Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Ford Escape problems

Owners filed 2,089 complaints about the 2014 Ford Escape with NHTSA between Sep 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (727).

Complaints
2,089
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
47
Reported by owners
Fires
104
Reported by owners
Injuries
41
People reported injured
Deaths
4
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine727
  2. Power train481
  3. Electrical system216
  4. Engine and engine cooling187
  5. Steering151
  6. Fuel/propulsion system121
  7. Structure84
  8. Latches/locks/linkages65
  9. Back over prevention51
  10. Wheels46
  11. Vehicle speed control42
  12. Air bags32
  13. Service brakes31
  14. Seat belts26

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20135
201461
201558
201669
2017165
2018251
2019286
2020219
2021136
2022232
2023206
2024167
2025146
202688

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

727 reports2 crashes74 fires
“At first, I just bought it two weeks ago. It was smoke coming from the engine and there was no coolant. The coolant wasn’t holding in the car now I was driving last night. I had coolant in it and there was just flames coming out by where the Oil is”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11768215

Power train

481 reports13 crashes4 fires2 related recalls
“When I was about to park, the transmission failed. I couldn’t reverse, and it got stuck in Neutral. I wasn’t able to shift it into Park. When the mechanic came, he said the shifter cable bushing was faulty, which was exactly the part covered by the recall they had previously done.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2026Power trainODI 11760815

Electrical system

216 reports4 crashes18 fires2 related recalls
“While driving, a message was displayed [Hill Start Assist Not Available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating Traction Control, and ABS failures. Electric Power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the EBCM had failed. The part is on National Backorder. While drivable, I'm afraid other issues will arise. This is my only vehicle and I'm within 20,000 miles of needing the timing belt and water pump replaced as well. I could not find a recall for the EBCM (a part not usually prone to failure) for the 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6L 4-cyl Ecoboost. In 2017, I had the entire transmission replaced @ 70,000 miles, under warranty, but Ford did not honor the warranty terms: coverage for lodging and rental vehicle, so I lost $$$$ that shouldn't have happened.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11768433

Engine and engine cooling

187 reports1 crash11 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine light and low coolant warning light were illuminated. Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the vehicle; however, the coolant disappeared and gushed back into the reservoir. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start and chugged, with a white sweet-smelling smoke coming from the tailpipe while idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased, and the contact inquired about a free diagnostic test, but the dealer denied assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,353.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11764342

Steering

151 reports7 crashes
“While driving the steering wheel stopped returning to center when in turns and also would occasionally get "stuck" in the turn. A few days after this began, was out driving, notice flashed "power steering failure" and then the steering wheel was not able to be turned. Turned off and restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel would not budge. Had it towed to a nearby mechanic, told me that it was not the power steering but that something inside the steering rack had broken. He stated that he had never seen that before, where the wheel would not budge at all. $1,750 later and it's fixed and running fine. Why was this issue not looked into for safety purposes? Thankfully I was on a straight road and not needing to turn going 45mph.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026SteeringODI 11753384

Fuel/propulsion system

121 reports1 crash3 fires
“Component failed 1.6L Escoboost engine coolant intrusión into cylinders causing misfire and white exhaust smoke vehicle available for inspection upon request .safety risk:engine misfire and coolant loss cause sudden of power or ingine fire while driving. Recall 17S09 was issude for this exact defect .Ford SSM 46433 states this requires new engine assemby . Problem confirmed multiple repair shops confirmed cooland in cylindres. I have spent S5000 on repairs including used transmisión Trying to fix this defect. Manufacturer inspection called ford customer service 05/22/2026. Agent refused supervisor and stated we cannot help no case number probided Ford is refusing to honor federal safety recall 17S09.warning symptoms: check ingine light, ingine misfire , white exhaust smoke , coolant loss. First appeared approximately 6 months ago and has worsened. Requesting NHTSA compel Ford to provide engine replacement per SSM 46433.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11739624
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.