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
While in Reverse, my Back-up Camera usually does not work. I either get a Blue screen, a message saying Back up camera unavailable, or if it does come on, it is upside down and doesn't stay on but for a few seconds. I have called the dealer, and they will not even look at it unless I pay for this. There are recalls for other years, and I counted over 100 complaints about this issue on the same year as my vehicle... I am wondering if people actually have to die for Ford to fix this and issue the dang recall.
On [XXX] - vehicle was started and when turning out of the driveway I notice a puddle which was coolant. The vehicle started to overheat. I turned back and went home then called a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle which they were able to do on Monday. The vehicle was towed and investigated by Fosters Towing in Fraser, MI. They found no evidence of a leak but there was a code (which they did not write down). They cleared the code and tried to replicate the issue but, after running it for an hour and searching for leaks, nothing was found. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealership. The mechanic at Fosters is certified to deal with this vehicle. At the time of the incident I had my kids in the car - ages [XXX] and [XXX] - and their safety was more important than the trip to the grocery store. Fosters performed an oil change (filter and oil) and test drove the vehicle several times to replicate the issue but could not. This is the first time this issue has occurred. I have 128,000 miles on the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the engine overheated and the vehicle stopped unintentionally. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was previously taken to an undisclosed local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that there was an internal leak in the head gasket. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure limited the driver's visibility, preventing the safe operation of the vehicle. The message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact Dealer” was displayed. The contact called the local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Most recently, the rearview camera displayed a pink screen and intermittently turned black. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 106,830.
The 1.6L EcoBoost engine is leaking coolant into the #3 cylinder. The vehicle lost power while in motion on a busy road. The check engine light came on with a warning that the engine was overheating, and traffic behind me had to slow down, causing a potential rear-end accident. The engine was scanned, and the fault code P1299 was discovered.
The right side rear door latch assembly broke. The rear door will not latch and stay closed.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the local dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to repair a bushing on the vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the mechanic had forgotten to replace a tubing on the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start, and the contact's husband noticed that the tubing was disconnected. The contact's husband was able to attach the tubing, and the vehicle restarted. While her husband was driving the vehicle and making a turn, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. Roadside Assistance was contacted and left the parking brake activated during towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and several DTC were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the customer service at the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered an failure with the muffler. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Coolant leak just like as listed in other 2014 Ford Escape recalls. It leaked into the engine block causing misfire of spark plugs and thus the Ford dealership tells me I am required $14,000 engine rebuild which I can't afford. It is dangerous for me to drive as the engine may misfire or overheat at any time. The Ford company says I have no recalls and yet this issue was a recalled issue on this year of Ford Escapes.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to securely close. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
The backup camera works only intermittently. I see there are already recalls on the 2015/16 models. 2014 should be included also. I contacted the dealership and Ford Customer Service and they say I have to pay out of pocket.
The back up camera goes out at times.it says report too ford.tranmission issues and turbo issues.
I received a notification on the my dash and the car was diagnosed the codes came back Code: P018B and it states Fuel Pressure/ misfire. I've noticed the car misfiring prior to the dash light coming on and now it does it while I'm on the freeway or streets as if it's going to just stop which os very dangerous. This has to be a recall may 2014 ford vehicles are having this issue along with the coolant leak. This needs to be recalled
I was driving up a hill on the highway with my father in the car with me when my car began to rattle slightly. I looked down and saw that my engine heat dial was somewhat higher than its standard setting, which was weird because I had just put engine coolant in a day or two prior. A second later, my dash said, "Severe engine failure. Pull over." At the same time, the smell of smoke wafted into the car, and soon after, smoke began billowing into the vehicle as well. We pulled to the side of the highway and got out to check what was happening with the engine. At this point, tons of smoke was coming out of the hood. I tried to lift the hood to inspect the engine, but I couldn't because the metal was too hot. I peered through the slit of the hood and saw flames. At this point, we began grabbing all of our belongings from the car and moving out of the way. A few minutes later, the fire became much larger and ended up jumping onto the side of the hill next to the highway. It then continued up the hill and spread to 8 acres before the fire department was able to halt it. I am not sure exactly what part of the engine failed, but I suspect it was the coolant. I had always had issues with the coolant leaking or running out fast, but figured nothing of it, as there was no recall and whenever the car was serviced nothing was said. I don't know where the car is but I do know the front half was completely destroyed by the fire. My dad's and my safety were at risk due to the car we were driving bursting into flames while we were inside. Additionally, one of the doors were broken and we lucked out not sitting in the seat with the broken door. I dont know if the problem has been confirmed. I dont think it has been inspected yet. There was an engine coolant warning minutes before the fire started. But it was just one time and I had put in engine coolant days before. It was not enough warning.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was parking the vehicle, the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment and a coolant odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact added coolant to the vehicle and drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a vehicle safety complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 178,998.
