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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2025
While driving recently, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all forward acceleration. Soon after, I discovered that when placed in Park, the vehicle could still roll freely — a dangerous condition that could lead to an accident or injury. Initially, the car was able to move in both Drive and Reverse for a short time, but it quickly deteriorated to only reversing, and then the Park function failed to hold the vehicle altogether. I have maintained my Escape according to Ford’s recommendations and have records available. There were no warning lights, no unusual noises beforehand, and no indication that such a failure was imminent. This is not just a mechanical failure but a significant safety hazard, as loss of acceleration and loss of Park lock can put drivers, passengers, and bystanders at risk.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2025
My 2015 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, has experienced a repeat engine failure due to what appears to be the known “coolant intrusion” defect currently under active litigation (Miller v. Ford). The original engine failed due to loss of coolant into the cylinders, causing rough idle, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and loss of performance. Ford replaced the entire engine under warranty approximately 24.5 months ago. The replacement engine is now exhibiting the same symptoms, including: Rough/unstable idle, especially on startup Abnormally loud engine noise Suspected internal coolant loss with no visible external leaks Reduced performance and hesitation This is the second major engine failure in a short time, creating a serious safety concern due to potential sudden loss of power while driving. The EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect is widely reported in Ford Escapes from this model year and is the subject of a class action lawsuit. Ford has not issued a recall for all affected vehicles, leaving owners at risk of repeated engine failures. I am submitting this complaint to document the repeat failure, as it poses a risk to safe operation and may affect other vehicles on the road. I can provide repair records, photos, and video evidence upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2025
The shift cable bushing on my 2015 Ford Escape failed, causing the gear shifter to appear in "Park" when the transmission was actually in a different gear. This posed a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could roll unexpectedly. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by a certified Ford dealership. They stated the failure was due to a coolant hose leak affecting the bushing, but this seems questionable since this exact bushing has been recalled previously for premature degradation (Ford recalls 18S20 and 22S25). I experienced the same symptoms reported in the recall: gear position not matching the shifter, difficulty engaging Park, and the potential for the car to roll. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. I had to pay for the repair out of pocket, even though this appears to be the same defect covered in the recall. The part is no longer available for inspection, as it was replaced during the repair.
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2025
As soon as I put my car in reverse the camera goes upside down or black.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2025
Back up quit working.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2025
Sunroof will not close and every time it rains it leaks so much to the point that it’s going to cause more electrical issues. I will not take this back to the Randy Marion dealership in west Jefferson NC they also sold me this car with a bad transmission which ended back up in the shop for 3 plus months. They were completely incompetent about handling the situation. So I will not go back to them. Also they sold this cat with seatbelts that are so lose if I were to have a wreck I would probably go through the windshield. They didn’t want to repair that without me handling the bill.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2025
When hitting the brakes the car starts accelerating brakes go to the floor
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2025
While driving the vehicle started acting like it was out of gas and the transmission light came on and the car wouldn’t go or crank back up
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2025
The transmission although it was well maintained it failed. Began to shutter the car and no acceleration which meant it was basically undrivable considering how unreliable these transmissions are I’m not surprised it stopped working
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2025
My TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL.. HOW'S A VEHICLE MADE WITH "NO DIP STICK" AND MY "ONLY GOES TO A FORD CAR SERVICE CENTER..
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2025
Catastrophic Hood Latch Assembly breakage. Assembly came off car. The Hood then flew back onto windshield completely destroying it. Safety Latch was also detached. Hood latch Assembly was on top of motor after car was stopped. There were no warnings lamps, messages or any other symptoms of this problem prior to failure. The car has not been inspected by anyone yet, but there are photos showing the damage and the parts are also available for inspection. Safety concerns: Hood coming back on to windshield due to this parts failure could cause catastrophic injuries or death especially at interstate speeds.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2025
Back Up Camera, I have reported it before several times and was given a #OD11583257 it's been over 6-9 months and still have heard back absolutely nothing from anyone and was told someone would contact me, it's very dangerous and have had many close calls. When I told the Ford location that I bought it, they told me there were other 2015 Ford Escapes that had been recalled with the same problem but my VIN number was NOT one of them, I don't understand and would like to have it fixed - so how do I go about that.. I would appreciate and response this has gone on too long without any communication, the Car Pro Jerry told me to continue to reaching out to you it is a malfunction and should be repair. Thank you for your immediate attention in this matter. [XXX] and [XXX] - email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2025
I have a problem with paint fading on the top of my vehicle of which I called Ford Motor Company and they referred me to contact NHTSA. I believe this is a Ford problem to work with me about this issue. The fading out is in pattern which is very unusual. I have had two other Ford vehicles longer than this one and more mileage and did have any problems with paint. Ford is claiming that I had five years to report this; however this started a few months ago. I will appreciate any assistance or guidance that you can offer me with this issue. Ford also stated that this was not a recall issue. Whether or not this paint was not a recall list or not it does indicate that the paint is defective from the factory.. Again, I welcome any suggestions or guidance with this matter. The attached pictures shows a portion of the top of the roof on the vehicle, the entire roof is defective from front to back and is in a pattern. tThanks
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2025
The transmission went out on the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2025
