Model year record

2014 Ford Escape

16 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,968 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V011000

Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

Component: Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 116,672
Reported to NHTSA: 2026-01-15

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Safety risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V413000

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod

Component: Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,925,968
Reported to NHTSA: 2022-06-10
Owners notified: 2022-10-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V331000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,147,323
Reported to NHTSA: 2020-06-08
Owners notified: 2020-07-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Safety risk

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V471000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 504,182
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-07-16
Owners notified: 2018-09-20

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V472000

Seats

Component: Seats
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 94,605
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-07-25
Owners notified: 2017-10-25

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V209000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Component: Engine and engine cooling: engine
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 208,584
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-03-27
Owners notified: 2018-01-05

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V643000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 2,046,297
Reported to NHTSA: 2016-09-06
Owners notified: 2017-01-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Safety risk

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V406000

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Component: Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 184,519
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-06-24
Owners notified: 2015-08-04

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V005000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 54,543
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-01-09
Owners notified: 2015-02-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Safety risk

If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V597000

Seat belts

Component: Seat belts
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 746,842
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-09-26
Owners notified: 2015-05-26

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V525000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 301
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-09-02
Owners notified: 2014-09-15

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.

Safety risk

A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V495000

Electrical system: wiring

Component: Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 133,227
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-08-11
Owners notified: 2014-10-06

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

Safety risk

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V403000

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Component: Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 1,867
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-07-02
Owners notified: 2014-07-16

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 15, 2013, through October 22, 2013. The panorama roof glass may not be properly bonded to the attaching bracket.

Safety risk

If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect each vehicle and replace the front roof glass if its production date and sequence number falls within the affected range, free of charge. The recall is began on July 14, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S13.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V237000

Air bags: side/window

Component: Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 594,785
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-05-07
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

Safety risk

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V239000

Structure: body: door

Component: Structure: body: door
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 581,986
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-05-07
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.

Safety risk

A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S03.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V164000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component: Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 43,135
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-04-02
Owners notified: 2014-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Safety risk

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Engine	802	74,000 mi
Power train	487	88,000 mi
Unknown or other	324	68,800 mi
Electrical system	229	60,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	203	100,000 mi
Steering	157	63,740 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	133	61,342 mi
Structure: body	72	40,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	45	100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	45	45,000 mi
Back over prevention	35	84,400 mi
Wheels	35	57,000 mi
Service brakes	33	11,454 mi
Air bags	32	45,000 mi
Seat belts	28	52,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	25	72,000 mi
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera	24	85,000 mi
Visibility/wiper	22	41,208 mi
Suspension	19	45,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	16	86,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	16	110,000 mi
Exterior lighting	15	8,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	14	90,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	13	46,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	11	14,046 mi
Seats	10	41,200 mi
Tires	10	20,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument panel: speedometer/odometer	7	119,000 mi
Structure	7	43,000 mi
Structure: body: door	7	21,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings	6	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	6	80,323 mi
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod	6	75,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	5	84,500 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	5	119,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	4	85,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	4	115,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert	3	83,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings	3	170,000 mi
Firerelated	3	111,344 mi
Back over prevention: rearview system braking	2	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	2	4,000 mi
Lane departure: blind spot detection	2	—
Visibility: glass, side/rear	2	13,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	2	16,500 mi
Child seat: shell: headrest	1	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	1	85,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument panel: fuel gauge	1	97,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	58,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM)	1	125,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	1	70,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	1	66,100 mi
Equipment	1	—
Equipment adaptive/mobility	1	80 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility: wheelchair lift/ramp	1	50,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	1	200 mi
Equipment: electrical: infotainment	1	85,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	48,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	1	73,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: internal: shaft: input	1	165,842 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	79,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	1	165,842 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	1	58,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly	1	93,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	53,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	1	37,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	11,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	1	53,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	27,000 mi
Steering: column	1	122,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	—
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate	1	29,180 mi
Structure: interior panels: dashboard	1	30,000 mi
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems	1	50,000 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	16,223 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	109,000 mi
Visibility	1	4,400 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	1,500 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	10,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	1	38,500 mi
Wheels: rim	1	4,900 mi

The 2013 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2015 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.