My car loses power, I’ll go to get in interstate or just pull out of somewhere and I’ll press the gas and it’ll barely go. I’ve almost got hit multiple times. I take it to have it looked at and all I get is they can’t seem to see the problem but it’s there and extremely dangerous. After talking to several people apparently ford escapes are known for this problem yet ford doesn’t want to acknowledge there faulty parts. I have two small kids and this is dangerous and going to kill people
Left my home and drown about 1 mile and car Oil light came on then battery light came on then car started rolling I had no control of the speed and car stopped in middle of street got it towed to mechanic . Mechanic advises known issue with fords and should be under a recall. coolant leaking from turbo lines
Vehicle keeps slipping in and out of lower gears.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant inside the cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.
1. The transmission has continuously slipped and stuck in gears when significantly outside of standard RPM:Speed standards for the vehicle. 2. The vehicle has recently started leaking oil via a lower pressure valve. 3. The engine thermostat and/or sensor need to be replaced with faulty internal temperatures being registered. 4. The rear collision warning and camera system started malfunctioning after an update that happened middle of 2024. The camera won't work at all approximately 50% of the time. 5. The brake issues haven't been fully diagnosed, but I'm aware of the model year/series of vehicle having several faulty components that could have a hand in the weakened braking. 6. I recently had AAA come diagnose the vehicle (reference the photos provided). My objective is to have my vehicle included in the widespread recalls that were released for my car model, year, and overall series. For some reason my VIN in registering as a vehicle that qualifies for the recalls but seems to have the exact same issues. I'm more than happy to take part in an investigation and or third-party inspection to expedite the process as well. I've also included the reports I've found when searching for the 2014 Ford Escape recall/repair list (via your website and others).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image. Occasionally, the rearview camera displayed an upside-down image. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an Extended Warranty coverage related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.
[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 around with a malfunctioning Instrument Cluster Panel that they can not afford to pay out of pocket. When they were unfortunately being denied the repair as required under RECALL 15V406 because the appearance that Ford Motor Company has been negligent in correctly identifying all of the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6L which increases the risk of a car crash especially the young inexperience drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
-Electric power steering system. Yes, it is available for inspection. -My safety is high risk with this issue. -No. -No. -Yes. A message saying "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" few time would pop up and the steering wheel couldn't move. I would turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the message would go away.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rearview camera. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side rear passenger’s door independently opened. The contact drove back to the residence but was unable to securely lock the door. The contact stated that when the door opened, the "Door Open" chime sounded, and the " Door Ajar" symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear driver’s side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a recall related to the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The contact informed the manufacturer of the recall and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse, the back over prevention display screen was black, with the message "Back Over Prevention Camera not Available" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,400.
Intrusive coolant leak
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended with the back over prevention warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed back over prevention camera system. The contact was informed that the back over prevention camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,850.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact had not received the title and license plates. The contact ordered a third-party vehicle report and discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 94,000, and the report showed that the mileage was 119,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and jerked, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an oil leak. However, the source of the oil leak was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that recently while the vehicle was being repaired, the dealer found an oil leak by the rear turbo and diagnosed that the solenoid valve was damaged and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not repaired a second time because the VIN was no longer under recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant level was low; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, after driving for approximately 20 minutes and then parking the vehicle overnight; however, while attempting to start the vehicle the following morning, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was engine failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the cylinder head gasket had melted, causing the engine to seize. The dealer informed the contact of the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,900.
Engine overheated, lost power, and smoke came from the exhaust. Mechanics opinion is the engine block is cracked and what had caused the heating is a blown head gasket.
