2014 Ford Escape: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · 94,602 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to activate the heater, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle through the vents. No warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 94,602.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Engine · 130,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering and hesitating. The contact stated that the failure also occurred during start-up. The message low coolant level was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket had failed, and there was a fracture in the engine and there was a coolant and exhaust odor. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine · 124,173 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where a coolant leak was discovered between cylinders #2 and #3. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The engine was replaced out of pocket. Recently, another coolant leak was discovered during an engine inspection. The vehicle was repaired; however, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel odor was not detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,173.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle while driving at various speed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that carbon monoxide was leaking from the valve cover. The valve cover was repaired. The contact stated that his son smelled a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact's son failed to start up the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed back to the mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to a defective fuel pump. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Engine · 47,746 miles · FL

My ford gave off exhaust smell from time to time and occasionally the engine light may come on. But dealership did not find any problems recently, the engine light came on and I drove my card to the nearest fords dealership but, needed to schedule an appointment. Advised could drive home if no unusual sounds. Engine light went off before appointment, so I canceled. 2-3 weeks later engine light, came back on with smell of fumes. I scheduled an appointment. The day of the appointment, I started the car and coolant light also came on at start with the smell of fumes. Feeling uneasy driving the car, I had 2014 ford escape towed to the dealership that I frequent and describe engine light and coolant light came on during start, with a loud humming noise. Since I had already scheduled to get the works synthetic oil change and vehicle maintenance on the same day, I also requested diagnostic testing. The car was kept overnight. There is only 47746 miles on the vehicle and too many issues. I was advised the car had misfired codes and overheat codes. Pressured tested coolant pulled the spark plug, found coolant in a cylinder. The car needs a head gasket. Car smoked during cold start and exhaust smells like coolant. My car was previously recalled for a door hatch and overheating.. I have taken the car to the dealership several times before for engine light, but, vehicle check-up always seems to resolve the issue. On one occasion, requested oil change and vehicle inspection, when almost a quarter of a mile from home all of the dashboard lights came on. Had the car towed back to the dealership, the issue seemed to be resolved.

Filed Jul 2, 2019 · Engine · 100,000 miles · ND

Vehicle will stop running while in motion without warning. Also gives off heavy exhaust smell. There is only 100k miles on it. It is due to a coolant leak into the cylinder 3 causing a gasket to blow (see attachment for invoice and details). We were told by the car shop that this has happened to at least 5 other ford escape owners (we aren't in a heavily populated area, so this is significant). Car is not safe to drive due to high risk of becoming stranded, which is not safe due to traffic, children on board, hot weather, and so on.

Filed Apr 26, 2019 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · AZ

I recently went in for my first emissions test on my vehicle to find out that the fuel vapor management valve leaked. I had noticed, prior to learning this, that after fueling I would often smell of gas from inside the vehicle and have become concerned that the failure of this system may have exposed me to harmful vapors while operating my vehicle, especially considering the other safety issues I have experienced with this vehicle.

Filed Jan 21, 2019 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MD

While standing still or driving under 30 MPH,exhaust fumes enter vehicle with fresh air indicated on switch,set to recirculate, air switch changes by itself and allows fumes into car.

Filed Apr 2, 2018 · Fuel system · 143,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford escape. While the vehicle was idling, it emitted an abnormal fuel odor without warning. Courtesy ford (1636 dogwood dr se, conyers, ga) was contacted and stated that they needed ford USA's approval before any work could be completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to speak with the service manager at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2017 · Engine · 48,400 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor emitting from the air vents of the vehicle. Exhaust fumes also entered the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 48,400. Updated 07/19/17*lj

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · CA

Engine is revving up to 4000+ rmps before shifting between gears. The shifting slips and the vehicle lurches while shifting, sometimes very rough. Taken into the shop and ford replaced several parts (torc converter and others). While in the shop suddenly there was an issue with exhaust fumes potentially blowing into the cab making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Fixed the issues and I picked up my car. Now my turbo has no gut, and is slow on the pick up when accelerating. Will be taking back to the shop again.

Filed Feb 9, 2015 · Fuel system · 1,000 miles · ND

Approximately one month after purchasing this vehicle strong gas fumes were detected coming inside the car through the ventilation system. The problem occurs only when the vehicle is restarted after being warmed up. Still under warranty we returned the vehicle to the dealership for repairs. They replaced a short section of flexible manifold hose that had developed a crack. The problem went away for about a month before returning. Again the dealership replaced the same hose. The repair lasted about another month or so. The third time it was serviced they did not replace the hose but wrapped it with silicone duct tape to seal it. This repair lasted less than a week. Again gas fumes were detected inside the vehicle. It appears that the ford company does not have any idea how to permanently fix the problem. At least 3 other incidents involving the same model vehicle have occurred at this dealership. Is this another looming recall? How many other 2014 ford escape owners nationwide have had the same issue?