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, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the coolant was added, there was condensation underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Coolant is leaking to a cylinder. They said is a know issue due to overheating in other vehicles with the same engine, but ford hasn't extended the recall to this model
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was very hesitant while accelerating. The contact smelled of fumes inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the thermostat was reading high. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was with the spark plug in cylinder #3. The spark plug was replaced; however, the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle was started but hesitated, made an abnormal sound, and then stalled. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook abnormally and lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the canister purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
TRANSMISSION FAULT on 4/17/23 i took my car for a check engine light/ I got the recall notice few days later. I took my car back to ford Wilson motor company and they stated that they had done the recall on 4/17 I did not notify them or anything they refused to service my car. forward few months later. No light or noise my car gets a transmission fault i called ford and they said they did fixe it but now i have car they refused to service.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2023
Update to previous report filed Report No. 11521661. Another class action lawsuit filed on this same issue alleging FORD's knowledge of this issue and lack of response. Is the NHTSA going to act? This is dangerous. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2023/ford-canada-lawsuit-ecoboost-engines-leak-coolant.shtml
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the DTC codes indicated that cylinder #1 and #3 were misfiring. The contact stated that a week later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with a message to turn off the vehicle displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The following day the failure reoccurred. The vehicle taken to the local service center and coolant was added to the reservoir; however, several hours later the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. There were no coolant leaks present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that the manufacturer had recalled other year vehicles for the same failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH the vehicle started overheating with the "Vehicle Overheating - Pull Over" message displayed. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 12, 2023
https://www.cars.com/articles/2013-2015-ford-escape-fiesta-st-fusion-transit-connect-recall-alert-1420694733115/ While driving 80 miles an hour on an 8 lane freeway, with the flow of high traffic-including semi commercial traffic, and my child in the car, the vehicle went into limp mode due to an overheat warning. I was unable to accelerate and was able to "limp" to the side of the road. Very scary and VERY dangerous. My child and I are lucky something worse did not happen. Root cause lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating. This possibly has caused a crack in the cylinder head, resulting in a pressurized oil leak that, in the presence of a heat source such as a hot engine surface, increases the risk of an under-hood fire. Through research, I found this is a known issue with my vehicle and besides a limited recall (of which my VIN is excluded) there is a class action pending in California. I contact FORD customer service and its answer was my VIN isn't included in the recall so nothing they could do. When I brought up on FORD's knowledge and request for someone in its escalation team to call me, they said a supervisor would call and the customer service supervisor said- my issue because my VIN not included in the recall. There have been 30+ cases of engine fires related to this issue and hundreds if not thousands of FORD owners affected. How is the NHTSA not taking action? This is very dangerous and a very expensive cost to consumers who were misled by FORD to purchase these dangerous lemons. This is a dangerous defect that FORD has known about for years. NHTSA should require FORD to recall these for the safety of children and consumers. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00468/pdf/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00468-0.pdf https://www.change.org/p/hold-ford-accountable-for-fixing-their-ecoboost-engines https://www.lieffcabraser.com/2021/05/ford-ecoboost-engine-defect-lawsuits-consolidated-in-california/
Engine, May 11, 2023
The car was running just going down the road then all is a sudden it gave a jerk and the temp gage went up to hot and a warning came on saying to stop the vehicle, which I did and it started to cool down. Then I drove it a little further and it began to smoke and I got it it a place to park and we looked and the coolant was empty. So I had someone get me some coolant and filled up and I started the car and it began to smoke like a freight train, so I shut it off and called a tow truck to have it towed to the closest garage and they have inspected it and it has a crack in the long block. This has been a complaint by several ford owners and Ford does nothing to fix the issue or replace the motor. They supposed to be investigating but we was told there was nothing to be done by Ford and we have to pay $6200 for a used motor that will most likely fail as well. We just to get our car fixed and I believe Ford should pay for a new motor since this is a manufacturer defect. According to the mechanic and the reviews I have researched on this problem. Please help us. Thank you
Power train, Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Currently a Lemon Law Lawsuit is going on out west in reference to the Ecoboost failure which my vehicle year is included in that. The risks include engine failure and risks of fire. Currently my vehicle is missing/over heating/white smoke pouring out of my exhaust/losing coolant. This has caused my vehicle to be a major safety hazard for my children and myself. Ford has been called but was told nothing can be done since no recall has been put into effect.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving for approximately 20 minutes, the vehicle was parked the key was removed from the ignition, but it sounded as if the engine was still running. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine started revving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be turned off for 10-minutes. The vehicle was able to be restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine was overheating with the coolant temperature warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the radiator fans were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving 20 MPH. A message advising to pull over was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and remained there until the vehicle cooled down. The contact then drove to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the engine block. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer, who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Mar 16, 2023
Vehicle stalled while on the highway at 60+ MPH, no warning, almost no brakes, or steering, almost got into an accident, emergency pulled over on the side of the road, started back up, this issue has occurred two times in the last couple moths. Also after fueling, vehicle idles hard and stalls a couple times, starts back up and runs normal.
