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, Nov 19, 2022
While driving the vehicle, I received a notice on the dash screen stating that the engine was overheated and to pull over as soon as possible. I followed the instructions (within 30 seconds) and shut the engine off but before I could exit the vehicle, there was a large amount smoke/steam coming from the engine area and it had also gotten into the inside of the vehicle. I began coughing and had a hard time catching my breath. I exited the vehicle. Once I was able, I raised the hood and found that the coolant reservoir was empty. I went up to the local parts store and purchased some coolant and once the engine had cooled off, I added it to the coolant tank. The temperature gauge returned to normal and I was able to drive it to my mechanic's shop. Upon inspection, it was found that the engine head was cracked and warped as well as the engine block. I will need to replace thye engine.
Engine, Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, there was a message indicating that the 4WD was inoperable. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified that there was coolant in cylinder #3, and that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,071.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was first taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinder block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by an authorized Ford dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the diagnosis was confirmed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2022
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/avoid-ford-ecoboost-engine-all-cost/ Everything listed in this article happened to our Ford Escape From the EcoBoost, catalytic convertor, vacuum pump for the brakes, timing chain, head gasket, and main fuel line. We have paid over 6k to replace these parts. Only to be told the car needed a new PCM computer to run. We took the car to Thoroughbred Ford in Kansas City to replace the PCM, which the part itself cost us 1k. Ford replaced the PCM and the car still didn't work after more than one diagnostic test and another associated testing, they told us it wasn't a PCM problem at all, that in fact, the engine needs to be replaced. Meanwhile, Ford wants to charge us $2300, for a car that is known for having Ecoboost issues.
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
The temperature gauge pegged-out at FULL HOT in a matter of seconds, the engine overheated. The safety risk would be a seized or blown engine while driving. The problem was checked by two independent auto repair facilities and an authorized dealer service department. The authorized dealer representative said the vehicle had a "coolant invasion of the #1 cylinder. The car had a defective block so changing the head gasket was not recommended, replacing the engine was the prescribed fix. Each week for a period of three weeks the 'check engine' light came on. I went to my mechanic and he checked it out with his electronic engine diagnostic port, each time it showed that the #1 cylinder misfired. He could not find any reason/couldn't figure it out. The fourth week when the screen showed red when the engine overheated was the first time there was a light/warning other than the check engine. I immediately stopped, turned the engine off, opened the hood and notice the antifreeze reservoir was empty. Sharing this information helped my mechanic to piece the problem together and said the antifreeze was getting into cylinder #1and that I needed a head gasket, which was confirmed by another mechanic. They both recommended going to Ford for the work since they could get the part(s) quicker and perform the work more timely. Since Ford said the engine was defective then why doesn't Ford assist in the cost of repair and/or replacement?
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon driving from a complete stop, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
Transmission slips and is a safety hazard for my family unknown when it's in p or D no indication
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and there was coolant in cylinder #4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was oil in the turbo booster. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Engine, Aug 11, 2022
The engine in the car has a cracked engine block. It first showed up as engine issues and the the spark plug could not be removed. The engine was reviewed by an independent garage and then a Ford Dealership and was verified as a cracked engine block that was allowed coolant into the cylinders. The dealership has another escape in with the same problem. We have been told that the VIN number does not indicate this engine as an issue, but it is as the block is cracked. The independent shop told us that the issue is a manufacturing defect in the block due to a soft material used in creating the engine. Once the engine light came on we brought the car to the shop and it was diagnosed as an issue. The car sat at the Ford dealership for 3 months and we were told the engine was on backorder and corporate was giving us the run around that the engine kept get putting on backorder. We are very frustrated with Ford as they are not stepping up to the problem with a manufacturing defect.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the warning message “Engine overheating pull off safely and stop” illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road safely and turn off the vehicle. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down, restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was notified of a coolant leak inside cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,208.
