What 2,068 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Escape Gas

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. The witness called the fire department who arrived extremely timely (and police even sooner). FD attempted to put out fire with water first, then needed foam as it ultimately turned into a gas tank fuel fire. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer since there was nothing to speak of left. The Police, Fire Department, Tow Company, and also the Insurance Claim Inspector did view and/or inspect the remnants of the vehicle. The insurance inspector took possession of the remnants of the vehicle from the tow company. My safety was extremely put at risk as I could have died from many factors including brake failure, smoke inhalation, burns from the fire, getting hit from another vehicle upon exit from the burning vehicle, or heart attack.

NHTSA ODI 11710410

Engine coolant system failed, overheated car instantly. Had to get hoses, sensors, thermostat replaced. Possible fire, smoke was present, car had to be turned off immediately. Not the safest. Little to no warning from fine to dead.

NHTSA ODI 11710515

Using up coolant/possible coolant intrusion issue, I have owned my 2014 Ford Escape for almost 2 years, and have to top up coolant every 2 to 3 months of daily driving, as low as 10 km a day. The engine itself has not had issues YET, but is using coolant when A. It should not. and B. At an alarming rate. There are also no leaks on my driveway, and dealerships cannot find the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11709939

It had a recall for leak coolant, they installed a new expansion tank and new hoses, however for some reason it is still leaking, the inside of the car smells like burnt, when I’m stopped, Ford said the leak might be repaired when they changed the hoses it wasn’t the case it’s still leaking, they were supposed to install a sensor to let me know when the coolant level is low, however last time the compartment was almost empty and the car didn’t show any warning, looks like it’s not working as it should be, it could catch fire it could be even worst.

NHTSA ODI 11709784

Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 3, potential to overheat engine posing fire safety risks. Problem has been confirmed at Ford Dealership. Vehicle has been inspected by manufacturer. Check engine light came on Dec. 31st 2025, car was not driven until Jan. 2nd 2026, when it was given to dealership mechanic for inspection/diagnosis. Ford is aware of the dangers of coolant intrusion and the flawed engine design.

NHTSA ODI 11708960

I have had problems with coolant leaks, coolant sensor, valve gaskets and coolant intrusion in my engine. The coolant reservoir was replaced at 36,580 miles on 07/13/17. The coolant sensor recall was completed at 37,315 miles on 07/31/17. The coolant overflow line was was replaced at 66,910 miles on 01/14/22. The coolant light came on and coolant was added at 69,882 miles on 02/16/23. There was a coolant leak and the valve cover gaskets replaced at 76,910 MILES ON 01/23/25. The engine started surging and the coolant light came one. The ignition coil was replaced and the sensor light was adjusted at 78,709 miles on 09/05/25. The sensor light came back on the next day. I went into the dealership 3 different times to tell them there had to be a leak. Since they assured me that it was just the sensor and I had no leak, they did not give me another appointment to check it out. On 12/04/25 a message came on that said it was overheating and to park the car immediately. It then went into limp mode. I was given an appointment on 12/10/25 and I had the car towed in. At 80,158 miles the dealership informed me that there was coolant intrusion in the engine and the cylinders and the car would need a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11705907

Coolant light indicates coolant should be added often. Coolant has been added to frequently. Last time coolant light came on another Error Code: P1299 and the engine stopped running properly. Vehicle was inspected by a repair shop who stated the coolant was leaking into the motor. If this keeps occurring engine may overheat, fail and possibly catch fire. Ford said there is no recall on this issue. Bring it in for diagnostics and stated it would take three months to just look at the issue. This is no exaggeration. We have read an astonishing amount of other people have and are having similar issues with the Ford Escape

NHTSA ODI 11704568

My 1.6l ecoboost was leaking coolant and smoking on the side of the reservoir and burning coolant smells went thought the heater and ac vents when on especially at a stop light and it even leaks oil a little bit but I have got the “coolant leak” fixed but I have an internal leak somewhere clearly and all the symptoms add up to sound like the ford recalls 17S09 and also similar to 12S39 but that’s for 2013 escapes but there’s clearly an unsafe issue hear that cause cause fire underneath my hood I called ford and they said to try to make a claim because there should be no reason I’m not covered under warranty when it’s the same cars same engines and same issues

NHTSA ODI 11704572

Intrusive coolant leak

NHTSA ODI 11704214

My 2014 Ford escape started leaking coolant into the engine, producing a terrible odor throughout the cab and causing overheating. The mechanic pressure tested the coolant system and identified coolant leaking into the cylinders. This is a common occurrence in this make and model.

