NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Power assist steering wheel failure. My power steering stop working suddenly and I was not able to move my car. There is a recall for power steering problems from 2008/2013 for the same issues as my SUV. My SUV only has 33,000 miles on it. I think Ford didn't stop using faulty parts in their 2014 models. I spend over $3200 for repairs. I would like to see if I have any recourse as I believe my Ford Should had been included in the recall.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle while driving at various speed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that carbon monoxide was leaking from the valve cover. The valve cover was repaired. The contact stated that his son smelled a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact's son failed to start up the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed back to the mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to a defective fuel pump. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Our ford escape has been leaking coolant excessively and is experiencing intermittent over-heating of the cylinder head. Ford has a recall for this matter however our local ford dealership refuses to service our vehicle, there are also two other recalls that they are refusing to acknowledge.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the LIMP Mode warning light illuminated and indicated to stop the vehicle. In addition, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant; however, there was no visual indication of a coolant leak. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed heater hose. The contact was informed that the heater hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the engine was replaced in August 2023 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The steering wheels started to get hard. The car warned me to stop safely. It was to hard that I couldn't do much to turn the steering wheels.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while shifted into reverse or while the vehicle was idling, there was a message displayed on the screen that the back over prevention screen feature was unavailable. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there would be a cost for a diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Vehicle coolant level sensor failed. This is causing the engine to overheat and broke the head gasket.
I got off work and was heading home one of the streets i Devon is uphill. As I’m driving up the hill the car just started rolling backwards. I hit the breaks and turned car off and back on and even thought it was I. Drive it would only go backwards. No matter what I did it was jerking and acting like it didn’t have power even though the rpm’s was up. I mechanic came to check on me and during his inspection we discovered damages to the passenger inner tire end rod and struts so I had that repaired and the the front axle need replacing cause it wasn’t even turn to move the wheels. so I had to replace that as well. I assumed the axle was the issue but it still was driving like it didn’t want to go forward. I then say the some transmission stuff on recall so I just parked it until the pets was available. My car stopped in July 2022 and I just got the repairs done august 21,2023. I drove it about 30miles total and now I have a red indicator light that say TRASMISSION FAULT SERVICE NOW!!! This is absolutely unacceptable and ford motor company really need to fix these transmission failure problems. Before all the recalls kills somebody. There are no indicators that tell you something is wrong until it’s wrong. Peoples lives are in danger more and more everyday the fact the manufacturers only care about the consumers money and not their safety is mind blowing. Selling badly made vehicles and the consumers are the one who suffer the most!!!!I hope y’all look into this very soon and help the little people that’s really trying to help ourselves!!!! Had 70,000 miles when I purchased it and now 7 years later it has on 105,200 miles on it…. Not sure van 40000 miles in 7 years. With other minor breakdowns I didn’t name.
I bought this vehicle exactly 1 year ago back in June from The BMW dealership in Arlington, Texas Under the assumption that there was nothing wrong with it Mechanically. The dealership Lied to me because not even a week later. I had to take it to a Firestone to see what was wrong with it. And they said that there was coolant loss, They did do a pressure track and said at the time it was not the gasket period I have taken it to other mechanics since then trying to fix what they said the issue was but there has been a loss of coolant in that vehicle and we don't know where it's going period period I don't know what to do because there was a recall on it. From what I searched on the internet long ago? But it is no longer available. And that's unfortunate for me. Because I believe that the recall that they had back in 2017 I believe that's the issue that is currently wrong with the vehicle the recall code was 17s09. I don't know what else to do because I'm at a loss. I spent eight thousand dollars on a vehicle that I cannot even enjoy Because it has been in the shop more times than I have driven it
On August 19 2023 I brought my 2014 Ford Escape SE to an auto repair shop, because the engine temperature went up. The repair shop first told me that the coolant resevoir and the hose was leaking. After that was fixed. The repair shop could not start the car it overheated. The repair shop said that the head gasket blew and the engine was done. I paid almost 11000 dollars for this car with 87000 miles on it. The only car I have. I do not know what to do with this situation. I found out that the 2014 Escape models is a problem with coolant leaking into the engine. Now im out of a car and do not know what to do.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V495000 (Electrical System) and 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure persisted and occurred more frequently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector line had failed as well as there was a wiring failure causing the battery and engine to engage or disengage unintentionally by the driver. The alternator and battery had been replaced; however, a third repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure where it was confirmed that the failure was related but was not included in the recall with the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V495000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 65,000.