Power train, Engine, Jul 19, 2022
Vehicle while driving seemed to not shift gears properly.took to dealer 4 months after purchased.they said could not find anything.but did find coolant hose needed replaced.i paid for that.still had the same problem.took vehicle to second dealer found turbo boost loosing power.they fixed that I paid for but still not shifting properly.now my engine started knocking I took to mechanic he said it's the transmission and now the engine block cracked where it connects to transmission.i feel this shifting issue has caused engine issues.ford will not help me.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2022
Was driving and came to a stop and vehicle said transmission not in park and shut off. Tried to restart and it did even attempt to turn over so I was stuck in the lane of traffic on the road.
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
Vehicle had a new Ford manufactured motor put in, while driving since the new motor was put in, it developed a knock and at one point started smoking. Luckily we were in town and at a lower speed we were able to pull into a parking lot and turn it off. We were unable to tell where the smoke was coming from. The car has been at the shop for a month and we were notified that the engine had failed again with less than 10,000 miles on it.
Engine, Jul 12, 2022
I had to replace my transmission in August of 2020 due to brushes being missing or not functioning properly. The 1st and 5th gears were completely destroyed in my transmission and led my car to completely not running and having to be towed.
Power train, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
While driving, the vehicle’s transmission starting coming out of gear, then lose of power, go back into gear for a moment, then go out of gear causing coasting and lose maneuverability. After being shut down immediately and towed to a mechanic, diagnostic is transmission out for some reason and misfires in two cylinders. Vehicle has less than 80K miles. Can’t really tell as the digital screen also went out. Vehicle has had regular service by a Ford dealership.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
My car has never been able to pick up speed when I need to accelerate onto the highway. It takes much longer to gain speed than much older cars I've had like the 89 Silverado or 2001 Durango. I will Floor the gas to gain acceleration, and it's like I was still pushing the gas for 30 to 40 mph. It's like the car has to think for awhile. Then it will shoot up with a large jerk. The car has done this sine 30k miles in Jan. 2018. I've almost been hit several times merging onto the highway
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2022
AFTER FUELING IT WOULD SPUTTER AND ALMOST TURN OFF WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. MARCH 11 2021 ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT DID TURN OFF WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. TOOK TO MECHANIC DIAGNOSTIC READING WAS PURGE VALVE. 11 MONTHS LATER ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND DIAGNOSTIC READING WAS PURGE VALVE
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
The smell of burning wires, engine light on and off
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
I learned last week that the vehicle that I lease (it's actually a car subscription) from SwingleCollins & Associates ([XXX], CISR, COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER,[XXX], O [XXX] | F [XXX] ) has been recalled after entering the VIN # for my vehicle. I immediately contacted the vehicle owner (i.e. SwindleCollins) to alert them that the vehicle had been recalled and is not safe. While it appears the manufacturer of the vehicle, Ford, does not currently have parts to repair the vehicle, SwindleCollins has refused to replace my vehicle until such parts are available from the manufacturer. This puts me and my passengers at risks and seems in violation of the contract and I would like to therefore report the incident. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated and as a result, the contact added coolant into the reservoir. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to add coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact waited for 45 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the starter and steering column. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 156,597. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, black smoke was coming from under the hood, and moments later the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. After examining under the hood, the contact discovered oil was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that there was a hole in the engine block causing the oil leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2022, fire
I had drove my car to chick fil a. I was inside for less than 5 minutes waiting on my order. When I came back outside my car was on fire. I’ve read articles about many other people having problems with their Ford Escaped catching fire. https://www.fordescape.org/threads/2014-ford-escape-engine-fire.88258/ If I had stayed in my car for a few more minutes I could’ve been inside and I could be dead right now. There seems to be a issue with the 2013 and 2014 model years combusting suddenly but, I think they need to include the 2015 model.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the high engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coolant hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2022
I'm having to fill my reservoir with coolant. There is an indicator on dashboard that states coolant low. I can't see any visible leaks under the hood or on the ground. I am not sure if the 2015 ford escapes are apart of a recall like the 2014 escapes. The lack of coolant circulation could cause the engine to overheat and experience a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked head can cause pressurized oil leaks, oil that can leak onto hot engines. There had been reported fires.