general problems of the 2014 Ford Escape - part 1

Loss of coolant and engine misfires are occurring. Receiving the the following engine codes p0300, p0302, & p0303.

#3 cylinder failed and leaked coolant into block and the block has cracked. Costs $8k to replace. It’s a known flaw with this Ford engine.

2014 Ford Escape 1. 6l engine with eco boost. Alarm on dash for high engine temperature, stop safely. Pulled vehicle to side of road and fire was under hood. Attempted to extinguish with standard fire extinguisher; called 911 and fire department had to extinguisher. Vehicle was towed to local shop.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust system, the engine overheated, and the coolant level was extremely low hours after the coolant reservoir was refilled. The check engine warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was shaking. An independent mechanic determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the spark plug was stuck and needed to be replaced. There were no visible leaks found. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

At less than a thousand miles after purchasing the vehicle the coolant has begun intruding into the cylinder wall and causing a sweet smelling exhaust from the rear.

Car has 56k miles. Went to dealer for the recall on the bushing and cap. Left dealer and next couple days the car slid twice in my driveway a few feet even with parking brake on. Went back to dealer and they said cant duplicate problem. Drove home and car continues to have shifting issues and going out of gear. . Have to shift to park or neutral and then reengage and to try to get it to work. In the mornings after sitting its now having issues going in gear and then after awhile will work. Called dealer and Ford corporate and they said there is nothing they can do or help with. The car is a safety hazard slipping out of gear while driving in traffic or on a hill and then you are stranded in fear of getting totaled out from behind until it decides to go into gear! this is terribly dangerous and it only has 56, 600 miles on it!! also the engine is not throwing a code. So dealer and another repair shop has charged 1600 for service and its still doing it!!!! me researching seems to prove Ford had transmission issues with this year of Escape titanium and the edge etc. . . . Why is there not a full recall on the transmission that they have to fix with such little mileage!.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her son previously replaced the spark plugs and other unknown parts of the vehicle due to a coolant leak onto the spark plugs; however, the coolant leak recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the coolant outlet, the engine connector assembly with vacuum filling and bleeding, and the coolant hoses assembly were replaced. Additionally, other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the message “engine coolant low - service" was displayed, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no coolant leak was found. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the message "high temp-stop safely" was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot until the vehicle cooled down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that coolant was leaking from the thermostat housing. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,500.

Coolant intrusion due to head gasket/ cracked cylinder head.

The vehicle has suffered four (4) catastrophic engine failures due to "coolant intrusion" into the engine cylinders, a known defect in this model year. Despite the vehicle’s VIN showing that Ford recall 17s09 (NHTSA 17v209) was previously "repaired" by a previous owner, the engine continues to overheat, crack the cylinder head, and fail. The cooling system and engine block are currently available for inspection. Safety risk: during multiple failures, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled in active traffic without sufficient warning. This creates an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. Additionally, the overheating creates a documented fire risk under the hood, as coolant or oil can leak onto hot engine components. Confirmation: the failure has been reproduced and confirmed by both a major national used car retailer’s service department and an independent certified mechanical service center. The independent shop confirmed that the engine block has failed due to coolant entering the combustion chamber. Symptoms: prior to the most recent failure, the "coolant over temperature" warning lamp appeared briefly before the engine lost power. These symptoms first appeared within 30 days of vehicle purchase and have recurred through four separate replacement engines, proving the manufacturer's recall "remedy" is ineffective at preventing catastrophic engine failure.

Coolant intrusion on cylinder 3, potential to overheat engine posing fire safety risks. Problem has been confirmed at Ford dealership. Vehicle has been inspected by manufacturer. Check engine light came on Dec. 31st 2025, car was not driven until Jan. 2nd 2026, when it was given to dealership mechanic for inspection/diagnosis. Ford is aware of the dangers of coolant intrusion and the flawed engine design.

Engine coolant system failed, overheated car instantly. Had to get hoses, sensors, thermostat replaced. Possible fire, smoke was present, car had to be turned off immediately. Not the safest. Little to no warning from fine to dead.

