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

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. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,500.

NHTSA ODI 11717498

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.

NHTSA ODI 11717320

Coolant intrusion due to head gasket/ cracked cylinder head

NHTSA ODI 11716556

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??

NHTSA ODI 11716416

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 dealership; no other inspections noted. No warning lamps or prior symptoms before the door failure on 10/12/2025. Shifter bushing symptoms unknown. The dealer claimed to fix the shifter bushing on 10/15/2025, but both recalls remain "Incomplete". The rear door latch is unfixed, requiring bungee cords to secure it. The vehicle has been driven this way for nearly 4 months. We contacted Ford (case XXX) and escalation began. After weather closure, we were told an appointment would be rescheduled. I emailed Tiffany from Ford last night (~10PM 2/5/2026) and called today (2/6/2026); no response yet. This ongoing safety defect endangers the driver who needs the car for work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11716291

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 specialized tool to remove the plugs because they were not able to be removed normally.

NHTSA ODI 11715183

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.

NHTSA ODI 11713983

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.

NHTSA ODI 11712849

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.

NHTSA ODI 11712687

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.

NHTSA ODI 11712457

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

I was driving on the road when the steering started to get stuck, it got hard to move it, I got the warning on the car about a steering fault, stop safely. fortunately I was able to pull over with no risk, I had to call tow, but it could have caused an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11709780

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

Environmental Contributing Circumstances (Select Up to 3):

NHTSA ODI 11709233

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

Electronic power steering has stopped working, flashes a message on the dash, and vehicle is stuck with Armstrong steering without it's electronic assist.

NHTSA ODI 11706612

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

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning light for the low coolant level was illuminated. The contact checked the coolant reservoir and became aware that the coolant level was low. The coolant level was topped off. The contact stated that a warning light was illuminated while driving, and the contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that a bypass hose needed to be installed on the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was repaired; however, the loss of coolant continued, and there was no leak found. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle but determined that an air bubble had formed in the system and the failure had worked itself out. The overheating and coolant loss reoccurred, and the contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinders #2 and #4, causing damage to the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a defect of the engine with the intrusion of coolant. The contact relayed the information to the dealer and was advised that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11702975