What 2,067 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Escape Hev

My car caught on fire while I was driving it pulled over got out of car and car imploded in flames

NHTSA ODI 11739008

2014 Ford Escape 1.6L engine with ECO boost. Alarm on dash for High Engine temperature, Stop Safely. Pulled vehicle to side of road and fire was under hood. Attempted to extinguish with standard fire extinguisher; called 911 and fire department had to extinguisher. Vehicle was towed to local shop.

NHTSA ODI 11722373

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 caught fire at the coolant reservoir

NHTSA ODI 11700958

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

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.

NHTSA ODI 11677919

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on the driveway during nighttime, the contact's wife noticed a light underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact extinguished the fire using a water hose avoiding opening the hood to not expose the fire to oxygen. The contact's wife then also assisted in extinguishing the fire by using a fire extinguisher as the husband opened the hood and then used the water hose as well. The contact stated that the vehicle had been driven and then parked before the fire was experienced. The origin of the fire was unknown however the contact discovered that the valve cover was charred and melted. No fire report or police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621697

Unknown. Something at the backside of the motor caught on fire. The car overheated and would not drive. Pulled over, cooled off, added coolant, drove home. Car won't go over 40, shakes, and makes noises. Took it to automotive place. They took the manifold(?) and stopped! Called and told us there had been a fire in the motor, we need to call our insurance company and take it to a Ford dealership. Warranty and insurance company are both fighting with us. Neither one wants to pay!!! This is total BS!!!! No recalls?! Google this cars problems and their #1 problem is they catch on fire!!! WHY IS THERE NO RECALLS?!?!? Does someone have to die to get a recall?

NHTSA ODI 11593840

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. In addition, the contact stated that at times the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant valve. The contact was informed that the coolant valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while the independent mechanic was driving at an undisclosed speed and test-driving the vehicle, the independent was flagged down by a nearby Police Officer. The independent was advised to pull the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road. The independent mechanic was advised that flames were exiting the rear undercarriage and the front undercarriage of the vehicle. The independent mechanic drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The Police officer extinguished the fire. The local Fire Department arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage 63,000

NHTSA ODI 11593735

The contact owned a 2014 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a service appointment which included a system scan and replacement of the coolant valves. The contact stated that after the repair was completed and the mechanic was test-driving the vehicle, the engine caught on fire. A nearby Police Officer alerted the mechanic to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road because the vehicle was on fire. The mechanic drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The Police Officer extinguished the fire by using a fire extinguisher that was in the trunk of the officer's vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the cause of the fire was the engine and the engine coolant. The vehicle was destroyed due to the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577362

I was driving on I95 southbound with my 3.5 month old daughter when my cars engine failed, my brakes and acceleration failed, and my car started being engulfed in smoke. I had to veer off of I95 as far as I could with my breaks or gas working. Within 2 minutes my car was in complete flames. I was able to get my daughter and I out in time but everything in the car was demolished. Ford has refused to reimburse for any value of the car as well as any value of the items that were in the car. The value of the items in the car totaled more than $5,000. My husband and I were forced to sell our other car in order to afford to buy a new car. Both of our cars were paid off.

NHTSA ODI 11506932

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?-Coolant/temperature sensor causing the vehicle to overheat, cylinder head to crack, and coolant leak into the engine. Safety jeopardized?-Yes, the car was then burning the coolant and it was entering the air and inhaled. Possible connection to a confirmed cancer case in the main driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?-Yes, it was reported to two separate Ford dealerships a total of 5 times. Each time the dealership told me they could not diagnose the problem. I took the car to an independent service center and it was confirmed the head was visibly cracked in 3 locations and the car was burning coolant and emitting it through the exhaust. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?-The vehicle has been to Ford dealerships and inspected for service, recalls, and multiple times for this specific issue. Were there any warning lamps?-No warning lamps, no other symptoms prior to the failure. I purchased the vehicle from Fred Beans Ford, West Chester in Feb. 2016. In Oct. 2016 the vehicle overheated without any warning lamps or messages and it was towed to Fred Beans Ford. The service department stated there were no issues with the vehicle but replaced the temperature sensor that was recalled. The problem continued with the coolant level decreasing and no leaks could be found. The vehicle was taken to Fred Beans for a coolant leak 3 additional times and each time I was told they could not diagnose it and they just refilled the coolant. After this I checked the coolant daily and refilled it if needed to the appropriate level. October 2021 I took it to New Holland Ford where they could not diagnose it. May 2021 an independent center and machine shop where 3 cracks were found in the head causing coolant to leak into the engine and come out the exhaust.