I have had problems with coolant leaks, coolant sensor, valve gaskets and coolant intrusion in my engine. The coolant reservoir was replaced at 36,580 miles on 07/13/17. The coolant sensor recall was completed at 37,315 miles on 07/31/17. The coolant overflow line was was replaced at 66,910 miles on 01/14/22. The coolant light came on and coolant was added at 69,882 miles on 02/16/23. There was a coolant leak and the valve cover gaskets replaced at 76,910 miles on 01/23/25. The engine started surging and the coolant light came one. The ignition coil was replaced and the sensor light was adjusted at 78,709 miles on 09/05/25. The sensor light came back on the next day. I went into the dealership 3 different times to tell them there had to be a leak. Since they assured me that it was just the sensor and I had no leak, they did not give me another appointment to check it out. On 12/04/25 a message came on that said it was overheating and to park the car immediately. It then went into limp mode. I was given an appointment on 12/10/25 and I had the car towed in. At 80,158 miles the dealership informed me that there was coolant intrusion in the engine and the cylinders and the car would need a new engine.

My 1. 6l ecoboost was leaking coolant and smoking on the side of the reservoir and burning coolant smells went thought the heater and ac vents when on especially at a stop light and it even leaks oil a little bit but I have got the “coolant leak” fixed but I have an internal leak somewhere clearly and all the symptoms add up to sound like the Ford recalls 17s09 and also similar to 12s39 but that’s for 2013 Escapes but there’s clearly an unsafe issue hear that cause cause fire underneath my hood I called Ford and they said to try to make a claim because there should be no reason I’m not covered under warranty when it’s the same cars same engines and same issues.

I’ve always had electrical problems and now when I try to drive it, it smells like it’s going to catch on fire. And I’ve had to fix something within the fuel system 3 times.

It had a recall for leak coolant, they installed a new expansion tank and new hoses, however for some reason it is still leaking, the inside of the car smells like burnt, when I’m stopped, Ford said the leak might be repaired when they changed the hoses it wasn’t the case it’s still leaking, they were supposed to install a sensor to let me know when the coolant level is low, however last time the compartment was almost empty and the car didn’t show any warning, looks like it’s not working as it should be, it could catch fire it could be even worst.

My vehicle had no warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms before driving that day. Vehicle was well maintained. Driving on a rural straight paved road that is in excellent condition, at approximately 55 miles per hour, smoke suddenly came through the dash top (defroster along windshield) and bottom (underneath the dash - heavier volume of smoke); almost immediately, the horn started sounding independently, a message appeared that read engine failure, brakes failed simultaneously and could not stop the vehicle. Only possible way to get the vehicle to stop was to remove the ignition key, put lever in park, pulled park break up. Flames now under the dash & smoke was pouring out from under the hood. My safety was at risk and had to exit the vehicle as fast as possible from drivers side with cars approaching. After exit, saw flames in the tire well also; witness saw flames under the car therefore he was yelling "get away from the car, it's on fire". Got away as fast as possible. The witness called the fire department who arrived extremely timely (and police even sooner). Fd attempted to put out fire with water first, then needed foam as it ultimately turned into a gas tank fuel fire. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer since there was nothing to speak of left. The police, fire department, tow company, and also the insurance claim inspector did view and/or inspect the remnants of the vehicle. The insurance inspector took possession of the remnants of the vehicle from the tow company. My safety was extremely put at risk as I could have died from many factors including brake failure, smoke inhalation, burns from the fire, getting hit from another vehicle upon exit from the burning vehicle, or heart attack.

Engine caught fire at the coolant reservoir.

My 2014 Ford Escape started leaking coolant into the engine, producing a terrible odor throughout the cab and causing overheating. The mechanic pressure tested the coolant system and identified coolant leaking into the cylinders. This is a common occurrence in this make and model.

