Home · 2014 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,068)Crash / fire / injury (159)Engine (718)Transmission & drivetrain (479)Electrical system (210)Engine & cooling (186)Steering (150)Fuel system (136)Body & structure (84)Latches & locks (64)Backup camera & sensors (50)Wheels (46)

Newest first · 2,068 complaints · page 4 of 83

Nov 28, 2025

Coolant leak again. Third time having the same issue. Coolant leak issue has been fixed twice within recent years.

NHTSA ODI 11701892

Nov 24, 2025Electrical systemSpeed controlBrakes

ABS braking not functioning, Power steering failure , speedometer and odometer failure, Air Bag indication of non function. Warning indications on dash illuminated at once when failures occured The loss of functioning Air bags, Power Steering, ABS Braking are all possible safety risks, most especially when combined at once. Vehicle has been diagnosed by a registered Ford Dealership. Problems diagnosed as a Failure of the electrical ABS system module by the Ford dealership. Dealership expressed that this was a known issue and all repair parts are currently out of stock and on national back order with no ETA for availability. This leaves the vehicle in a condition that makes it a safety hazard to be driven , for myself and others. Documentation unavailable at this time from dealership, verbal conversation, still awaiting repair options. Vehicle has been in dealership since 11/03/2025.

NHTSA ODI 11701320

Nov 22, 2025Electrical systemEngineFire

Engine caught fire at the coolant reservoir

NHTSA ODI 11700958

Nov 17, 2025Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to activate while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Camera not Available" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11699957

Nov 8, 2025Visibility & wipers

Rear-view camera is not working while in reverse. When backing up, it doesn't show anything but a blank screen. Says it is unavailable. I had a mechanic run a diagnostic on it and it showed the camera was faulty.

NHTSA ODI 11698346

Nov 4, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

Nov 3, 2025Engine

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

Nov 1, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

NHTSA ODI 11696899

Oct 28, 2025Electrical system

Electrical issue for headlight having to replace the socket and lightblub everytime the light blub goes out. Every 2 months. Back up camera not working, blue screen, glitches, upside down, or says rearview camera not working.

NHTSA ODI 11696099

Oct 28, 2025

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.

NHTSA ODI 11696205

Oct 26, 2025

Backup camera frequently stops working. It displays a black screen (that sometimes includes a message stating to contact the dealer), stays on the main screen, turns the displayed image upside down, or the image may scroll/flash.

NHTSA ODI 11695674

Oct 23, 2025Engine

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

Oct 23, 2025Fuel system

My vehicle stalls while driving or after pumping fuel and I frequently have to "fart" it is the only thing I can describe it as. The opening to the fuel tank will start vibrating and making noises. If I do not pull over, the minute I let off the gas, it stalls out. In addition, when I pump gas, it takes 4-5 times to start it. It dies 3 or 4 times before it will turn over and I have to press the gas pedal and take off as soon as it starts so it doesn't die. I have been able to get it to stay running, but barely, when adding a small amount of fuel. It chugs and rpms go up while I'm pumping like it's about to die. If I put more than 10 dollars in, it dies while fueling and I get stranded. It's getting worse. I'm listing the date as today, but this started in 2023 or so and I bought the vehicle in 2017

NHTSA ODI 11695314

Oct 22, 2025

The rear camera has worked intermittently for the last several years. I am aware that the 2015 Ford Escape was included in the recall for rear camera issues, but mine is a 2014 and has the exact same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11695143

Oct 21, 2025Engine

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

Oct 18, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBody & structureEngineCrash

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

Oct 13, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFire1 injury

Whenever I got the vehicle at the middle of 2025 I had issues with the shocks hub assembly axle motor mount electrical issues trunk was opening and closing by itself. Recent recently I drive it to Savannah and the vehicle started to skip and would not switch gears while I was driving down a 70 mph Road. I almost wrecked due to an issue with the vehicle I have looked up the recalls that hasn't been repaired on the vehicle and I believe it has something to do with unrepair recalls or maybe there is a recall that wasn't found or reported because I've seen a lot of recall information about the transmission. I also had a incident with the door unlocking and locking while my nephew was in the vehicle after stepping out the doors automatically locked but I still had the driver door open. My nephew freaked out cuz he can't get out the vehicle. The vehicle has some other issues that I do not know how to explain and if there is any possible way that the unrepared recalls has something to do with the repairs that the vehicle need now then I would like something done immediately. There is 19 recalls on a 2014 Ford escape. Now out of those 19 only two have been reported for my VIN number but I believe due to the car being sold five different times within a short period of time no one had the time to actually report the issues wrong with the vehicle I think people were just trying to get rid of it because they knew something was wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11693012

Oct 9, 2025Engine

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

Oct 9, 2025

Why is a vehicle rear view camera not listed as one of the "Problem Parts" above? I reported twice in previous years that the rear view camera on this vehicle intermittently fails and is an ongoing safety issue. Please add 2014 Escapes to your recent recall notice to safeguard this owner and the public.

NHTSA ODI 11692466

Oct 3, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBody & structureSpeed controlCrash

MY CAR HAS 15 RECALLS AND 3 different FORD dealerships REFUSES TO do recall work This has gone on for more than 2 years. They claim to have done recall work that has not been done. It has a defective transmission. It took off while in park and hit a tow truck.

NHTSA ODI 11691261

Oct 1, 2025Engine

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

Oct 1, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission has violent jerking and shuddering. Sometimes it has hard time accelerating. Dealer doesnt want to do anything. It is still messed up

NHTSA ODI 11690893

Sep 25, 2025Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

For years the rear back up camera has failed to engage or turns on and off intermittently when the vehicle is put in reverse. This can lead to a potentially hazardous driving issue which could lead to property damage or potentially in the extreme loss of life. There are recalls for exactly this same issue on literally millions of similar Ford vehicles, but they refuse to acknowledge this issue and fix it for the 2014 Ford Escape Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11689680

Sep 24, 2025Engine & cooling

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.

NHTSA ODI 11689341

Sep 24, 2025Electrical system

2014 Ford Escape. Shortly after the warrant period ended the back-up camera stopped working properly. The picture is Intermittent, upside down, and stops working completely. No accident yet but very unsafe. Ford is aware of problem and conducting a recall, but my vehicle is not part of the recall. The dealer is aware of this problem and tried to fix it. Please require ford to expand the back-up camera recall to ALL vehicles with malfunctioning cameras.

NHTSA ODI 11689511

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Ford Escape Gas verdict →