Pre Purchase Inspection for 2014 Ford Escape
EcoBoost coolant intrusion, AWD transfer unit wear, and recalls. We check the known trouble spots before you pay.
Buying a 2014 Ford Escape? Smart move to check it first. The engine it has changes what matters most.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic. The 1.6 EcoBoost cooling issue is the main thing to test.
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- 1.6L EcoBoost
- 2.0L EcoBoost
The 1.6 and 1.5 EcoBoost engines can let coolant into a cylinder. The coolant level drops with no leak on the ground, and it can crack the head or worse.
WE CHECK We pressure-test the cooling system, check the coolant level, and scan for misfires on one cylinder.
Early 1.6 EcoBoost cars had recalls for overheating that could lead to a fire.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for every open recall and look at the cooling system closely.
On all-wheel-drive cars the transfer unit runs hot and has no service interval. It can whine and fail.
WE CHECK We listen for whine, check for leaks, and look at the fluid if we can reach it.
The 6-speed automatic can shudder or shift harshly, often from tired fluid.
WE CHECK We road test through every gear and feel for shudder at light throttle.
Some 2013–2015 cars were recalled because a door could open while driving.
WE CHECK We test each door latch and confirm the recall work.
Turbo engines can set boost codes from a cracked hose or a tired turbo.
WE CHECK We scan for boost codes and drive it under load.
- Pressure-test the cooling system on any EcoBoost
- Watch for coolant loss with nothing on the ground
- Listen for transfer unit whine on AWD cars
- Check every open recall — these have a lot
- Road test the transmission for shudder
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.
Which Escape engine should I avoid?
What is coolant intrusion?
Where do you inspect?
Do you pull recalls?
We'll check it first
Pre-tagged for the 2014 Ford Escape. One call and a tech is on it.
951-267-8500Call nowRequest a 2014 Escape inspection
Pre-tagged for the 2014 Ford Escape.
Buying a 2014 Escape? Let us check it first.
Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.