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
1,102 reports, newest first.
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
Engine, May 27, 2025
Engine overheated. Coolant Bypass Valve needs replacement, which is known issue in this model for various years and only one year (2014) was identified for recall, although it has been a common problem for many Ford Escapes model years after 2010. Thermostat assembly, check engine light, and overheating are issues that arose due to the faulty coolant bypass valve. A possible outcome is engine fire, as indicated by information from the manufacturer.
Power train, May 21, 2025
On 14 May 2025 at approximately 11:45 am I went to drive my Ford Escape to Metro Ford for routine engine service. I started the Ford and proceeded to drive away. A few minutes later as I was driving down a two lane major highway I began to accelerate the Ford when I noticed RPMs going up but transmission was not engaged. I shifted into neutral and back to drive. Still nothing. I tried using manual shift buttons, nothing. I was on a busy high speed road and could not accelerate. I had enough momentum to pull off on a driveway area. I tried shifting ford into park and drive and when going to drive nothing happened. I turned the car off. Waited a few minutes and the Ford finally engaged into reverse. I was able to get back to my house by getting enough momentum to coast down to my driveway. The transmission completely stopped working. This is a serious failure that I had no indication it was failing. Had my niece or her kids was in the car they could have been injured due to the vehicle stalling on a major road or in an intersection or even in a train track. So many potential life threatening possibilities. I towed the Ford to Metro Ford. Ford only quoted me options for repair. I advised them if they had no other concerns then I would report the extremely dangerous situation that should have already been recalled. Ford metro noted they pulled transmission fluid and determined there transmission is bad. I had no warning from the computer this was a potential failure. I could have been killed had I not been able to figure out how to get out of the road. This transmission failure, according to Ford is common. If so, it’s a safety hazard. I am parking the Ford and I’m willing to let anyone inspect it so they can see the failure prior to any repairs. I maintain the Ford and rely on it. I want all Ford Escape owners to know this Hazardous safety issue. Someone is going to get killed if not already has been.
Engine, May 12, 2025
Unknown, got this year model because ford supposedly fixed the head gasket issue in the 2015 model. 70k miles i bought used. Within a month a ton of white smoke started comming out of the exhaust on startup and car if driving for over 25 minutes will shake and shut off until I wait an hour it will start again with the white smoke. Reader says coolent bypass sensor as the only code. I changed it twice and nothing is fixed so I doubt that is it. Probably headgasket like all the other ford escape owners and ford doesn't seem to care.
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
Power train, Engine, May 8, 2025
TWO THINGS: Transmission failed, as it frequently does, in this car at around 90K. Shop said it's a known flaw and Ford said sorry, despite having pointed related issues out to our dealer several times. Replaced at tranny shop to the tune of $7K+. Less than a year later, the engine failed due to known structural flaw with cylinders where coolant intrudes. Engine completely shot - dealer said sorry pay us $13K to replace it. Both these things have been parts of class-action lawsuits. Please remedy. Thank you.
Power train, May 8, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Power train, May 7, 2025
Transmission failed with only 76,000 miles on the car. My wife's safety was at risk due to being on a busy highway on a hill and being unable to accelerate away from danger. Transmission fault light came on the dash.
Power train, May 7, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed in 2018 whilst it was still under warranty and a local Ford dealer fixed it under warranty. In 2023 the trans totally failed. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on an expressway at the time it happened which was terrifying but also put me, my passenger, and other drivers at risk as I tried to pull it over to the side. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was confirmed by the warning message displayed on my vehicle's screen. It was confirmed by Roy O'Brien Ford in 2018, Shores Care Care Center in 2018 & 2023. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No; the failure came totally out of the blue. The first warning indicator displayed after the transmission totally failed.
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
Steering, May 5, 2025
The contact’s wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while idling or while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose and there was no resistance while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, May 3, 2025
Vehicle Information Make: Ford Model: Escape Model Year: 2015 Component: Power Train (Transmission) Date of Incident (approximate): 2021 (first signs) — Ongoing I purchased my 2015 Ford Escape new in 2015. Around 2021, I began experiencing intermittent stalling issues. If I ran errands and made multiple short trips, the vehicle would sometimes stall after restarting, especially on the second or third trip. If I allowed the car to rest between trips, the problem would occasionally not occur. I reported the issue to Briarwood Ford multiple times. Each time, they told me they couldn't replicate the problem and, since the check engine light wasn’t on, there was "no issue." Eventually, the check engine light did activate. Briarwood Ford then replaced an airflow valve, kept the car for a few days, but again said they couldn’t replicate the stalling. Shortly after that, following a standard oil change, the transmission failed completely. I contacted several dealerships before having the vehicle towed to Hillsdale Ford. They took approximately four weeks to replace the transmission, which cost me $7,000 out of pocket. Even after the transmission replacement, the car continued to drive poorly. It began accelerating inconsistently, sometimes surging or hesitating, and I noticed a burning smell. I informed the dealer, and they said there was a recall involving a brushless component, which they replaced. However, they said they couldn't detect any burning odor. Now, three years later, the vehicle still doesn’t accelerate smoothly. It’s overly sensitive to throttle input and sometimes seems to hesitate or get stuck when trying to accelerate. I am concerned that this ongoing issue is part of a larger safety problem related to the transmission or powertrain that Ford has not addressed properly
Power train, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who also determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Back over prevention, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that, while in reverse, the back-over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The back-up prevention camera alarm sounded off, and the safety system advised the driver to look out for objects in the rear of the vehicle, without the transmission being shifted into reverse. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a red light, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact shifted to neutral to keep the vehicle running. While in reverse, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was hot and was welded to an unstated object, and there was a leak coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and was driven 10-ft and stalled again. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
Overheated due to an internal coolant / antifreeze leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This is a known manufacturer's defect that has caused total engine failure and required replacement of the engine block. Mechanic quoted $13,000, more than the value of the car.
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..
Power train, Apr 23, 2025
The contacts daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was blue smoke coming from the tailpipe and the " Transmission Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle was steered the side of the road and restarted but failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a relatives residence where the vehicle remained for several hours. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The contact stated that two days later when his daughter started the vehicle and shifted to drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that his daughter shifted the gear shifter from drive(D) to park(P) several times before the vehicle accelerated as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a red light, the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission shop where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Power train, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact contacted the dealer; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was submitted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2025, crash
Older man pulled out in front of me, I t-boned his truck going 47 mph. His insurance totaled it. The airbags never deployed.
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.
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
My transmission is failing and needs replaced at only 81K miles. This is a closed transmission (no dipstick) to check fluid levels or quality. The owner’s manual states it doesn’t need transmission fluid replacement for 150K miles. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to the time I had the transmission checked. This could cause problems if the transmission fails completely while being driven.