Coolant light indicates coolant should be added often. Coolant has been added to frequently. Last time coolant light came on another error code: p1299 and the engine stopped running properly. Vehicle was inspected by a repair shop who stated the coolant was leaking into the motor. If this keeps occurring engine may overheat, fail and possibly catch fire. Ford said there is no recall on this issue. Bring it in for diagnostics and stated it would take three months to just look at the issue. This is no exaggeration. We have read an astonishing amount of other people have and are having similar issues with the Ford Escape.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, causing the engine temperature gauge to rise, and the check engine warning light to illuminate. Additionally, the coolant reservoir became empty after being refilled. The contact examined the vehicle and determined that the cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Head gasket blew and coolant leaked into engine. This applies to the Ford Escape 2013 - 2019. Ford's 1. 5l, 1. 6l, or 2. 0l ecoboost engines manufactured, marketed, and distributed by Ford motor company. They know about the problem but refuse to fix the problem. There is currently a class action lawsuit. But we all know that does noting.

Coolant leak at the 3 way heater hose going to the heater core. I'm seeing a lot of complaints about leaks at the quick connect and nothing being done about it. Ford made a replacement part thats upgraded. I believe they should be replacing the defected parts with the new one. They knew this was an issue for some time now and refuse to take care of the problem.

Issues with coolant leakage in multiple places. One is with the hvac heater core valve and hose and the other is with the turbocharger cooling input put up and oil lines. Has been leaking for a while diagnosed on 10/03/2025 similar to other issues reported by Ford Escape 1. 6l drivers on complaints and documented issues.

I have experienced multiple coolant leaks. The first one was repaired with a new engine coolant bypass housing, and I am now experiencing the issue again. The heater core hoses are degraded and swollen causing the leak. The coolant bypass (which was replaced a year ago) is made of plastic and cracked. The valve cover is leaking and is a fire hazard. This has impacted my means of transportation. The error messages of “overheating” occur abruptly and at times when I have not been able to safely pull over or stop. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. No, not inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The first time this occurred I only received 2 error messages. And this time I only received one.

1. Total transmission failure. Kept up with maintenance, but I changed the transmission fluid and suddenly it just died. Transmission just gave out and it's been a fancy lawn ornament for the last 6 months. 2. God forbid I was anywhere that wasn't inside my neighborhood. If I was anywhere else the car suddenly decelerating and not being able to accelerate would be a death sentence. 3. It's an 6f35. You can go get it reproduced at any Ford Escape really. 4. Got it inspected. Needs a brand new trans, not just a single part. Quotes going at lowest $6k. 5. No warnings, messages, etc. Car would jerk a little bit when initially accelerating, but this went away with oil changes.

I was driving down a 25mph road and my car completely stopped. I shut my car off and it had trouble starting. When it would start it would go a couple hundred feet and stop. Took it to the shop and the transmission line was broken. The entire transmission needed replace because of one thing going bad. 4. 5k repair bill.

See attached documents: subject: ongoing unresolved recall issues and safety concerns with my Ford vehicle I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding my Ford vehicle, which currently has 15 open recalls that have gone unresolved for nearly two years. During this time, I have contacted every Ford dealership within a 50-mile radius of my home in repeated attempts to have these recalls addressed. Each dealership has provided a different excuse for not completing the necessary repairs. Some initially allowed me to schedule service appointments, only to cancel them once they realized the work involved recall issues. In several cases, I was never notified that my appointment had been canceled—I only discovered this when no one showed up. Other dealerships claimed they did not have the required parts and assured me they would contact me once the parts became available. To date, none have followed up. One dealership required that I speak with a supervisor before scheduling any recall work, but despite multiple messages, my calls were never returned. On one dealership’s website, I attempted to schedule the recall repairs online. The system showed numerous open appointment dates until I selected “recall service,” at which point all availability disappeared, and I was unable to proceed. Each dealership I contacted referred me elsewhere, passing responsibility without resolution. Ford has been fully aware of the potential safety risks—including the risk of serious injury or death—associated with these recalls, yet I was repeatedly told it was “safe to continue driving. ” this was clearly not the case. Recently, while driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power and stopped moving. I managed to pull over to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. As the tow truck driver prepared to load my car, it unexpectedly lurched forward on its own and crashed into the tow truck. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused significant front-end damage to my vehicle. It could have easil.