NHTSA ODI 11703827

The Ford EcoBoost engine in my Ford Escape 2014 has consistent coolant leaking issues as reported by several other vehicle owners. I spent the last 4 years of owning it constantly returning to the dealership over this issue when my car was under warranty because the coolant tank kept leaking. They never fixed the leaking issue and when my warranty expired, they refused to help fix it any longer. I cannot afford a new car or the work I need to keep getting on it yet need it to get to work, and the constant need for my refilling of the coolant in the tank that progressively gets worse and can cause engine failure warrants a recall on behalf of the company and compensation.

NHTSA ODI 11703547

Engine caught fire at the coolant reservoir

NHTSA ODI 11700958

This vehicle has had a bad electrical problem where it makes a real bad clicking noise and sometimes it doesn't turn off the radio also the radio doesn't turn on at times. The major problem is it has not passed emissions for almost a year it gives out bad sensor readings and clearing the code so I can pass emissions don't help it comes back on. I have tried to let Ford know that this car is having recall issues . I have had a purge valve put on it but it's still it's not capable of passing the emissions because the sensors at all Ford dealerships said they can reset the sensors but they want me to pay I don't think that is fair to me because these are recall issues that I'm having! even though it's older .I think it's only fair to have it analyzed at a Ford dealership free of charge.. I'm paying car notes and I cannot even drive the vehicle safely now it's leaking antifreeze if you check the past recalls on 2014 Ford escapes there were fuel injector problems and that's probably why it cannot pass emissions so I need this recall handled properly thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11697516

My coolant system has leaked for the last 5 or 6 years. It has been worked on by Ford and by independent mechanics. The last time, Ford said it was fixed and I shouldn’t have any problems. It still leaks and it is unknown where it is going.

NHTSA ODI 11697228

The back up camera goes out at times.it says report too ford.tranmission issues and turbo issues.

NHTSA ODI 11696899

Coolant leak at the 3 way heater hose going to the heater core. I'm seeing a lot of complaints about leaks at the quick connect and nothing being done about it. Ford made a replacement part thats upgraded. I believe they should be replacing the defected parts with the new one. They knew this was an issue for some time now and refuse to take care of the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11695163

Head gasket blew and coolant leaked into engine. This applies to the Ford Escape 2013 - 2019. Ford's 1.5L, 1.6L, or 2.0L Ecoboost engines manufactured, marketed, and distributed by Ford Motor Company. They know about the problem but refuse to fix the problem. There is currently a class action lawsuit. But we all know that does noting.

