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: fuel/propulsion system
50 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2026
The battery keeps dying even though it's been tested and is good. Lights keep shorting out I've had to replace the brake light and wires twice. The coolant is disappearing causing the vehicle to overheat even after driving ahort diatances but no puddle is left to show a cracked tank or something similar.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 4, 2026
Suspension issue
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2025
UNKNOWN, but appears like other version of Ford Escape the 2015 suffers from the same fuel pump issues. On at least 10 moments the car stalls and dies during driving. When brought to Fords attention, they have on 2 times indicated that no error codes or way of duplicating problem. I had independent car repair place as well look into the issue with the same response. We now only drive the car if we have to and only in short areas where we are not driving on the freeway and if we can walk home. Please add this to the recalls.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2025
The transmission has failed and fuel propulsion. While driving on the highway with no warning it slowed down considerably, which almost caused me to be rear-ended. Yes, it's even inspected. No warning lamps. PLEASE CHECK, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF 2015 FORD ESCAPES WITH FAULTY TRANS AND FUEL PROPULSION ISSUES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2025
My 2015 Ford Escape experienced sudden power loss while trying to proceed at a Stop Light in Irving, Texas on [XXX}. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2025
Defective turbo charger.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2025
My vehicle overheated on a drive home from work on an expressway doing approximately 72mph. Without any warning, my car flashed a notification that the engine temperature was too hot and I needed to stop safely. The car would not accelerate, in fact, it decelerated the next 4 miles before I could find a gas station to stop. The coolant reservoir was empty (which was full when I started my car) so I refilled it again. I did end up replacing the coolant reservoir but this issue kept recurring. Fast forward 2 weeks and my car decided it didn’t want to accelerate on my drive home from work. I took it to a local mechanic who said there was oil soaking up the spark plug in the 4th cylinder. Said mechanic replaced all 4 plugs, coil packs and valve cover gasket. I live in Michigan and the heat has been extensive the last couple of weeks. I noticed an oil leak under my car during the hot weather. However yesterday ([XXX]) the temperature here was in the 70’s and the leak wasn’t as bad. I decided to google “2015 Ford Escape 1.6L oil leak during hot weather” and discovered that this is a KNOWN issue and that there could potentially be a recall. I went on the NHTSA website, plugged in my VIN and found there is currently no recall. Ford needs to realize that their consumers purchase cars because they need them to get to work, dr appointments, church and common errands for everyday people. With the economy being the way it is, we can’t afford to continue dropping $1,000’s of our hard earned money on a regular basis. I’ve kept up the routine maintenance on my vehicle, and constantly defend Ford products because this is the first major engine incident I’ve experienced with my vehicle. Please contact Ford and implore them to make things right for the countless people that are experiencing the same issue as I currently am. I’m on a very fixed income and can’t afford a new engine let alone a new car. Thank you for taking the time to read this information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2025
Check engine light went on and code P1450 for evaporative emissions purge valve. After refueling vehicle, it does not start without reving the engine at a high rate and still sometimes does not start. This is a common warranty item on many Fords during the time but not for this specific VIN
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2025
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER FUELING I NOTICED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR STALLS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON AND CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY. BUT,ONE DAY AFTER FUELING 15 MINUTES LATER ,WHILE DRIVING MY CAR STALLS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO AUTO ZONE AMD OREILY’S TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE READ. THEY BOTH COME BACK AS FAULTY EVAP PURGE SOLENOID. I SAW THAT THE FORD FOCUS IN THE SAME YEAR HAS HAD THERE EVAP SOLENOIDS RECALLED. COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THE FORD ESCAPES EVAP SOLENOIDS NEED TO BE RECALLED AS WELL??