On [xxx] - vehicle was started and when turning out of the driveway I notice a puddle which was coolant. The vehicle started to overheat. I turned back and went home then called a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle which they were able to do on Monday. The vehicle was towed and investigated by fosters towing in fraser, mi. They found no evidence of a leak but there was a code (which they did not write down). They cleared the code and tried to replicate the issue but, after running it for an hour and searching for leaks, nothing was found. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealership. The mechanic at fosters is certified to deal with this vehicle. At the time of the incident I had my kids in the car - ages [xxx] and [xxx] - and their safety was more important than the trip to the grocery store. Fosters performed an oil change (filter and oil) and test drove the vehicle several times to replicate the issue but could not. This is the first time this issue has occurred. I have 128,000 miles on the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph on the highway, the engine overheated and the vehicle stopped unintentionally. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was previously taken to an undisclosed local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that there was an internal leak in the head gasket. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

The 1. 6l ecoboost engine is leaking coolant into the #3 cylinder. The vehicle lost power while in motion on a busy road. The check engine light came on with a warning that the engine was overheating, and traffic behind me had to slow down, causing a potential rear-end accident. The engine was scanned, and the fault code p1299 was discovered.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the local dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to repair a bushing on the vehicle. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the mechanic had forgotten to replace a tubing on the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start, and the contact's husband noticed that the tubing was disconnected. The contact's husband was able to attach the tubing, and the vehicle restarted. While her husband was driving the vehicle and making a turn, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. Roadside assistance was contacted and left the parking brake activated during towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and several dtc were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the customer service at the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered an failure with the muffler. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Coolant leak just like as listed in other 2014 Ford Escape recalls. It leaked into the engine block causing misfire of spark plugs and thus the Ford dealership tells me I am required $14,000 engine rebuild which I can't afford. It is dangerous for me to drive as the engine may misfire or overheat at any time. The Ford company says I have no recalls and yet this issue was a recalled issue on this year of Ford Escapes.

The back up camera goes out at times. It says report too Ford. Tranmission issues and turbo issues.

I received a notification on the my dash and the car was diagnosed the codes came back code: p018b and it states fuel pressure/ misfire. I've noticed the car misfiring prior to the dash light coming on and now it does it while I'm on the freeway or streets as if it's going to just stop which os very dangerous. This has to be a recall may 2014 Ford vehicles are having this issue along with the coolant leak. This needs to be recalled.

I was driving up a hill on the highway with my father in the car with me when my car began to rattle slightly. I looked down and saw that my engine heat dial was somewhat higher than its standard setting, which was weird because I had just put engine coolant in a day or two prior. A second later, my dash said, "severe engine failure. Pull over. " at the same time, the smell of smoke wafted into the car, and soon after, smoke began billowing into the vehicle as well. We pulled to the side of the highway and got out to check what was happening with the engine. At this point, tons of smoke was coming out of the hood. I tried to lift the hood to inspect the engine, but I couldn't because the metal was too hot. I peered through the slit of the hood and saw flames. At this point, we began grabbing all of our belongings from the car and moving out of the way. A few minutes later, the fire became much larger and ended up jumping onto the side of the hill next to the highway. It then continued up the hill and spread to 8 acres before the fire department was able to halt it. I am not sure exactly what part of the engine failed, but I suspect it was the coolant. I had always had issues with the coolant leaking or running out fast, but figured nothing of it, as there was no recall and whenever the car was serviced nothing was said. I don't know where the car is but I do know the front half was completely destroyed by the fire. My dad's and my safety were at risk due to the car we were driving bursting into flames while we were inside. Additionally, one of the doors were broken and we lucked out not sitting in the seat with the broken door. I dont know if the problem has been confirmed. I dont think it has been inspected yet. There was an engine coolant warning minutes before the fire started. But it was just one time and I had put in engine coolant days before. It was not enough warning.