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: other or unspecified
141 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2026
Received " IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL'" dated October 2025. I year later still not repaired.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2026
Backup camera malfunction recall. Parts still not available after almost a year. Repair is taking too long. I need my backup camera.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2026
Door latch will not close
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2026
Sound control module, can't hook up phone for hands free driving
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2026
Rear view camera is unavailable on center display screen. NHTSA Recall # 25v695
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2026
There is currently a recall on the 2015 Ford Escape. Ford has taken too long to make the new parts needed for the back up camera. This is a safety issue as it does check for blind spots. It's been more than 8 months since this recall started.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2026
I'm simply complaining that parts are still not available. Also, Hemmings has sent out a notice to Ford owners about a transmission issue for Ford Escapes and other models. Can you say why this recall is not listed by Ford or NHTSA? Thanks. The car belongs to my friend [XXX] here in Calhoun. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2026
October of 2025, I received a recall on my 2015 Ford Escape regarding the backup camera. As of today, 8/3/27, I have not received any news of being resolved. Is there anyway to find out if a resolution is on its way? It helps me with the blind spots. Thank you.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 27, 2026
Back up camera is STILL not working as intended. When backing up camera goes blank. This already an existing recall, but its been a long time since its been issued and I dont think they are trying to remedy it.
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2026
I received a recall notice for my car in Oct 2025 that the rear-view mirror may go blank while using it. This has happened on several occasions while I am driving in reverse and using the review view camera for guidance- it either goes blank or reverts to my entertainment screen while in use. I contacted Palmetto FORD in June 2026 to get this recall fixed but they stated the parts are still not available, they do not even have a replacement part number, nor do they know when this remedy will be available. I believe this is an unreasonable time frame to have a safety recall issue resolved and with no resolution date in sight.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 28, 2026
Engine coolant intrusion issue known by ford and documemented in prior recall and STB.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2026
It's been 7 months since Ford sent me a recall notice. Why is there not a remedy yet, seven months later and if there is, why have I not bene notified by Ford.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2026
Safety recall: 25v659 Rear view camera could display a blank or distorted image on the center display screen when the vehicle is in reverse. Unavailable camera on center display screen.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2026
The rearview camera started glitching last April or May (of 2025). We became aware of the recall around October, 2025-when i googled the problem and then we got a letter stating the parts are not available and that they would let us know when they become available. Its been almost 7 months since the letter and 12 months since my problem started...and still no parts or letter. I am very frustrated that Ford can get away with this. I bought a car with a rear camera for safety, there are a lot of kids in my neighborhood and I rely on the camera that I bought with my car. I feel that my car is unsafe when backing up and need for this repair to be scheduled as soon as possible so we can move on. Thank you.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2026
The back up camera cuts out randomly. Sometimes mid back up. It has been recalled for quite sometime and there is still no remedy available
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Mar 25, 2026
The back up/rear view camera display a blank or distorted image while in reverse and has reduced and distorted my view of what is behind in not one, but on both my 2015 Fords which have been recalled. I have come close on several occasions to having an accident. I got a letter from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department at my Ford dealer has no answers. This is insane - 6 moths for both cars and they have no answers!! This is dangerous and it is infuriating that there is still no fix?!?!?!?!? This problem has been going on in both cars now at least 24 months. I want to dump them and never drive a Ford again, but I cannot afford to at this time. HELP!!!
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2026, fire
THE FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2026
(1) What happened? Suddenly the rear camera screen went blank. It took me half a second to realize the problem and to react and automatically stepping the breaks. Luckily, there was no one behind the car. (2) What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Rear Camera View/Screen. (3) Is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. (4) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Other people and my self was in very high risk! (5) Has the problem been reproduced? Yes, many times after the first incident! (6) Confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? There is an open recall for this problem already, but Ford dealer refuses to fixed it! (7) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, no messages. Rear camera view/screen goes blue and then a warning is shown on the screen.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2026
The rear-view camera hasn't worked for several months. I was going to get it repaired until I received the recall letter in October of 2025. I use this when backing up and need to see how far from the vehicle behind me is. Just curious, how long before this has been resolved?
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2026
A few months ago I received a letter in the mail concerning my vehicles backup camera being requested for a recall and that a replacement will be sent over. At this time I still don’t have the replacement backup camera.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2026
Upon putting car in reverse backup camera screen shows upside picture. Upon putting car in reverse backup camera screen goes completely black Being a senior driver the backup camera system is a huge safety necessity
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
The rear view camera on my vehicle has not worked for months. 99% of the time I reverse, camera is blacked out and says to visit dealership. The 1% that it works, half the time it'll show an inverted view. This is related to recall 25SA9/25V695. Parts have been unavailable since October 2025. I explained this to Ford Customer Service and they advised me to take it to a dealership to get it repaired and look for reimbursement once parts are available. This suggests dealers can source replacement cameras when customers pay out of pocket, but Ford is not prioritizing free recall repairs, leaving owners with a known safety defect for months.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2026
Back up camera and block heater I’m waiting to get it fixed but the parts doesn’t come in how come
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2026
The transmission just failed. No warning lights or anything. I was just driving along and it started to flutter then it hesitated and went into limp mode. Took it to the shop and it they said it needs a whole new transmission.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2025
the rear camera showed " unavailable" on the center display screen so I had to get this fixed and i paid $658.34 to get this fixed because the recall informational stated that "ford motor company is working to provide parts for this repair. when the remedy becomes available, ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge" i was unable to wait for this IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE's parts to "come available" - not even sure what that is supposed to mean, but i would like reimbursement for this expense and not sure how to go about it.