2014 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium, 4dr SUV FWD S/Se/Titanium
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 178–240 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,605–3,777 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 16 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints2,023 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 284 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- 16 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Ford Escape is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb (4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 13% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2023 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2014
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Escape →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Louisville, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Escape configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium | 178.7 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 105.9 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,777 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD S/Se/Titanium | 178.7 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 105.9 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,605 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +13% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 357 |
| Escape AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +15% | $2,700 | 356 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +4% | $2,800 | 363 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2014 Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |


Similar 2014 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Escape (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (16)
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Jul 16, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V471000 · 504,182 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats · Jul 25, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V472000 · 94,605 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 27, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V209000 · 208,584 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jun 24, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V406000 · 184,519 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 9, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V005000 · 54,543 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Seat Belts · Sep 26, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V597000 · 746,842 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery · Sep 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V525000 · 301 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Aug 11, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V495000 · 133,227 vehicles
- Problem
- 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).
- Risk
- The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V403000 · 1,867 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the glass panel is improperly bonded, the glass may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · May 7, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V237000 · 594,785 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Structure › Body › Door · May 7, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V239000 · 581,986 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner · Apr 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V164000 · 43,135 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2014 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 714 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 442 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 189 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 139 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 25 | 1,910 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 599 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2017 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 2,702 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,172 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 1,132 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →