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.
Visibility, Apr 10, 2025
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle, he observed what appeared to be thousands of bubbles forming on the front windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 72,000.
Power train, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that her mother smelled an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Mar 26, 2025
The door panel falls off the door very easily and then becomes stuck. The door cannot open due to the panel catching on the floor of the car. This is dangerous to have a door that does not work. I brought my car to Ford to get this fixed and after having my car for 6 days, the next time I drove on the freeway it fell off again and has the same problem. I've seen multiple reports of this
Steering, Mar 20, 2025
rack & pinion, and power steering assist fault. I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue I recently encountered with my 2015 Ford Escape. I am deeply concerned about the lack of response and accountability from Ford regarding this matter, and I kindly request your assistance in addressing this potentially life-threatening problem. During a recent incident, my vehicle's power steering suddenly failed, rendering the car extremely difficult to maneuver. The lack of power steering made it nearly impossible for me to maintain a straight line, let alone perform any evasive maneuvers to avoid potential hazards on the road. Fortunately, this incident occurred in a drive-thru, and my children were not present in the vehicle at the time. I dread to think of the consequences if this failure had happened while driving at higher speeds or in a more critical situation. Upon taking my car to the Ford dealership for inspection and repair, I was shocked to learn that the power steering issue is not covered under my warranty. The dealership informed me that because my vehicle has exceeded 60,000 miles and is now over four years old, it falls outside the warranty coverage. I find it deeply troubling that Ford refuses to acknowledge the obvious flaw in the design of the car's power steering system, especially when comparable Ford models such as the 2011-2013 Fusion have been recalled for the exact same issue. As a loyal Ford customer, I implore you to thoroughly investigate and address this widespread problem, not only for my own sake but also for the safety and well-being of countless other Ford owners who may be facing similar risks. This dangerous design flaw poses a significant threat to drivers and their passengers, and it is utterly irresponsible for Ford to shirk responsibility and shift the financial burden onto the customers.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
After getting gas in car wife started car and attempted to pull from gas pump. Steering was hard to steer and information light illuminated.(Steering assist fault Service required). This by some may not be considered a safety issue, but if it happens in heavy traffic this could be very serious to other drivers around you. Reading all the reports and seeing the other model years ford has recalled for steering. I believe that ford should issue a recall or at least reimburse owners for the cost of replacement.
Power train, Mar 14, 2025
transmission failure at 132K miles
Power train, Engine, Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, while driving or while reversing from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle temporarily responded as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle then jerked, lost motive power, and failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. The malfunction warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Passenger Air Bag Off" was displayed while the front passenger's seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred while her son was test-driving the vehicle. The contact's son was able to check the transmission fluid level and confirmed that no issue was found. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 11, 2025
The problems on my 2015 Ford Escape are related to the last recall, NHTSA Recall 22V413/Safety Recall Notice 22S43. On 02/21/2025, I had stopped by a Traffic Stop Light Signal. When I tried to proceed after the lights turned green, my car would not move forward and would behave like it was in Neutral mode making a lot of noise. I called Ford Motor Company and asked for remedy, and I was told the previous recall has already expired and that there is nothing that they can do now. I got my car towed to a Ford Dealership and they have sent me a cost estimate of over $8,000.00 to get the issue fixed. I am wondering if NHTSA can make Ford Motor Company do the necessary repairs on my Ford Escape, since this problem is related to the last recall. Thank you.
Engine, Feb 28, 2025
Good morning Ford motor corporation headquarters as well as my advisor They are located at AutoNation Ford Torrance California this is with the 2015 escape eco-boost that should be on your lot. Anyway I took your advice and followed your directions and made contact with Ford motor corporation they do have some sort of a file on my situation which is the same as all of the other recalled cars with dangerous and faulty motors and should be part of this recall for Engine replacement or another source of compensation or transportation that I am entitled to for this issue with my representative that I spoke to at Ford Motor Co. Recall acknowledges the situation and Well move ahead with my case But my issue with my defective dangerous faulty engine is no different then the other engines. they are all defective and dangerous and unsafe to the driver and family’s and other motorist on the road as well as the general public and the representative I was speaking with that was handling Or try to start a claim she agreed as well as started to advance my claim or case to a higher source of authority this is a follow up for you from me and Ford motor Corp. At this point I cannot get any more information because I do not have the resources that AutoNation Ford has. in regards to And for numbers and emails and contact information at Ford motor corporation it is supposed to be handled from what I understand between Ford motor corporation and AutoNation Ford dealership where my car is located and has been sitting for 9 months now. I ask you kindly can you please use your sources and communicate with them as well as my self you have better access than I do and please ask ford motor Corporation what is going on as well as any other person that is involved in my case it would be gratefully appreciated thank you in advance you may reach me at my email thank you for your cooperation and your support. Thank you kindly for your assistance. Sincerely Customer.
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
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the contact had repeatedly taken the vehicle back to the dealer and received the same information. The contact stated the transmission eventually failed and the transmission was replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2025
The transmission went out on the vehicle.
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??
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
The engine in my 2015 Ford Escape failed due to coolant intrusion leading to the long block and coolant system needing to be replaced. The problem was diagnosed by the Ford service technician and Ford service advisor when it was taken in for service after the heating system stopped working, the car started lurching when driven, and then the engine light turned on. If I had not taken my Escape in immediately, it was at risk of catching fire. The coolant had completely emptied into the engine and had corroded a spark plug to the point that it was stuck in the engine.
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, Jan 29, 2025
Leaking coolant overheat the engine. It was unexpected and left us stranded since the car could not be driven once it overheated. Got coolant and fill it in, so was able to drive back home. But the leak is so severe I had to park my car in my garage and stop using it.
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, Jan 24, 2025
Coolant intrusion on the engine block which is causing misfires. Issue was confirmed by an independent service center.
Power train, Jan 10, 2025
While driving my 2015 Ford Escape at a speed of 35MPG and stopped at a stop sign, proceeded to turn left and car would not move. It seems to coast backward as if transmission was in neutral. I coasted back into a parking lot and turned off vehicle. I then restarted it and it started just fine with no warning lights. I then tried to put into gear and the RPMs went up and still felt like it was in neutral. I then had it towed to a mechanic and was told that it was a total transmission failure. 5500.00 to have repair. More than what the car's book value it. I have not reported to manufacturer but that is my next step.
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.
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
Engine, Dec 28, 2024
The engine failed at 96,000 miles and we had it replaced with a new engine. Then at 131,000 miles the dealer stated that the engine has failed again and needs to be replaced because there is some delaminating happening in the engine. The 1.6L ecoboost engine is known for early failure. The new engine is only 3 months out of warranty and Ford will do nothing to assist in the engine replacement.