FordEscape2014Overview/ford/escape/2014/base/

2014 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2014 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2014 Ford Escape is an SUV defined by specific mechanical requirements, most notably an engine oil capacity of 5.7 quarts using 5W-30 API viscosity. Unfortunately, that engine is also the primary source of the vehicle's reliability concerns, serving as the top complaint area among 2,068 total owner complaints and 16 separate recalls. Within the Escape's 2000–2024 complaint history, the 2014 model year sits just below the all-time peak of 2,743 complaints reached in 2013—a stark divergence from the record low of just 5 complaints in 2000—indicating that this generation represents a notably problematic chapter for researchers to navigate.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96R · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96R · 500 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-55R17OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3777 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.20 sec — 2014 SE EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2014SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec178 hpFWD
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.20 sec240 hpAWD
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.30 sec240 hpAWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.90 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.00 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SEL EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.10 sec16.90 sec178 hpAWD
2016SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec240 hpFWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.7 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidFord Mercon LV
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.4 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.7 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14.7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsInstall new studs: 12.5 ft-lbs, Step 2:
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque9.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.5 oz
Standard BCI Group Number96R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance500 cca
Optional BCI Group Number96R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance590 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test18-20 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature180-207 °F
Pressure Test21.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Pressure Test21 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket21 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle129 ft-lbs / 46 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.905 in / 0.374 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolts to finger tight. Step 25 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolts finger tight., Step 25 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
121 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9021 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45 degrees, Step 3: 4513 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 90 degrees., step 3: wait 2 seconds 15 degrees.74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 100 ft. lbs., step 3: 90 degrees.74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

13.7 ft. lbs.3.7 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59 ft. lbs., Step 3: 8337 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9011 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
14.4 ft. lbs., step 2: 13.24.4 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 29.5 ft. lbs., step 3: 40.514.7 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1install 7 new exhaust manifold stud12.5 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 604 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 904 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees, Step 4: 4522 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 157 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 157 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 74 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miAir Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2014 Ford Escape occupies a volatile position in the federal record, following a dramatic spike in complaints from 598 in 2012 to 2,743 in 2013. Although 2014 shows a reduction to 2,068 complaints and 16 recalls, these figures remain substantially higher than the 1,035 complaints and 9 recalls observed in 2015. Specific data for 2014 highlights Engine and Power Train as the top complaint areas, with 103 fire complaints recorded alongside 47 crash complaints. This places the 2014 model in the initial wave of elevated issues for this period, distinct from the lower volumes seen in 2012 and 2015. Given the elevated recall count and specific safety-related complaints compared to the following model year, this represents a higher-risk purchase within the generation.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
146
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,068
Owner complaints
47 involved a crash · 103 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,068 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine454
Power Train351
Engine & Engine Cooling147
Unknown Or Other145
Steering123
Electrical System75
Fuel/Propulsion System57
Structure51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 16 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V471000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor ShiftReported 16/07/2018

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… 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…

14V239000Structure:Body:DoorReported 07/05/2014

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 146 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25H05 S12026-04-29Electrical SystemHarvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software…
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
25B612026-02-17Power TrainCertain 2013-2014 Model Year Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 6F35…
25H052025-11-18Electrical SystemThis is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited…
SSM 531762024-11-26Unknown Or OtherSome 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2014 Escape take?

5.7 qt of 5W-30 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C946-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2014 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.