NHTSA ODI 11469312

NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 This current recall, is not attached to the VIN for my Ford Escape and the car is in the shop for the exact issue. Ford said the NHSTA would have to attach the known recall to the VIN Ford Repair order 787886

NHTSA ODI 11468206

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while idled and attempting to park in her driveway, there were flames coming from under the hood. The hood was opened and flames were visible from the engine. No warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle overheated, there was a cracked cylinder and an oil leak prior to the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not notified. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11468035

Owner was driving vehicle approximately 40-45 mph when a yellow light appeared on the dash and message 'powering down' came on. Owner pulled over opened the hood to find smoke and then flames which caused damage to their vehicle. Claim 31V4FM458

NHTSA ODI 11461490

Owner scheduled appointment with Lakeview Ford due to no heat in vehicle, stalling when fuel was full, an active indicator for airbags. They completed the repairs for total around $1500. Shop went to test drive and vehicle caught fire.

NHTSA ODI 11455895

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT THEN SAW SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO CRASH OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GORDY'S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR (2639 S FIELDSPAN RD, DUSON, LA 70529). THE CONTACT HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,883.

NHTSA ODI 11405443

A CAR TOOK THE RED LIGHT AS WE HAD THE GREEN LIGHT SHE RAN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN FISH TALED AND HER REAR CAR SMASHED INTO MY FRONT... NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL BUT THE OTHER 2 CAR DID AND MY FRONT END DAMAGES ARE SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ACCIDENT WAS ARRESTED AT THE SCENE AND THEY DID A SOBRIETY TEST ON HER

NHTSA ODI 11390646

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. AS A RESULT, THE EXHAUST PIPE STARTED TO SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS HOT AND MAKING CRACKING SOUND. THE FAILURE CAUSE A COOLANT LEAK. THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COOK COUNTY FORD INC (1000 S. HUTCHINSON AVE, ADEL, GA 31620) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COOLANT SENSOR AND HOSES FAILURE HAD TO DO WITH A RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V209000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11390659

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL BEEPING SOUND. AS THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, A FLAME QUICKLY ERUPTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE SHOCK OF THE SITUATION, THE CONTACT BECAME FRANTIC AND KICKED OUT HER DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE AUTHORITIES AND THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED AT THE SCENE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS LATER DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V209000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH SHE WAS UNAWARE OF PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 11389483

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN MESSAGE BOARD READ CAR IS OVERHEATED AND TO PULL OVER AND CAR SHUT DOWN, THEN THE TEMP GAUGE SHOT UP TO H. FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP & CAR WAS SMOKING, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES, POURED WATER ON IT CALLED 911... APPARENTLY COOLLANT LEAKED OUT AND CAUSED THE TURBO TO GET HOT AND STARTED A FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11387046

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANTIFREEZE HAD BEEN LEAKING OUT OF HIS ENGINE AS HIS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN HIS VEHICLE TWICE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS GIVEN VARIOUS REPORTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CONWAY HEATON INC. (810 N 3RD ST, BARDSTOWN, KY 40004) WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND STATED THAT HE HAD LINKED HIS FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V209000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH INCLUDED VIN. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED PRIOR TO HIM OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS THEN RETURNED TO THE CONTACT AND THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 60 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD BEEN RISING INDICATING THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL HE VEHICLE OVER, THE ENGINE FAULT SERVICE ENGINE NOW WARNING LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AS THE CONTACT EXITED HIS VEHICLE, HE OPENED HIS HOOD AND SAW A FLAME ARISE IN HIS ENGINE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE AUTHORITIES AND AFTER 15 MINUTES OF WAITING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. ONCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL POLICE STATION WERE IN REMAINED IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REBUILD THE VEHICLE, THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11352517

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE SOMEWHERE IN THE ENGINE DUE TO A RECALL ISSUE (OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD, ETC.). FORD METRO MOTORS AT #405 ESTATE ANNAS RETREAT, ST. THOMAS, VI 00802 DID NOT AND WON'T FIX THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PAYMENT FROM ME AS THE VEHICLE OWNER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THAT ESTABLISHMENT SINCE JUNE 2019. I'VE BEEN SENT MULTIPLE ESTIMATES AND SERVICE REPORTS THAT ARE NOT FACTUAL AND THE ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11311347

DRIVING DOWN ROAD. CAR SAID ENGINE FAILURE PULLED OVER POPED THE HOOD AND ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CAR BURNED TOTAL LOSS

NHTSA ODI 11309337

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN 2017, THE VEHICLE LOST LEAKED COOLANT AND LOST POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED FIRE FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WENT TO LOOK FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND WHEN HE CAME BACK, THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED BY ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE TROPHY FORD DEALER, LOCATED AT 288 HAROLD G CLARKE PKWY, FORSYTH, GA 31029 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF COOLANT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT INVESTIGATORS TO EVALUATE THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V209000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FIVE STAR FORD LINCOLN OF WARNER ROBINS DEALER, LOCATED AT 900 RUSSELL PWKY, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088 WHERE THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WAS TAKEN BACK THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED 'A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE' AND TOPPED THE COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11306975