2014 Ford Escape Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 902 engine complaints for the 2014 Ford Escape, 43% of all complaints for the year, including 82 fire reports. A related recall (17V209000) covers low coolant leading to a cracked cylinder head and possible fire. Median mileage at failure is 79,464.
- Engine complaints
- 902
- 43% of 2,084
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 82
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 79,465 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine loses power at highway speed and then smoke or flames appear from under the hood, often near the windshield.
- Coolant loss leads to overheating, with owners reporting whitish-blue exhaust smoke and repeated overheating events.
- Vehicle stalls or shuts down while driving, sometimes preceded by a dashboard warning telling the driver engine failure requires immediate attention.
- Engine hesitates or won't accelerate past low speed while RPMs surge and fall on their own.
- Fires start in the engine compartment even after the coolant-sensor recall repair was reportedly completed.
- Electrical warning lights (check engine, battery) illuminate just before power loss and smoke appear.
When 2014 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 11, 2014, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2014 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 17V209000Mar 27, 2017Engine208,584 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Engine complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2014 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 902 engine-related complaints for the 2014 Ford Escape, which is 43% of the 2,084 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2014 Ford Escape?
- Yes. Recall 17V209000 covers 2014 Escape models with 1.6L GTDI engines where insufficient coolant can crack the cylinder head and leak oil onto the exhaust manifold, posing a fire risk. Ford's remedy is installing a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software.
- At what mileage do 2014 Escape engine problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 79,464 miles.
- Did the 2014 Ford Escape engine issue cause fires or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 82 fire reports, 6 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints for the 2014 Escape.
- How does the 2014 Escape compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2014 Escape's engine complaints made up 43% of its total complaints, higher than 2015 (25%), 2016 (23%), and 2020 (9%), but lower than 2017 (74%) and 2018 (80%).