The back-up camera works sporadically and when it does work, it remains on for a few seconds when the vehicle is placed in drive and moving forward.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the fluids were checked by the independent mechanic. When the vehicle was started several days later, the “Low Coolant" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the coolant level was not low at the time. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started bucking with a warning chime, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The coolant level was low, with the engine overheating. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected, and the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir and continued driving, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld diagnostic machine failed to retrieve a fault code but suggested that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure was approximately 75,000.
Ford Motor Company should issue a recall and replace the known faulty manufacturing defective lug nuts since 2019. The lug nuts swell and can not be removed by standard lug nut wrench. This is a safety issue because recommend tire rotation is impossible with standard tools. Dealerships are requiring owners to replace faulty lug nuts at an exorbitant cost. Vehicle owners are not performing the routine tire rotation thus creating a safety hazard resulting from tire failure, roadside safety issues and crashes due to excessive tire wear. This has been a known manufacturer fault since 2019. It is immoral and unprofessional to allow this practice to continue.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine rod had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
leaking coolant and heat only blows hot when reving at consistent speed , and ac not blowing cold
the drivers seatbelt does not retract. The seatbelt is extended all the way loose in your lap. In an accident i don’t think it would work at all. Something is broken inside that doesn’t allow it to retract on its own at all.
Engine light came on and over heates
The car has been in the shop on and off for two years because of coolant leaking but the coolant pressure test show no leaks. As of March 2025 the car was checked again and showed no pressure leaks. Over the course of time, The radiator was replaced and several other things have been attempted. We are at the point where we don’t want to put more money into the vehicle because we are afraid it is the classic coolant intrusion situation with this car. I have read many reports of this problem. I am only reporting on the most recent incident below. I do not have an invoice for the March, 2025 visit for coolant pressure test.
The ABS, Anti-lock braking sytem symbol came on about 3 or 4 months ago. Other symbols that came on were the brake system (circle with exclamation point in it), the red word "brake", the stability control light, and the speedometer stopped working/ The information display stopped working. We have taken the car to three local Ford Service departments to have it checked only to be told the ABS part is on back order. Furthermore, I've read that the brakes could be compromised. No Speedometer or display functions is dangerous. The only receipt I have tells me it is the ABS module that is on back order.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the engine was overheating and there was oil leaking from the top of the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and scheduled an appointment, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the A/C system was blowing warmer air than intended. The vehicle was taken to Tire Kingdom, where the contact was informed that a leak was found near the A/C evaporator core. The contact was concerned that failure could lead to electrical failures. The mechanic recommended applying a sealant to stop the leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,695.
See attached document for complaint.
Backup camera displays the view upside down. There is a recall on this for 2015 Escapes, I have the same problem.
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.
While doing oil change, I realized car has rear seal oil leak. Transmission experiences slippage in cold weather. Car has a very good maintenance record.
The vehicle make model and year has had recalls in the past with regard to the transmission and I recently purchased the vehicle a few months ago and the transmission started slipping and is now not operational.
A few months ago, Engine coolant light came on and had more coolant added. Then the week after my card stopped in the middle of the road because the engine was over heating, I had to get it towed. Took it to mechanic and there was a hole and coolant leaking. My engine coolant light just came on again, requiring further inspection.
Driving along at 60 mph suddenly my car stops going in heavy traffic and won't move,, then it accelerated to high RPMS and was stuck, then it hard shifted into gear and it lundged forward fast and went about 5 feet then it wouldn't move. Almost got killed on a busy hwy. because of it accelerating on its on out into traffic while it was in park, then just came to a dead stop. The only way I can describe is it was not moving in park, then it was like it shifted by itself and lundged forward and stoped like it was slammed into park from a high speed but it did it this on it's own while the shifter was in park. It took off again and I drove it to the side of the hwy, and turned it off. Called and got a friend who has a trailer to come tow me. I Cranked my car to see if it would move to get it on the trailer. I Slowly drove it up on the ramps and got about half way up, then it stopped wouldn't move again, still in drive it rolled back down the ramps on its own, I was just sitting there and it was idling was like the rpms were higher than normal so I shut it off for a minute. Got back in it cranked it up put it in drive and it wouldn't move, put in in reverse it backed up but it was revved up and shifted hard, so I put it back in park and it spit and spuddered so I shifted to neutral an then car just shifted into drive and took off on it's on and drove up missing the ramps and ran into the back of his trailer, crushing my front end. Then it wouldn't move again. Winched it on the trailer, got home and it drove to get it off the trailer, but I'm terrified to drive it.