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 and engine cooling
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape SE. The contact stated that while idle at a stop light with the left-turn signal on, the vehicle started to jerk, and loud noises were coming from the front end of the vehicle. The Check Engine light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to move. The Fire Department arrived and assisted the contact with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic at Precision Auto Shop, who diagnosed that the coolant was leaking. After further inspection, the dealer also diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Back over prevention, Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that occasionally, while shifted in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display as intended and was possibly impacted by severe weather conditions. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended while activated. After further inspection, the coolant reservoir was abnormally low. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the coolant level was extremely low. The coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the engine was overheating. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant level was significantly low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the contact noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant line was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused collateral damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission, the serpentine belt, and the pulley were replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating an engine misfire. The contact replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while replacing the spark plugs, the spark plug thread of cylinder #4 remained stuck in the cylinder head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the spark plug thread might be stuck because the cylinder head had melted around the spark plug thread. The mechanic determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended the cylinder head replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while idling and while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to A1 Auto 3 Brothers Car Repair, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to piston rings failure, and the turbo charger also failed. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The warranty company informed the contact that only the turbo charger was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at high speeds, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a handheld scanner to retrieve DTC: P1299 (Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Detected Engine Overheating Condition). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to her son's residence and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 20 MPH, the message "Please pull over immediately, temperature high" was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter pulled over immediately, shut off the vehicle, allowed the vehicle to cool down, and refilled the coolant reservoir before proceeding to restart her vehicle, and continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,283.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact's husband stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The contact’s husband looked in the rearview mirror and saw blue smoke behind the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact's husband saw oil on the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbo boost system failure. The contact's husband stated that while driving, the vehicle was driving rough and failed to accelerate as intended. The local dealer was contacted. 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 approximately 98,700.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was then informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM raised to high with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2024
The contact called on behalf of their daughter who owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that their daughter attempted to start the vehicle while parked, the vehicle shuttered and stalled, and then proceeded to start back up again, upon noticing the abnormality the vehicle was no longer used. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder number two, and that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would leak coolant, and needed to be refilled consistently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a hole in the coolant tank was discovered and replaced the tank, however, the coolant continued to leak and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and advised that the Turbo engine eco boost failed and that the vehicle coolant was leaking into the engine. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder head, causing engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,300.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the driver observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, prompting him to refill the coolant reservoir. The following day the driver observed white smoke coming from the exhaust prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinder #1 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with spark plug failure. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder and engine failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unstated recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a white cloud of exhaust smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an excessive amount of exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, causing an engine misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact to keep the coolant reservoir filled with coolant to prevent complete engine failure until the vehicle was repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly began to vibrate and shake before returning to normal functionality. Later, while the vehicle was parked and running, the contact observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust and smelled exhaust fumes on the interior of the vehicle; after which, the contact fainted and attributed the incident to carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicle but had not sought medical treatment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the EVAP system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and the turbo charger. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
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 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.