouring out from under the hood. My safety was at risk and had to exit the vehicle as fast as possible from drivers side with cars approaching. After exit, saw flames in the tire well also; witness saw flames under the car therefore he was yelling "get away from the car, it's on fire". Got away as fast as possible. Th

Compare 2014FORDESCAPE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 FORD ESCAPE have?
The 2014 FORD ESCAPE has 2590 NHTSA complaints, 78 crashes, 146 fires, 62 injuries, and 6 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 FORD ESCAPE?
The 2014 FORD ESCAPE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 FORD ESCAPE?
Yes, the 2014 FORD ESCAPE has 16 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 FORD ESCAPE?
The most-complained component for the 2014 FORD ESCAPE is ENGINE with 698 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2014 FORD ESCAPE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 FORD ESCAPE has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.