While driving the vehicle, the car will stall without any warning. The oil light will display, as well as the check engine light, but only after the car shuts down and is not operational. This has occurred at least 4-5 times in the past year or so, the most recent 2 weeks ago. The stalls occur while the vehicle is in motion, and there is no prior warning given. The car has been hooked up to a code reader, which displayed the code P0087, which is a Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. If we let the car set for a few hours, it will start up and be operational, but then will stall out again with no warning. We took the car to a Ford Dealership in Trinidad, CO, and the technician said he assumed it was a low fuel pressure sensor, which he replaced, but stated that he only suspected that was the problem since he could not get a code to come up at that time. After the sensor was replaced, the car has continued to stall out while being driven. I called Ford to ask if my car was part of a fuel system recall, they stated my vin was not listed, although my vehicle was manufactured within the time frame of two, 2014 Ford Escape fuel system issue recalls. The safety of myself and my family are put at risk every time the car stalls out because we have been traveling on the interstate and have almost been hit by other vehicles due to not being able to accelerate or have time to pull off to the shoulder immediately, We have also been crossing through intersections with heavy traffic when the car will stall out without warning, which has led to near collisions. My vehicle is available upon request for inspection.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Pull Over Immediately - Coolant Issue" was displayed. The contact stated that she purchased coolant that her father added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, and she had been adding coolant to the vehicle approximately every 12 days. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown diagnosis was provided and unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Hood latch became un bolted and opened on the freeway going about 60mph . smashed the windshield and damaged the hood .
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with failure in cylinder #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Car started having smoke out of tail pipe, been having to fill anti freeze once a month in to, vehicle , and has started misfiring not sure . Apparently antifreeze is leaking in to engine . May 2023 is when we have started having issues with anti freeze The consumer wanted to add that the vehicle also stalled out in traffic during a separate incident.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the LED Instrument panel flickered and then became inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to illuminate or operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the backup camera image was displayed upside down, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that a software update was needed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Transmission was slipping while in drive, did not engage drive or reverse easily. Jerked in and out of drive. Mechanic days or could be the “turbo”.
In the early morning of August 6, 2023, I was driving on the interstate and began to notice that my SUV was failing to accelerate when I attempted to go at the minimum speed of 70 MPH. The SUV started to decrease in speed and acted like the engine was beginning to stall. Knowing that this was beginning to be a dangerous situation I pulled off to the side of the road and called for roadside assistance. *It should be noted that I did hear a hissing sound on the driver side when I pulled out of my driveway but thought nothing of it as I had my tires rotated on July 31, 2023.* Thinking that it might be my transmission, I had my car towed to my home and had it towed to Carfix on Monday, August 7, 2023. Attached is what Carfix told me. While I would like to be reimbursed by Ford after purchasing a 2nd Ford (other a 1995 Mustang, I newly purchased) vehicle where I have had to replace the transmission, I would like to bring to the attention of NHTSA that this seems to be an ongoing issue with Ford vehicles. I contacted Ford and due to no unrepaired recalls for the SUV, they suggested I reach out to NHTSA. Also, I have a Ford Case No. I live in a rural area and this would have been devastating to me if I did not have the money to pay for a re-built transmission and I am hoping that it will last at least 2 years.
The car is no longer drivable. I have an earlier reference number 11526542. When I called at that time I was unaware of the actual problem. In 2019 I had taken the car to Future Ford for a coolant problem. They stated in paper work there was no leak in the coolant but more coolant needed to be added. I return to have oil changed and ask them to add coolant. They refused. I went to Green Valley Tire and brake and they refused. Thought that was weird. Went to Auto Zone Folsom and bought coolant and added myself. Future Ford still stating no problem. I had purchased a 7 year waranty on the car and a plan were they did all the service. The car was only serviced by Ford Dealer. I have just recently learned that there is an issue with the Ford 2014 Escape Eco Boost System. I am not a mechanic but from what I understand coolant goes into the engine. Maybe a head casket blows out. It then causes car to overheat. Coolant intursion present. Future Ford recomends replace engine block per Future Ford. Was told just tempory fix likely will happy again. Design flaw. Dangerous not sure when it will occur and then car undrivable. Overheats could cause fire. Should be under lemon law. Car only has 55,000 miles on it. Attached estimate of $16,000 to fix by Future Ford. Also said their was a recall on coolant in 2019 but Ford Corporate said it did not show on my Vin #. Your system does not show it .
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the 4WD and Hill Assist messages were displayed, and the functionality was disabled. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine had overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that engine coolant had leaked into the cylinders, causing severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Transmission fault error code. The transmission is not shifting into gear whether I am trying to go forward or backwards. I have been stranded twice within the last six months because of this issue.
Coolant leak into engine gasket/block. Moderate acceleration or freeway driving depletes coolant then overheats. No signs of coolant underneath vehicle upon stopping. Vehicle is now lurching/jerking with any acceleration at any speed.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal to move from a stop, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that at the next stop sign, the vehicle experienced the same failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the ECU was defective, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while she and a guest were driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with unknown warning lights flickering. The contact stated that she observed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was shut off. On another occasion, that engine started to overheat. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where coolant was added; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was turned off and was not able to operate. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head was cracked, and coolant and oil were leaking into the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
My driver passenger door does not close anymore as of 7/9/2023. My 2-year-old son could have flown out the door as he sits on that side in his car seat.
