Home › Ford › Escape › 2014
2014 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA lists 2,089 owner complaints and 16 recalls for the 2014 Ford Escape, with the engine and power train drawing the most complaints[1][2][3][4]. One recent recall for the 2.0L engine block heater still has no final remedy, so check any car you look at by VIN[5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 2,089 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Escape[1]. Of those, 47 mention a crash, 104 a fire and 41 injuries, and 4 deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[3] | 885 | 3 | 83 | 79,000 |
| Power train[4] | 481 | 13 | 4 | 89,400 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 272 | 6 | 23 | 69,400 |
| Electrical system[9] | 216 | 4 | 18 | 62,300 |
| Steering[10] | 151 | 7 | 0 | 63,370 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[11] | 121 | 1 | 3 | 61,342 |
| Structure[12] | 84 | 5 | 5 | 40,000 |
| Latches/locks/linkages[13] | 65 | 1 | 0 | 85,000 |
We read a small sample of 12 complaints in each of the top groups. Here is what owners describe:
- Engine. In 6 of 12 complaints we read, the engine stalls or suddenly loses power while driving, sometimes with an engine fault warning on the dash, and sometimes it will not restart[3]. Two of the 12 describe an exhaust smell inside the cabin, especially in reverse or at low speed[3].
- Power train. In 6 of 12, the engine revs but the car loses drive, as if it slipped out of gear, in some cases at highway speed[4]. This group also has the most crash mentions of any group above, at 13[4].
- Steering. In 8 of 12, power steering assist cuts out and the wheel turns very stiff or locks, sometimes with a steering assist warning[10]. Two of the 12 describe front parts coming apart, such as a ball joint or a wheel separating[10].
- Electrical system. In 3 of 12, the instrument cluster goes blank or its brightness will not hold a setting[9]. Another 3 of 12 describe the car cutting out and losing power while moving[9].
The engine group also carries 83 fire mentions[3]. Two recalls below deal with engine-related fire risks, one for the 1.6L engine and one for the 2.0L engine block heater[14][5].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2014 Escape, shown here newest first[2]. Several of them cover only cars built in certain date ranges or with a certain engine, so check your VIN to see which apply to your car.
- Remedy pending
Engine block heater (26V011). On cars with the 2.0L engine, the block heater can crack and leak coolant, then short circuit when plugged in, which raises the risk of a fire[5]. Remedy not yet available. Owners are told not to plug in the block heater until the car is fixed, and Ford will send more letters once the final remedy is ready[5]. - Shifter cable bushing (22V413). The bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission can wear out or fall off[15]. The car may not go into the gear you chose, may move in an unexpected direction, or may roll after you select Park[15]. Dealers fit a new shift bushing under the hood and cover the cable bushing with a protective cap, for free[15].
- Door latches, repeat check (20V331). Cars already fixed under earlier door latch recalls may not have been repaired correctly[16]. A latch part can break, so a door may seem closed when it is not and could open while driving[16]. Dealers check the latch date codes and replace side door latches if needed, for free, and owners can also check the codes themselves on a website[16].
- Shifter bushing on six-speed automatics (18V471). The shifter cable bushing can come off the transmission, so the lever can show Park and the key can come out while the transmission is not in Park, with no warning[17]. The car could roll away if the parking brake is not set[17]. Dealers replace the bushing for free, and owners were told to use the parking brake until the repair is done[17].
- Seat and seat belt bolts (17V472). Badly made bolts may have been used on some seats, seatbacks, belt buckles or belt anchors, and they can break[18]. A loose seat or belt raises the risk of injury in a crash[18]. Dealers replace the bolts for free[18].
- Cylinder head on 1.6L engines (17V209). If the car runs low on coolant, the cylinder head can overheat, crack and leak oil onto hot parts, which raises the risk of a fire[14]. Dealers add a coolant level sensor with the hardware and software it needs, for free[14].
- Door latches (16V643). A part inside the door latch can break, so a door may not latch or may seem closed when it is not[19]. Dealers install improved latches for free[19].
- Instrument cluster software (15V406). On Escapes built May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, a software problem can leave the instrument cluster dead, with no warning lights or chimes[20]. The driver might not see warnings such as low tire pressure or a disabled air bag[20]. Dealers update the software for free[20].
- Fuel pump (15V005). On 2014 Escapes built April 15 to May 8, 2014, poor plating inside the fuel pump can make it fail, and the car may stall without warning[21]. Dealers replace the fuel pump for free[21].
- Air bag control module (14V597). On Escapes built October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013, the coating on the restraint control module can crack, and moisture can short its circuits[22]. The front and side curtain air bags and belt pretensioners might not work in a crash[22]. Dealers replace the module for free. The notice said parts were not available when it was filed, and the recall began May 26, 2015[22].
- Fuel delivery module (14V525). On 2014 Escapes built June 6, 2014, the fuel delivery module can crack and lower fuel pressure, which can cause a stall[23]. Dealers replace the module for free[23].
- MAP sensor wiring (14V495). On Escapes with the 2.0L engine built October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, weak wiring splices can send bad signals to the engine computer, causing hesitation or a stall[24]. Dealers replace the splices for free[24].
- Panorama roof glass (14V403). On 2014 Escapes built October 15 to October 22, 2013, the roof glass may not be bonded well to its bracket and could come loose[25]. Dealers inspect the car and replace the front roof glass if it falls in the affected range, for free[25].