Power train, Engine, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine, head gasket, and engine block needed to be replaced; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The contact was not made aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Jan 15, 2023
The engine light remains on, the error is a misfire in cylinder #3. The repair technician said there is coolant getting into the cylinder due to a leaking head gasket or cracked block. Contacted Ford and they said this is a common issue but my manufacture date is outside of the existing recall for this issue. The Ford service manager also said he see this often and hopefully the recall will be extended to other build dates as all the engines are the same and he is not surprised by problem. The solution is a engine replacement, about $9,000. The recall need to be expanded!!
Engine, Jan 15, 2023
Engine completly locked up while driving on 01/13/23 it is full of oil and didn't say it was getting hot. During acceleration it started making a whistling sound the day before now my vehicle is stalled leaving me stranded I bought this brand new from ford.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her employee was driving the company vehicle at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started overheating with white smoke coming from under the hood. The employee pulled over and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that the employee had not noticed any warning lights. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine and cracked the engine block. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating. This has caused a possible crack in the cylinder head. Lost power while driving on the freeway. The system is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my minor son was at risk. Warnings came on for overheating, check engine light, and safe mode put on while on the free way so could not accelerate.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
I was pulling out of our alleyway onto a main road when the vehicle seemed to have stalled in the middle of the road and the steering assist warning came on. Luckily the driver of the car that would have T-boned me was paying close attention and was able to stop in time. I suspect some drivers may not be so lucky. I have yet to contact Ford or any other mechanic about this as this was the first time that it's happened. I have read that there are recalls for a very similar if not same issue with 2014 Escapes and I believe the 2015 Lincoln. I've also seen in message boards online that this seems to be a very common problem with most modern Ford Escapes. Seems dangerous and that they should be forced to do a recall on most of their Escapes. The contact stated that the issue is that steering control module keeps shorting out. The contact stated that their local Ford dealership has refused to repair the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that while the vehicle was idling or during start-up, he noticed a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to and independent mechanic; however, the mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer provided the number to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Dec 5, 2022
I took my escape to the dealer because of no heat on a Tuesday they filled the antifreeze because it was low I drove it on Thursday then on Friday I had to have it towed to the dealer because all of the antifreeze was on yhe ground I guess there's a problem with the eco boost escapes I believe it has the same problem
Engine, Nov 29, 2022
Check engine light came on. Low on coolant. 2 days later low on coolant again. Engine needs replaced at 101,000 miles after faithful regular maintenance. Have read multiple reports from other owners of this same problem. This should be a recall! So unfair to pay so much for a new car then have to pay again at such low mileage. Will definitely consider another brand at next purchase. And just now the dealership said they can't even get a new engine and a rebuilt one will be $2,000 more than a new one. I am just sick over this !! Ford needs to do better!!