The transmission torque converter failed on the 2014 Ford Escape. Transmission is causing safety issue by not properly accelerating when gas pedal is pressed. This slowed movement could cause traffic crashes. Engine revs to high RPM but torque converter does not engage properly. The issues was confirmed by local transmission shop. Owner of the shop says he sees a lot of these failures in Ford Escapes. A warning message "Transmission Malfunction Service Now Warning" did appear. Ford is aware of the issue based on the TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN called 1.6L EcoBoost – Illuminated MIL And/Or Transmission Malfunction Service Now Warning With Only DTCs P0741 And/Or P1744.
The car accelerates very choppy. I’ve also been getting a warning saying “ENGINE FAULT, SERVICE NOW.” I’m not sure what is wrong with it, it still drives as of right now and there is no recall for me to get it fixed.
Engine Coolant leak that causes over heating in car.
I own a 2014 Ford escape and with 100,000 miles the transmission give up and start skipping this transmission very expensive on the ford cars therefore, no longer purchase another Ford The repair was $5000
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle would not immediately respond. The contact stated that the vehicle also hesitated while attempting to accelerate. Additionally, after refilling the coolant reservoir, the coolant reservoir was empty after three days. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 173,000.
The shift cable bushing and other parts around is bad. Ford auto nation in blanding Ave Florida said my car needs work $1,100.00 I had diagnostic done by ford automation on July 22, 2023 on a Saturday from service center name Chris I needed that shift cable bushing fixed.
When driving vehicle on highway it slows down then have to push on gas pedal to exelarate like it sputters then shuts off. Dashboard says Engine Failure park vehicle immediately very frustrating!! I’m about to file a lawsuit if this doesn’t get taken care of!
Powering steering assist fault. Loss of steering and car went into limp mode and needed to try to pull over immediately. I have reported this issue several. Times. Ford has not been able to fix this issue. This car is not safe to drive. Please hold Ford accountable before someone gets severely injured or dies in a car crash from this known problem with the steering issues.
The car began making noise an did not want to shift. After getting the vehicle into drive, the car stopped moving while driving in heavy traffic.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The hood was lifted, and a sizzling sound was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where it was diagnosed that the engine needed be replaced, due to coolant leaking into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of coolant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact pulled over and shut off the vehicle to allow the engine to cool down. After waiting several hours, the contact attempted to add coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a coolant leak failure was confirmed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifted to drive(D), the vehicle independently shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 84,500.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side rear doors failed to shut securely. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The Escape in question has a reoccurring issue with the canister purge valve causing gas tank burping and rough engine idle. Mechanic replaced said item a couple of years ago and the problem has reoccured. There is a recall for a Ford Focus with the same year as This Ford Escape 2014. Should not this vehicle be repaired in the same manner by the dealer as the Ford Focus Recall? My mechanic also noted there is a TSB for this Ford Escape 2014 acknowledging Ford has updated the parts for repair to solve the know canister purge valve issue. Replacing the parts for a second time seems unfair and costing twice as much to resolve the same issue with an updated part. Frustrated Update: Since composing the above information the cars condition has become more in need of repair. The 2014 Ford Escape is idling rougher, the gas tank flapper is burping while the car is running and the car is randomly stalling. These conditions correlate with a current safety recall for the Ford Focus of the same year 2014.
My daughter was backing out of driveway and said the steering was difficult to turn and felt locked. The steering assist fault came up on screen. She parked car and didn’t drive. My husband tried backing out of driveway as well and said the steering was hard to turn. He then put it in park and tried again and it drove fine.
Turned in the ignition. I heard air coming from the brake when i turned on the car. I then could feel resistance when pushing the brake after pushing to the floor. Brake booster fixed once and after a month. The air sound started again when not pressing the brake. I had to use my emergency brake to drive home from work.
I had bought my 2014 escape less then four years ago. Back in June 2023 I had my dashboard light up with engine overheating pull over safely while I was driving. I pulled my car over as best as I could and saw my coolant was low. I was able to drive the five miles or so home after refilling the coolant. The coolant was again empty when I got home. The dealership checked and said no leaks or anything but I still have to refill my coolant every two days. From researching there are many issues with ford escape and coolant leaking. I am too scared to even drive it especially with my family in it knowing this leak may cause a fire or something
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant, but there were no visible coolant leaks. The engine and temperature gauge warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, she noticed white smoke coming from the two exhaust tips. The contact checked the oil, and the oil was at the correct level. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, and the contact was informed that the engine may need to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Engine coolant is coming out of coolant reservoir! Car is smoking and their are no lights on dash untill it is low. If idle with auto starting it will over heat and car can't be started.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while shifting into reverse or drive, there was a loud slamming sound coming from the transmission. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who completed NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) repair and informed the contact that the failure had been remedied during the recall repair. The contact stated that the failure continued to occur and later caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was examined at the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission axle was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 136,000.