I was stopped at a stop light and when it turned green and I stepped on the gas the engin reved up but the car would not move. I looked down to see if the gear shift had been moved and when I saw it had not I stepped on the gas again and this time slowly moved and then jerked to a stop. I stepped on the gas again and it started rolling and the spead up so that it peeled out and then jerked to a stop again. I was right by a Les Swab and very slowly was able to pull into their parking lot. I had just had my breaks done and thought maybe something went wrong with them. They checked and said it was the transmission. I was afraid to try to drive it so I towed it home. After seeing other Ford Escape transmissions haveing issues and being recalled I wanted to report this. It sounds just like the complaints that are listed for the recalled transmissions. After checking with a local transmission shop they told me they had replaced 3 of these transmissions in the last month. So I know a lot of people do not look into this kind of stuff but I want someone to know this was very scary for me and if there had been another car close to me there could have been a accident.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2024
Vehicle was inspected by third party shop and a Ford Dealership. Both indicated that this is a manufacturer error and should be considered a recall. Lots of different Ford models have experienced this manufacturing error and this issue was considered a recall. This includes: 2015-2018 Ford Edge 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ 2017-2019 Escape 2017-2019 MKC My 2015 Ford Escape is built incredibly similar or the exact same as these other models and since it is experiencing the same issue as these other models, the recall should extend to mine and be covered under Ford as a recall. Error: Presence of coolant in the engine cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition (with or without an illuminated MIL) 2.0L EcoBoost engine Error Code: P0217 TBS: 22-2229
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2024
Climate Control Housing is broken. Air will not come out of the face vents. This caused me to overheat because the AC could not cool me off while driving. Even with AC coming out of the feet and defrost vents, it was not able to cool my car off enough to be a comfortable temperature. A dealer and an auto shop both said this is a known issue.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
The vehicle with this VIN was blocking access to a federal building on 7/30/24, DURING BUSINESS HOURS, and I have photographic proof with a date and time stamp.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2024
Car goes into reverse, electrical issues
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2024
Ford has not fixed the recall or offered a solution resulting in our car's transmission shift cable breaking while my wife was driving, resulting in her being STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET blocking traffic. The car was stuck in the middle of the street blocking traffic and buses for about an hour until a tow truck could come. We could not shift the vehicle out of park - the shifter moved freely forward and back, while depressing the shift button, but without *actually* shifting to neutral, drive, or reverse. We could not move the car at all, despite pushing or trying to shift it. This occurred in front of our home on Friday, April 19th, 2024. A tow truck towed the vehicle to our local repair shop where they identified the broken transmission shift cable and repaired it which we paid out of pocket. This could have occurred anywhere or in a dangerous intersection with the potential to cause harm to her, others, or any of her passengers like our infant son. I was notified of this recall in 2022 by a Ford dealership and have yet to see a resolution. My concern is now that the replacement Ford transmission shift cable will exhibit the same problem as before unless they make a better cable or mechanism! This also cost us over 5 hours of labor equaling $546 + parts, which we should not have to pay for. Ford should cover this cost completely and give us a reliable transmission shift cable.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2024
The Sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving home. Upon further inspection, it looked like the glass was becoming separated from the frame as well.
Other or unspecified, Power train, Mar 8, 2024
I drove at 60 MPH during rush hour on a very crowded highway. I tried to accelerate, but I was losing speed. My RPM was working, but I was not accelerating. I took my foot off the accelerator and tried again, and then the car accelerated briefly (without continuous pressure--it accelerated without me--- and again lost power. I had nowhere to stop. I got off at a ramp one mile away, coasting at 17 MPH. The "Transmission Fault" warning appeared as we entered a gas station. $190.00 tow bill. Our mechanic of 18 years diagnosed total transmission failure. My car has been well cared for, with recommended check-ups/oil changes. There were zero warning signs of trouble. The mechanic recommended this car be evaluated by a Ford dealership. The approximate cost from the Ford dealership is $6000.00. This was a VERY very dangerous situation with children in the car in rush hour traffic on a highway. I have 91,163 miles on the car with a total transmission failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 10, 2024
vehicle "slips" with acceleration and antifreeze is leaking in engine block which is a documented recurrent issue with ecoboost engine. I am fearful for safety as noted fire hazard which has been stated in past and is documented as part of lawsuit for same engine in Canada/US. Additionally the noted loss of acceleration has me afraid to use on highway as can see this leading to accident (noted that other cars drive around vehicle when forced to use on side streets. I brought to ford dealership o/a March 2023 (Sedano Ford, La Mesa CA) and they quoted over 10k to fix the safety issue and stated Ford will not do anything to assist when I stated that thought should be fixed as safety issue and latent defect that known by manufacturer when under warranty and pretty sure before bought vehicle . As this is latent defect, belief is that ford should fix vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate and reliable as would not have bought vehicle if known of issues . Additionally called Ford customer service dept. to see if would assist with issue o/a Aug 2023 which informed that issue was not covered and no record of issue... PLEASE FIX MY VEHICLE TO ENSURE SAFE TRANSPORTATION The contact stated that antifreeze is leaking into cylinder 3 and after dealership checked the vehicle they confirmed that more than just spark plug needed to be replaced.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2023
Transmission failure without warning leaving me stranded on a busy off ramp. Very dangerous situation state police had me towed costing me 430.00. Dealership determined the car needed a new transmission. Vehicle has been repaired.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2023, crash
While my family and I were returning from lunch and pulling into a parking space at my moms apartment complex, my 2015 Ford escape SE eco-boost, had a sudden unintentional acceleration where it basically accelerated forward and we hit a building. During this, the brakes were unresponsive, and there was building and vehicle damage. Luckily, the post to the building prevented us from driving through the entire building. I have read several reports of the Ford escape experiencing this exact problem. We are lucky we were not killed. Ford has had no recalls for this very deadly issue.