EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
2014 Ford Escape
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 2,084 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Ford Escape, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 16 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 146 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2021 | 15 | 1,225 |
| Nov 2021 | 10 | 1,235 |
| Dec 2021 | 15 | 1,250 |
| Jan 2022 | 14 | 1,264 |
| Feb 2022 | 14 | 1,278 |
| Mar 2022 | 13 | 1,291 |
| Apr 2022 | 14 | 1,305 |
| May 2022 | 9 | 1,314 |
| Jun 2022 | 26 | 1,340 |
| Jul 2022 | 24 | 1,364 |
| Aug 2022 | 40 | 1,404 |
| Sep 2022 | 23 | 1,427 |
| Oct 2022 | 15 | 1,442 |
| Nov 2022 | 25 | 1,467 |
| Dec 2022 | 15 | 1,482 |
| Jan 2023 | 15 | 1,497 |
| Feb 2023 | 20 | 1,517 |
| Mar 2023 | 16 | 1,533 |
| Apr 2023 | 24 | 1,557 |
| May 2023 | 13 | 1,570 |
| Jun 2023 | 15 | 1,585 |
| Jul 2023 | 19 | 1,604 |
| Aug 2023 | 17 | 1,621 |
| Sep 2023 | 14 | 1,635 |
| Oct 2023 | 23 | 1,658 |
| Nov 2023 | 10 | 1,668 |
| Dec 2023 | 20 | 1,688 |
| Jan 2024 | 22 | 1,710 |
| Feb 2024 | 13 | 1,723 |
| Mar 2024 | 16 | 1,739 |
| Apr 2024 | 14 | 1,753 |
| May 2024 | 10 | 1,763 |
| Jun 2024 | 13 | 1,776 |
| Jul 2024 | 18 | 1,794 |
| Aug 2024 | 16 | 1,810 |
| Sep 2024 | 9 | 1,819 |
| Oct 2024 | 16 | 1,835 |
| Nov 2024 | 9 | 1,844 |
| Dec 2024 | 11 | 1,855 |
| Jan 2025 | 14 | 1,869 |
| Feb 2025 | 19 | 1,888 |
| Mar 2025 | 6 | 1,894 |
| Apr 2025 | 8 | 1,902 |
| May 2025 | 11 | 1,913 |
| Jun 2025 | 13 | 1,926 |
| Jul 2025 | 11 | 1,937 |
| Aug 2025 | 17 | 1,954 |
| Sep 2025 | 17 | 1,971 |
| Oct 2025 | 14 | 1,985 |
| Nov 2025 | 8 | 1,993 |
| Dec 2025 | 8 | 2,001 |
| Jan 2026 | 11 | 2,012 |
| Feb 2026 | 14 | 2,026 |
| Mar 2026 | 9 | 2,035 |
| Apr 2026 | 9 | 2,044 |
| May 2026 | 13 | 2,057 |
| Jun 2026 | 10 | 2,067 |
| Jul 2026 | 6 | 2,073 |
| Aug 2026 | 5 | 2,078 |
| Sep 2026 | 6 | 2,084 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine88137.4%
- Powertrain (other)45519.3%
- Electrical2159.1%
- Steering1516.4%
- Fuel system1375.8%
- Driver assistance1054.5%
- Body & structure833.5%
- Interior & seats743.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
16 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V-177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V-177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V-177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under NHTSA TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at NHTSA.gov.On June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under NHTSA Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD
Door Latch Failure
In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.Another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.In response to ODI's information request, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 500 unique reports related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.Ford reported no injury or accident claims.Ford also submitted 1,513 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the affected door could not be latched at all and some of them decided to restrain the door by other means in order to operate the vehicle.Some customers also reported door latch failures occurring on multiple doors and at different times.Additionally, Ford stated that MY 2014-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape, 2013-2015 Ford C-Max, 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2015 Lincoln MKC, all use the same door latch as the 2012-2013 Ford Focus.On September 6, 2016, Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (16V-643) to remedy the door latches in the MY 2012-2015 Ford Focus and other Ford models mentioned above (total of approximately 2 million vehicles).According to Ford, a component within the door latch may break preventing the door from latching.Ford dealers will replace all four door latches in the recalled vehicles with a new more robust latch design that is currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
In the ford escape, when the remote start is activated. The car will show as overheating. I was told it was a known issue with ford. This occurred twice resulting in over $1900 in towing and repairs. Those repairs did not fix issue as 4 weeks later it did it again.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765816
- Incident
- Jul 5, 2026
Car is eating antifreeze with no visible leaks. The vehicle overheats if not enough antifreeze. I had to use stop leak just to keep the antifreeze from leaking. The vehicle had a recall fix in 2018 for coolant intrusion by the previous owner but problem is occurring again. Have asked multiple ford dealerships to help but they said the warranty is expired but after doing research I saw that even after a recall occurs if the problem was not fixed even after a warranty expires the company is still liable for repairs. I would like to make a complaint because I feel as if Ford is not honoring their recall policy. Even after correct information was given.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765087
