CarModelProblems.com

2014 Ford Escape Problems & Recalls

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 categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine717 · 34.7%RecalledRecall 17V209000
Power Train450 · 21.8%RecalledRecall 18V471000 · Recall 22V413000
Electrical System196 · 9.5%RecalledRecall 14V495000 · Recall 15V406000
Engine And Engine Cooling173 · 8.4%RecalledRecall 17V209000
Steering148 · 7.2%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System120 · 5.8%RecalledRecall 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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE717 · 34.7%
POWER TRAIN450 · 21.8%
Unspecified / other268 · 13%
STEERING148 · 7.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM120 · 5.8%
STRUCTURE:BODY68 · 3.3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL41 · 2%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES40 · 1.9%

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

NHTSA campaign 18V471000 · 2018 · reported 07/16/2018

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

Structure:body:door

NHTSA campaign 14V239000 · 2014 · reported 05/07/2014

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

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 17V472000 · 2017 · reported 07/25/2017

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

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2016 · reported 09/06/2016

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

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V209000 · 2017 · reported 03/27/2017

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

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 14V597000 · 2014 · reported 09/26/2014

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

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 14V237000 · 2014 · reported 05/07/2014

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

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

NHTSA campaign 14V525000 · 2014 · reported 09/02/2014

A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle 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

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 15V005000 · 2015 · reported 01/09/2015

If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 14V495000 · 2014 · reported 08/11/2014

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

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 15V406000 · 2015 · reported 06/24/2015

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

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 14V164000 · 2014 · reported 04/02/2014

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

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

NHTSA campaign 14V403000 · 2014 · reported 07/02/2014

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

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2020 · reported 06/08/2020

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)

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022 · reported 06/10/2022

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

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 2026 · reported 01/15/2026

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 it Park 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

6201390782015872142017306368201927316820212872772023217190202589

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.