Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2,067Complaints
16Recalls
47Crashes
103Fires
41Injured
4Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (34.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
5 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 1 rests on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
717 · 34.7%
Recalled
Recall 17V209000
Power Train
450 · 21.8%
Recalled
Recall 18V471000 · Recall 22V413000
Electrical System
196 · 9.5%
Recalled
Recall 14V495000 · Recall 15V406000
Engine And Engine Cooling
173 · 8.4%
Recalled
Recall 17V209000
Steering
148 · 7.2%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
120 · 5.8%
Recalled
Recall 14V525000 · Recall 15V005000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 2,067 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 16 campaigns
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“USES TO MUCH GAS,GAUGES ON DASH GO UP AND DOWN TO MUCH, EX, IT SAYS 150 MILES TIL E GO 8 MILES IT SAYS 126…”NHTSA complaint 10732329 — filed 07/06/2015 · ENGINE
“MOST RECENT AND TROUBLING INCIDENT WAS TRAVELLING DOWNHILL AROUND 30 MPH, NOT PRESSING GAS PEDAL, AND ENGINE RPMS ROSE TO OVER 4000 AND STAYED WITH…”NHTSA complaint 10721040 — filed 05/22/2015 · ENGINE
“WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE A/C WAS TURNED ON. THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE, SMOKE STARTING COMING UP FROM THE HOOD AND…”NHTSA complaint 10713887 — filed 04/30/2015 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Escape?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 717 of 2,067 NHTSA complaints (34.7%), followed by power train (450), unspecified/other issues (268), electrical system (196). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2014 Ford Escape have?
2,067 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 47 involved a crash, 103 involved a fire, and 41 reported injuries. 4 deaths were reported.
Does the 2014 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V471000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2014 Ford Escape's reported problems?
5 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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