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2024
We were driving down the highway when the ford escape shut down and the the check engine light came on for the Evap system several parts have been replaced but I get the same code and the car is dying at idle and losing power a different times while driving
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2024
Coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire. The reason why the coolant is leaking into the chamber is because of a manufacturers defect. The engine block has impurities that eventually rusted away causing pinholes between the cylinder and coolant. This is a well known issue with mechanics. If someone has this issue and does not know the engine can seize or blow causing the engine to not work. If this happens while on a highway the potential for an accident goes way up. Please make Ford make this right. I have had this defect verified by a certified Ford dealership and two independent mechanics. This is a costly repair due to the entire engine being defective from the bad casting.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2024
Malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve. There was a recall for the Ford Focus but not the Escape. We have an Escape in the same date range as the Focus recall and are having the same issue. Our Purge Valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2024
The vehicle has coolant leaking into the cylinders. The dealership shows that it was due to overheating but the vehicle has not overheated. The dealership states that the engine needs replacement but is unable to verify any damage in the cylinders. The vehicle was taken in due to misfiring and the vehicle dying upon starting after a short period of time being turned off.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2024, fire
My Ford Escape ecoboost engine had a coolant leak. It gave no warning and suddenly stopped running in the middle of the road while I was driving. I opened the engine and there was a small piece of metal that looked like it was about to catch fire. I have visited the ford dealership multi times asking for them to repair car and fix any known issues and they ignored this well known problem with the 1.6 engines and racked up unrelated charges on unnecessary fixes (I believe) to get the most money out of me before catastrophic engine failure. If I had driven 100 yards or more I'm sure my engine would have completely caught fire.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2023
2015 Ford Escape, on several occasions after fueling, when pushing start, the car cranks but no start and shuts off. It took several attempts, with revving it up and, sputtering and shutting off before it cranked. No check engine indicator illuminated. There have been instances where the car parked in driveway and the same occurrence with it sputtering and shutting off. Currently at Ford dealership, diagnosed as canister purge valve. I contacted Ford reference recall, there are over a million recalls on Ford Focus for this same issue-canister purge valve, but none for Ford Escape.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2022
The vehicle has completely shut off while driving on several occasions now. The first time it happened we had it towed and ended up replacing the battery. The 2nd time we put it back to park and restarted the vehicle and assumed it was just a fluke. It has happened 2 more times now within the last few weeks and it is a very serious concern. Mechanics have no idea what is happening or what's causing the issue. I have done some research and it seems this is a common issue with this vehicle. There needs to be a recall/fix for this problem as it could cause an accident and cost someone their life. We do not feel safe driving the vehicle anymore.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2022
Our 2015 Escape is having the same problem as the recall recently released for the 2020-23 models. We are getting terrible fuel smell inside the vehicle. Getting unsafe to drive.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2022
Car won’t start after filling with fuel
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2022
Since I've had this car, (2017, 30k miles) everytime I put gas in my tank the car won't start. I've read similar issues on blogs. I have to rev my engine to get it to go. Anything over an 1/8 of a tank that I put in. If tank is really low and I put in under 1/8 it doesn't have this issue. Only when I put so much gas into the vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2022
I was driving all of a sudden I hear a loud noise in the rear passenger side. Then the car stalled in the middle of the road. I let it sit for a minute it will start up. The next day check engine light came on went to the auto part store they read the code... P1450 fuel tank vacuum. I've seen where Ford focus had this issue and a recall was issued, also people with the same vehicle as me had or having the same issue. This very dangerous especially if you driving on the highway. Good thing I was on a side road. A recall needs to be issued for this. Have not had repaired yet. It's the holiday weekend. I uploaded the pic of the code
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2022
As I was slowing my vehicle died without warning, I had to quickly put in park to restart. Everything died. The car did restart but I almost got reared from the car behind me. I have heard like a roaring sound at times comming from the back area. I keep gas at no less the 1/4 tank so I know the gas is fine. My engine light come on and go off after awhile, now my ABS and AWD and On Hill Start is deactivate is comming on. I’m 65 and I had hoped this would be a safe vehicle for me, with very few problem but it looks like this is not the case. I have only had this vehicle 3 months I need your help to resolve this issue Please. Thank You
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2022
While driving I hear a pump sound and my car will die , I stop traffic all behind me until I can get it started again
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2021
- When pushing start, the car cranks but no start. Failed to start with new battery. - I took the car to Ford dealer maintenance shop and couldn't identify the problem and contacting Ford Engineering for further investigation. - There is no any message or warning on the dashboard and also what the maintenance shop informed me. All the lighting system is Ok, even the radio is working. - According to the mechanic, the issue is new one and not has been seen before.