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: engine
273 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of multiple leaks coming from the vehicle. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to several local dealers where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH, with a reduced engine power message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant leak, and the engine, thermostat housing, valve, and overflow hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and then stalled. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local mechanic who replaced the turbo and shifter cable bushing; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 18, 2024
As I was driving my car started to jerk, drag backwards and stop. I put it in park in the middle of the road and turned the car completely off. It would start and drive, then jerk, try to slide backwards again then stopped. The car starts, but the shift freezes after try to go.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 27, 2024, fire
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON APRIL 25, 2024. THE ENGINE IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE I HAD NO PROBLEMS OR COLLISIONS NO CONCERNS NO MAJOR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE ON APRIL 25, 2024
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled and jerked while moving forward. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a torque converter, transmission, turbo, and vacuum pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 148,883.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the fob and the heat did not work as intended. The contact stated that the heater blew out cold air in some vents and heat in others and the key fob would not connect to the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently but eventually went off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine due to a coolant leak and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,530.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the engine. The vehicle was repaired again but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 30-35 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating and advising to pull over immediately was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinders #1 and #2. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,662.
Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, there was a popping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally there was an abnormal gasoline odor while the vehicle was idling and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated coolant was entering into the piston. The contact stated that the power train, ABS, the power train system, and service interval lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there several computer codes indicating an engine misfire, the control circuit was open, and the power train system showed coolant bypass had failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and there was no recall related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 10, 2024
vehicle "slips" with acceleration and antifreeze is leaking in engine block which is a documented recurrent issue with ecoboost engine. I am fearful for safety as noted fire hazard which has been stated in past and is documented as part of lawsuit for same engine in Canada/US. Additionally the noted loss of acceleration has me afraid to use on highway as can see this leading to accident (noted that other cars drive around vehicle when forced to use on side streets. I brought to ford dealership o/a March 2023 (Sedano Ford, La Mesa CA) and they quoted over 10k to fix the safety issue and stated Ford will not do anything to assist when I stated that thought should be fixed as safety issue and latent defect that known by manufacturer when under warranty and pretty sure before bought vehicle . As this is latent defect, belief is that ford should fix vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate and reliable as would not have bought vehicle if known of issues . Additionally called Ford customer service dept. to see if would assist with issue o/a Aug 2023 which informed that issue was not covered and no record of issue... PLEASE FIX MY VEHICLE TO ENSURE SAFE TRANSPORTATION The contact stated that antifreeze is leaking into cylinder 3 and after dealership checked the vehicle they confirmed that more than just spark plug needed to be replaced.
Power train, Engine, Jan 4, 2024
I have coolant leaking into cylinder 4 of my 1.6L engine. I’m constantly having to refill my coolant tank because the coolant is getting burned up when it leaks into my engine which in turn produces big white clouds of smoke from my exhaust pipe. It is available for inspection. I’m constantly worried for my safety because my car could potentially overheat and lead to a fire if my coolant is going elsewhere other than its designated place. My car has been to numerous mechanics in order to figure out the issue and has recently been confirmed on [XXX] by Dave Knapp Ford located in Greenville, Ohio that there is coolant leaking into cylinder 4. My car has not been inspected by any other higher ups. My engine light has not been working since the day we bought the car in August of 2023 for reasons we do not know of, so we were not instantly notified that there was an issue with the engine. The symptoms we did notice were loss of coolant almost everyday even after filling up, no visible puddles of coolant on the ground, white smoke from exhaust, a burning smell, bubbling in coolant tank, violent shaking of entire car, car dying after starting engine, and very low rpm when in idle. These symptoms really became visible at the start of November of 2023 and have gotten worse since then to the point where my car barely wants to start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 4, 2024
Engine misfired and then completely stalled at 75MPH on freeway. This alone was the major issue putting us and the public at risk. Had car towed to mechanic who indicated there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder block, thereby causing the engine to fail. This apparently is an ongoing issue with Escapes and there is litigation to this point. Well, it happened to me. Due to the failure of Ford to deal with this issue (it is well known and documented) My family was put at risk. We now have a worthless piece of junk, a car that is in pristine condition and no engine.All symptoms and issues were the same.. initial engine warning light and then the failure occurred. The only other sign was increased coolant usage.
Engine, Nov 24, 2023
Suddenly smoke billowed from the exhaust. No notification arose through the car's system. The shop tore it apart to find the problem. Said it was an eco boost failure, which also ruined the catalytic converter. A week and $5837 later, they said it was fixed. The next morning it billowed smoke from the exhaust. Took it back to the shop. They then said the problem was a ruined engine. The engine is backordered and will cost about $8000 to replace. The car's engine trouble system never came on despite the numerous codes that are associated with an eco boost failure and I'm sure countless other codes that should indicate an engine failure problem. I travel I-25 and US Highway 6 twice daily for work. If the engine had seized, since it had been damaged, that could have been disastrous for others and me. It is not that hard to alarm codes for safety reasons. Industry does it all the time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
I have been having issues with coolant loss for over a year now. After doing research online I'm seeing this is a really common problem for Escapes and other models built around the same time frame. I believe this issue is with Ford and they should be responsible to fix it, considering all the evidence supporting how common of an issue this is.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to sputter with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated with a message to “Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that there was fluid leaking into cylinder #1 and that the cylinder and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the head gasket and short block were previously replaced due to fluid leaking into cylinder #3; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that shortly after having the vehicle serviced by the dealer, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the Eco boost engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not idle and began shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times and was restarted each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due a cracked cylinder and condensation leaking into the oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine, Oct 29, 2023
There was not any wreck
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust system. Additionally, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the air intake hose, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2023, crash
While my family and I were returning from lunch and pulling into a parking space at my moms apartment complex, my 2015 Ford escape SE eco-boost, had a sudden unintentional acceleration where it basically accelerated forward and we hit a building. During this, the brakes were unresponsive, and there was building and vehicle damage. Luckily, the post to the building prevented us from driving through the entire building. I have read several reports of the Ford escape experiencing this exact problem. We are lucky we were not killed. Ford has had no recalls for this very deadly issue.
Engine, Sep 21, 2023
Vehicle is burning thru coolant. Has to be topped off multiple times a week. Have had the to replace the coolant bypass valve twice.