- Incident
- Sep 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine light and low coolant warning light were illuminated. Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the vehicle; however, the coolant disappeared and gushed back into the reservoir. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start and chugged, with a white sweet-smelling smoke coming from the tailpipe while idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased, and the contact inquired about a free diagnostic test, but the dealer denied assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,353.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764342
- Incident
- Sep 13, 2026
- Mileage
- 104,353 mi
am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6L EcoBoost. While driving, I suddenly heard a pop/burst from under the hood. The vehicle then began producing white smoke/steam. There were no warning lights or temperature warnings before the smoke began. The high-temperature/overheating warning appeared only after the vehicle was already smoking/steaming. I immediately pulled over and stopped the vehicle. Green coolant had sprayed throughout the engine compartment. An independent repair shop confirmed that the plastic return-side heater-hose union/connector broke, causing a severe coolant leak. The shop recommended replacing the connector and coolant, performing a cooling-system pressure test, and a combustion leak test to check for possible engine damage. This failure created a safety risk because the vehicle suddenly lost coolant while being driven and gave almost no advance warning before overheating. The vehicle has not been inspected by Ford for this specific failure. I am concerned because these symptoms appear similar to the coolant-loss/overheating concerns addressed by Ford Safety Recall 17S09 involving certain 2014 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost vehicles. My VIN is not currently listed in that recall. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether similar sudden cooling-system failures are occurring in vehicles outside the original recall population.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764180
- Incident
- Sep 11, 2026
My coolant mixing with the oil cause a severe overage. This is what I understood my recall to be about but the FORD dealership refused to fix it on June 1st. Now I’m subject to a very expensive car repair.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763228
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2026
I have been sending email for 2 years. I did not know I could use this form. The back up camera that helps me back up does not operate. Sometimes it show upside down or is not available at all. This is a safety issue for me to operate my vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762510
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2024
When I was about to park, the transmission failed. I couldn’t reverse, and it got stuck in Neutral. I wasn’t able to shift it into Park. When the mechanic came, he said the shifter cable bushing was faulty, which was exactly the part covered by the recall they had previously done.
- NHTSA ID
- 11760815
- Incident
- Aug 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost ABS functionality, and the instrument panel was blank. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced and brake system repair was needed. The contact was informed that the part was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,194.
- NHTSA ID
- 11759721
- Incident
- Aug 19, 2026
- Mileage
- 100,194 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
POWER TRAIN
Certain 2013-2014 Model Year Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 6F35 Transmission Shift Cable Bushing Inspection and Protective Service Cap Installation
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed on one or more electronic modules in the affected vehicles.
Some 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U2300 after the ABS module is replaced.
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 24 | 9 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2024 | 76 | 8 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2023 | 98 | 11 | 0 | 60.4 |
| 2022 | 231 | 19 | 2 | 68.1 |
| 2021 | 346 | 19 | 2 | 67.7 |
| 2020 | 1,600 | 23 | 2 | 63.1 |
| 2019 | 587 | 3 | 0 | 59.3 |
| 2018 | 1,797 | 4 | 0 | 59.8 |
| 2017 | 2,684 | 4 | 0 | 58.1 |
| 2016 | 1,123 | 4 | 0 | 61.4 |
| 2015 | 1,100 | 9 | 2 | 68.1 |
| 2014Viewing | 2,084 | 16 | 2 | 64.6 |
| 2013 | 2,749 | 18 | 3 | 61.4 |
| 2012 | 599 | 2 | 2 | 54.7 |
| 2011 | 1,316 | 3 | 4 | 56.2 |
| 2010 | 2,069 | 5 | 4 | 56.0 |
| 2009 | 1,693 | 3 | 3 | 55.2 |
| 2008 | 1,974 | 5 | 3 | 58.2 |
| 2007 | 254 | 4 | 2 | 54.8 |
| 2006 | 464 | 5 | 1 | 53.9 |
| 2005 | 1,394 | 5 | 2 | 55.3 |
| 2004 | 499 | 8 | 6 | 61.8 |
| 2003 | 558 | 9 | 8 | 65.2 |
| 2002 | 1,027 | 10 | 10 | 67.3 |
| 2001 | 996 | 15 | 11 | 66.3 |
| 2000 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.