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: electrical system
135 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2026
Ford has yet to provide a remedy to this recall nearly a year after being notified. NHTSA: #25V695 Recall: #25SA9 REAR VIEW CAMERA INSPECTION
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2026
Sound control module, can't hook up phone for hands free driving
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Aug 22, 2026
At least once per day the back up camera goes black. While I am in the act of backing up or starting to back up. This has been happening for over 3 years. No one believed me at the dealership for years. Now there is a recall finally recognizing the issue and Ford can not fix it. I am left dealing with this. Also electrical issues with the car doors not opening with code or key fob, back windshield washer blades going off unexpectedly and they would not stop until I shut the entire car down.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2026
theres an electrical problem concern the tcu my doors are locking and unlocking and the car is indicating ive had several accidents and i havent the radio is coming on automaticlly and the lights flicker and the horn turning signals and lights flicker and wont turn off unlesss i hit the key fob button im trying nto to get my groceries stolen or my vehicle tampered with and its hard if the components arnt working i dont care about the cause i just need a safe vehicle i dont have money to waiste i am trying to find a job and i cant afford the labor for a malware attack
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 27, 2026
Back up camera is STILL not working as intended. When backing up camera goes blank. This already an existing recall, but its been a long time since its been issued and I dont think they are trying to remedy it.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2026
The battery keeps dying even though it's been tested and is good. Lights keep shorting out I've had to replace the brake light and wires twice. The coolant is disappearing causing the vehicle to overheat even after driving ahort diatances but no puddle is left to show a cracked tank or something similar.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 11, 2026
Dash board panel comes on when you turn on the car, but once you put it in drive it automatically shuts off accept the rpm gauge, car goes into limp mode when driving and causes it to not allow any acceleration or movement of vehicle.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2026
The rear-view camera does not work. Very hard to back up. There are Blind spots with this vehicle. Ford notified us last year and still have not notified us for the repair. At first, it was intermittent, now not working at all. Ford has not given any time schedule to me at all. I think 10 months is long enough to have this issue rectified.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2026
Ford is not providing parts to fix safety recall 25SA9 / NHTSA Recall 25V695. Our backup camera has been displaying “rear view camera is unavailable” for months. Notices went out in October and they STILL do not have parts available to fix it. This is a huge safety hazard for our 16 year old son and it’s ridiculous that they refuse to fix it in a timely manner. NINE MONTHS since we received the letter.
Electrical system, May 30, 2026
Vehicle is currently part of the open recall for reverse camera not functioning or not displaying properly. Problem was present long before the issued recall in 2025. No communication from manufacturer on timeline to remedy issue. Manufacturer has not delivered on making parts available and issue persists. This is unacceptable.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would intermittently fail, flicker on and off, and at times display would appear upside down. The contact also stated that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts required to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Back over prevention, Electrical system, May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, causing a rear visibility safety hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the speedometer and odometer were inoperable while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 70,624.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2026
The back up camera cuts out randomly. Sometimes mid back up. It has been recalled for quite sometime and there is still no remedy available
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2025
the rear camera showed " unavailable" on the center display screen so I had to get this fixed and i paid $658.34 to get this fixed because the recall informational stated that "ford motor company is working to provide parts for this repair. when the remedy becomes available, ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge" i was unable to wait for this IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE's parts to "come available" - not even sure what that is supposed to mean, but i would like reimbursement for this expense and not sure how to go about it.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the instrument panel turned off and failed to display pertinent vehicle information. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the instrument panel. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
Rear view camera doesn't work. Ford just recalled a bunch of 2015-2019 vehicles for this exact issue but the escapes didnt get a recall. I have been having this issue for a few months now. The screen with go blue or black and then say no camera available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 9, 2025
backup camera is not working. says to call dealership. dealership says they dont know what is wrong with it. safety hazard for backing up.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2025
Back up camera glitches, shows images upside down, or not at all. This has been happening for at least 6+ months. Component has not been inspected. There is a current recall on Edge and Expedition in the same years as mine but the Escape was not included in in the recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2025
The car won’t shift into the intended gear.The car stalls as well. The transmission fault service now light is on.
Electrical system, Seats, Engine, Jul 2, 2025
I'm having TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.. AND IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.. AND THE SHOP MY CAR IS IN SAID THEY'VE REPAIRING TRANSMISSIONS IN A LOT 2015 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES.. AND THE ENGINE LEAKS THESE ARE SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT (FORD) NEEDS TO FIX FOR THE OWNERS OF THIS (YEAR) IT'S COSTING $5,000 TO REPLACE FOR THE TRANSMISSION.. I'M SO SO SO SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE COMPANY.. YOUR DOING RECALLS FOR ALL THESE OTHERS VEHICLES BUT THE 2015 ESCAPE .
Electrical system, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2025
Sunroof will not close and every time it rains it leaks so much to the point that it’s going to cause more electrical issues. I will not take this back to the Randy Marion dealership in west Jefferson NC they also sold me this car with a bad transmission which ended back up in the shop for 3 plus months. They were completely incompetent about handling the situation. So I will not go back to them. Also they sold this cat with seatbelts that are so lose if I were to have a wreck I would probably go through the windshield. They didn’t want to repair that without me handling the bill.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2025
Check engine light went on and code P1450 for evaporative emissions purge valve. After refueling vehicle, it does not start without reving the engine at a high rate and still sometimes does not start. This is a common warranty item on many Fords during the time but not for this specific VIN
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
After getting gas in car wife started car and attempted to pull from gas pump. Steering was hard to steer and information light illuminated.(Steering assist fault Service required). This by some may not be considered a safety issue, but if it happens in heavy traffic this could be very serious to other drivers around you. Reading all the reports and seeing the other model years ford has recalled for steering. I believe that ford should issue a recall or at least reimburse owners for the cost of replacement.
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed while the liftgate was securely closed. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused the interior lights and the marker lights to remain illuminated upon parking the vehicle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.