2015 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,102 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 29 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraOct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Campaign 25V695000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
Campaign 22V254000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsJul 25, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Campaign 17V472000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionJul 8, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.
Campaign 15V436000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJun 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.
Campaign 15V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,102 reports, newest first.
Back over prevention, Sep 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted or blank image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Engine, Sep 24, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, her husband became aware that there was fire coming from under the hood. The fire was three feet high. The contact's husband attempted to extinguish the fire. The Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. The fire inspector informed the contact that the source of the fire was inconclusive. The contact stated that the fire caused damage to the garage. The contact and husband sustained smoke inhalation. The contact stated that the fire had occurred immediately after the vehicle was parked and the contact's husband had exited the vehicle and entered the residence. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. In addition, after researching, the VIN had an unrepaired recall repair, NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2015, the check engine warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image appeared upside down, and the “Camera Not Available” message was displayed. The contact stated that occasionally the camera failed to function or display an image. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while her son was reversing the vehicle, the rear-view camera displayed a blank image. The contact's son later shattered the display screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2026
Received " IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL'" dated October 2025. I year later still not repaired.
Back over prevention, Sep 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable, and a message was displayed to contact the dealer. The dealer was contacted several times and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Service brakes, Back over prevention, Sep 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse and depressing the brake pedal, there was a squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The back over prevention camera failed to produce an image while in reverse. The dealer was contacted about the recall and confirmed that another letter would be sent once the remedy was available.
Back over prevention, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); and the local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing the rear-view camera displayed a blank or distorted image. The message "Camera not Available - Please contact your local Dealer" was displayed. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or distorted image, with the message "Camera Unavailable" displayed. The local dealer and Ken Grody Ford Buena Park (6211 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621) were contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. In addition, the message “Rear-view Camera Unavailable” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a rear-view camera display failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,300.
Back over prevention, Sep 17, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Back over prevention, Sep 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was inverted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was blank, and the message "Camera Not Available" was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted or blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised to wait for the recall remedy letter. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear view image.
Power train, Sep 12, 2026
I visited the dealership for a shift bushing recall service. When I checked the car after leaving, I noticed that a required part of the repair, the white cap shown in the official documentation, was missing. When I returned to let them know the job wasn't done right, the staff insisted it was done correctly. However, under Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-254, that cap is required to be installed.
Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. In addition, the contact stated that the safety features were not visible on the radio screen. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rear-view camera failure. The contact was informed that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that parts would be unavailable until 2027. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Protection); however, the part was unavailable.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Sep 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the battery was drained. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however the failure was not duplicated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
Steering, Sep 9, 2026
While driving the power steering goes completely out. It jolts suddenly and causes to steer off course. The steering tightens up making it difficult to safely make turns. Occasionally the steering assist goes back on without warning, forcing another jolt and overcorrection. It can not be safely driven with this malfunction. It forces the wheel to suddenly turn hard unexpectedly., making it dangerous for me, my passengers, and other drivers in the road We have had the problem confirmed by a Ford service mechanic. A Steering Assist notification flashes on the dash, as well.
Back over prevention, Sep 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the back-over prevention screen was black. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Back over prevention, Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while shifted in reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable and the message "Back Up Camera Inoperative" was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera displayed a blank white screen. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Back over prevention, Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image intermittently fluctuated, with the message "Camera Not Available" displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The rear-view camera later displayed a black screen and failed to power on. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part was unavailable for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.