- Door handle alignment (14V239). On Escapes built October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014, the outside door handle may sit out of line with the door panel, so a door can be hard to close or could open while driving[26]. Dealers inspect and correct the handle mounting for free[26].
- Side curtain air bag timing (14V237). Software errors in the restraint control module may delay the rollover side curtain air bag[27]. Dealers reprogram the module for free[27].
- Front seatback welds (14V164). On Escapes built June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, weak welds on the seatback recliner may let the seatback loosen or lean[28]. Dealers replace the seatback for free[28].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for the 2014 Escape, all with an Automatic (S6) and regular fuel:
| Engine and drive | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L turbo, FWD[6] | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| 1.6L turbo, AWD[29] | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 2.0L turbo, FWD[30] | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| 2.0L turbo, AWD[31] | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| 2.5L, FWD[32] | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
The 1.6L turbo with front-wheel drive has the best combined rating, at 26 MPG[6]. The EPA fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions 4 stars overall[7][33]. Each gets 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for rollover[7][33]. The rollover risk is 19.1% for the 4x2 and 18.5% for the 4x4[7][33].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list rates the 1.6L 4-cylinder at 170 hp, the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 237 hp and the 2.5L 4-cylinder at 168 hp[34][35][36].
Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications converted from metric, and US models can differ slightly.
| Measurement | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179 in | 179 in |
| Width | 72 in | 72 in |
| Height | 66 in | 66 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | 106 in |
| Curb weight | 3,605 lb | 3,777 lb |
How 2014 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 996 | 13 |
| 2002 | 1,027 | 8 |
| 2003 | 558 | 7 |
| 2004 | 499 | 6 |
| 2005 | 1,584 | 4 |
| 2006 | 720 | 4 |
| 2007 | 393 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2,417 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1,846 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2,129 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,355 | 2 |
| 2012 | 619 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2,756 | 18 |
| 2014 | 2,089 | 16 |
| 2015 | 1,125 | 9 |
| 2016 | 1,162 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2,700 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1,820 | 4 |
| 2019 | 596 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1,902 | 25 |
| 2021 | 496 | 21 |
| 2022 | 385 | 21 |
| 2023 | 138 | 13 |
| 2024 | 88 | 10 |
| 2025 | 31 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 | 3 |
NHTSA has complaint and recall counts for 26 Escape model years, from 2001 to 2026[2]. With 2,089 complaints, 2014 ranks fifth highest[2]. Only 2013 (2,756), 2017 (2,700), 2008 (2,417) and 2010 (2,129) have more[2]. Its 16 recalls also rank fifth, behind 2020 (25), 2021 (21), 2022 (21) and 2013 (18)[2].
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012[2] | 619 | 1 |
| 2013[2] | 2,756 | 18 |
| 2014[2] | 2,089 | 16 |
| 2015[2] | 1,125 | 9 |
| 2016[2] | 1,162 | 4 |
Next to the 2013 model, the 2014 has fewer complaints and recalls[2]. The 2015 and 2016 models each have a little over half as many complaints as the 2014[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Should you buy a used 2014 Escape?
The 2014 Escape has a heavy complaint file, with the engine and power train groups at the top and 104 fire mentions overall[1][3][4]. Owners in our sample describe stalling, loss of drive and loss of power steering, so test for these on a long drive before you buy[3][4][10]. It has 16 recalls, and the 2.0L block heater recall still has no final remedy, so do not plug in that heater until the fix is out[2][5]. Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm every other recall was done, including both shifter bushing recalls[15][17]. If you want a model year with fewer reported problems, the 2015 and 2016 drew a little over half as many complaints[2].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Escape?
- The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 885, followed by the power train at 481[3][4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe stalling, loss of drive and loss of power steering assist[3][4][10].
- How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2014 Escape[2]. They include two shifter bushing recalls, two door latch recalls and a block heater recall for the 2.0L engine whose remedy is not yet available[15][17][16][19][5].
- What MPG does a 2014 Ford Escape get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 24 MPG for the 2.0L turbo to 26 MPG for the 1.6L turbo with front-wheel drive[30][31][6].
- Is the 2014 Ford Escape reliable?
- It has 2,089 owner complaints on NHTSA, the fifth highest of 26 Escape model years[1][2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare it with other Escape years rather than other models.
- Is the 2014 or 2015 Ford Escape better?
- By NHTSA counts, the 2015 has 1,125 complaints and 9 recalls, against 2,089 complaints and 16 recalls for the 2014[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 2,089 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Ford Escape (47 mention a crash, 104 a fire, 41 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Escape model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 885 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 83 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 481 complaints name the power train component group (13 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x2: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 272 complaints name the unknown or other component group (6 crashes, 23 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 216 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 18 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 151 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,370). NHTSA vehicle records
- 121 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,342). NHTSA vehicle records
- 84 complaints name the structure component group (5 crashes, 5 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 65 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V209, filed March 27, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V471, filed July 16, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V472, filed July 25, 2017: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V406, filed June 24, 2015: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V005, filed January 9, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V597, filed September 26, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V525, filed September 2, 2014: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V495, filed August 11, 2014: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V403, filed July 2, 2014: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V239, filed May 7, 2014: Structure › Body › Door . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V237, filed May 7, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V164, filed April 2, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x4: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ford Escape with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 237 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 168 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV FWD S/SE/TITANIUM: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,605 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV AWD SE/TITANIUM: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,777 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov