2014 Ford Escape parts and specs

Known problems with the 2014 Ford Escape

5 of the 6 issues we track for the 2013–2019 generation are documented against the 2014 model year, and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• EcoBoost coolant intrusion into cylinders (1.5L; also reported on 1.6L/2.0L)

  majorFord CSP 19B37 (+ supplements) and CSP 21N12; related recalls 13V-478 / 17V-209

  The 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost block design lets coolant seep into a cylinder, causing white exhaust smoke on cold start, misfires (often cylinder 2), unexplained coolant loss, and ultimately hydrolock, head-gasket failure, or a cracked block, some cases end in engine fires. Ford extended coverage for 2017–2019 1.5L Escapes under Customer Satisfaction Programs 19B37 and 21N12 (short-block replacement), but 21N12 expired in November 2022 and class actions cover the wider 1.5/1.6/2.0 family. If your coolant level drops with no visible leak, stop driving and get a combustion-gas test.

  Typical cost: Free under CSP 19B37/21N12 while active; $4,000–$8,000 for a short block/engine out of pocket

• 1.6L EcoBoost overheating / cylinder-head cracking fire recalls

  majorNHTSA 13V-478; NHTSA 17V-209 (Ford 17S09)

  Localized cylinder-head overheating on the 1.6L could crack the head and leak oil, causing engine fires, Ford recalled 2013 Escapes in late 2013 (13V-478) to add engine shielding, coolant-level sensing, and software that warns and cuts power when coolant drops. In 2017 the fix was extended to 2014 Escapes as recall 17V-209 (Ford 17S09), installing a coolant level sensor. Both remedies are free; make sure they were done on any used 1.6L car.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Door latch pawl failure, doors won't latch or open while driving (recall)

  moderateNHTSA 16V-643 (Ford 16S30)

  A pawl spring tab in the side-door latches can fracture, leaving a door that won't close or that pops open while driving. Part of Ford's massive door-latch recall; dealers replace all four latches free. A door that needs slamming or bounces back open is the tell.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$150–$300/door outside it

• 6F35 transmission shudder and rough shifting

  moderateMultiple Ford shift-quality TSBs (no recall)

  The carried-over 6F35 6-speed continues to draw complaints for torque-converter shudder around 25–45 mph, clunky low-speed shifts, and occasional valve-body or converter failures at higher mileage. A Mercon LV fluid exchange and TCM reflash resolve many shudder cases; hardware failures are expensive. Ford issued multiple shift-quality TSBs across these years.

  Typical cost: $150–$300 fluid service / reflash; $1,800–$3,500 converter or rebuild

• MyFord Touch / SYNC freezes and black screens

  minor

  2013–2015 cars with MyFord Touch are notorious for frozen or rebooting touchscreens, lost Bluetooth, and unresponsive climate controls on the screen. Software updates improved it, and the 2016+ SYNC 3 system largely fixed it. Persistent failures need an APIM module or aftermarket head unit.

  Typical cost: $0 (update/reset) – $600+ (APIM replacement)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Escape problems and years to avoid guide.