NHTSA ODI 11694855

see attached documents: Subject: Ongoing Unresolved Recall Issues and Safety Concerns with My Ford Vehicle I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding my Ford vehicle, which currently has 15 open recalls that have gone unresolved for nearly two years. During this time, I have contacted every Ford dealership within a 50-mile radius of my home in repeated attempts to have these recalls addressed. Each dealership has provided a different excuse for not completing the necessary repairs. Some initially allowed me to schedule service appointments, only to cancel them once they realized the work involved recall issues. In several cases, I was never notified that my appointment had been canceled—I only discovered this when no one showed up. Other dealerships claimed they did not have the required parts and assured me they would contact me once the parts became available. To date, none have followed up. One dealership required that I speak with a supervisor before scheduling any recall work, but despite multiple messages, my calls were never returned. On one dealership’s website, I attempted to schedule the recall repairs online. The system showed numerous open appointment dates until I selected “recall service,” at which point all availability disappeared, and I was unable to proceed. Each dealership I contacted referred me elsewhere, passing responsibility without resolution. Ford has been fully aware of the potential safety risks—including the risk of serious injury or death—associated with these recalls, yet I was repeatedly told it was “safe to continue driving.” This was clearly not the case. Recently, while driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and stopped moving. I managed to pull over to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. As the tow truck driver prepared to load my car, it unexpectedly lurched forward on its own and crashed into the tow truck. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle. It could have easily resulted in a fatal accident. My vehicle has been inoperable since the incident. When I reported the matter to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), I was told to contact my insurance company to cover the damages. However, I do not believe I should bear the financial burden for Ford’s negligence in failing to repair known defects. Ford’s continued delay and lack of accountability have not only caused extreme inconvenience but also placed my safety—and the safety of others—at serious risk. I am requesting immediate action to resolve all recall issues and full compensation for the damage caused by Ford’s failure to act. Sincerely,

NHTSA ODI 11694223

Issues with coolant leakage in multiple places. One is with the HVAC heater core valve and hose and the other is with the turbocharger cooling input put up and oil lines. Has been leaking for a while diagnosed on 10/03/2025 Similar to other issues reported by ford escape 1.6L drivers on complaints and documented issues.

NHTSA ODI 11692418

I have experienced multiple coolant leaks. The first one was repaired with a new engine coolant bypass housing, and I am now experiencing the issue again. The heater core hoses are degraded and swollen causing the leak. The coolant bypass (which was replaced a year ago) is made of plastic and cracked. The valve cover is leaking and is a fire hazard. This has impacted my means of transportation. The error messages of “overheating” occur abruptly and at times when I have not been able to safely pull over or stop. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. No, not inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The first time this occurred I only received 2 error messages. And this time I only received one.

NHTSA ODI 11690845

Purchsed a 2014 Ford Escape Titanuim 1.6L Eco Boost in April of 2024. Since then, my vehicle has been to three different mechanics, one was a Ford dealership, because the sensor keeps coming on and coolant keeps leaking out. The first incident occured barely a week after the purchase and I've actually been stranded 2 out of the 3 times. In my research I've learned that Ford is aware of this issue, however, there's no recall on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11689103

I purchased the car in April 2023, a few days later the sensor light came on and coolant leaked out and I was stranded. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they "repaired it". About a month ago the same thing happened and I was stranded. Got it towed to a mechanic, was told it's been repaired, a couple of weeks later the sensor came back on, but I was able to make it to the mechanic before I was stranded. He put a mark on the reservoir and told me to add more coolant if it got before that line. I shouldn't have to keep doing this.

NHTSA ODI 11688883

Vehicle hesitates when shifting mainly from secon to third gear and hesitates to accelerate. The rpms go up but not going any faster and then jerks. If I was to try and pull out onto a highway there is no way the car will accelerate fast enough. Took it to the dealer to see if they could check a previous recall item to see if it was maybe defective and they would not look at it unless I paid 220 dollars for a diagnostics even though the recall was for the transmission shifting cable bushing. This has been happening since I bought the car about a year ago which wa previously owned by an elderly person that got it from the dealer with 35000 miles on it and it now only has 50000 miles on it and the dealer could not tell me what else was fixed on the car. I have read about the same issues with tje same transmission that I have amd the dealer does nothing to help. It is the 6f35 transmission. There are no warning lights on and no codes popping up. The transmission fluid has been changed and was not dirty along with the filter. I am afraid that when I go to accelerate my car will not go fast enough and hesitate and possibly cause an accident. I have read many of the same complaints about this vehicles transmission had I known about them before I got the vehicle I would not have bought it as the dealership is not helpful at all. This happens everytime I drive the vehicle especially going from a complete stop to going.

NHTSA ODI 11688257

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster screen malfunctioned and turned black or flickered off and on. Additionally, the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights intermittently failed to operate as needed. The transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failures, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682049

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

NHTSA ODI 11682262