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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2024
Coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire. The reason why the coolant is leaking into the chamber is because of a manufacturers defect. The engine block has impurities that eventually rusted away causing pinholes between the cylinder and coolant. This is a well known issue with mechanics. If someone has this issue and does not know the engine can seize or blow causing the engine to not work. If this happens while on a highway the potential for an accident goes way up. Please make Ford make this right. I have had this defect verified by a certified Ford dealership and two independent mechanics. This is a costly repair due to the entire engine being defective from the bad casting.
Seat belts, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to latch properly, and the contact had to pull the seat belt several times to securely latch the seat belt. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for additional assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Engine, Dec 10, 2024
The engine suffered a catastrophic failure on 11/26/2024 with coolant leaking into the engine producing a white noxious smoke from the exhaust, engine overheating, and engine misfires. The engine light did not appear. It was the smoke from the exhaust that alerted me to the issue. At the time of the engine overheat I was driving interstate 10 in Desert Center CA. It was apparent the coolant was leaking. There were no mechanic shops nearby. A good samaritan driver had coolant to add to my engine. I had the engine inspected by three separate mechanics, all identified the issue as a known defect in the 2.0l ford ecoboost engine. The engine failure occurred at approximately 73,500 miles, which I believe is premature given the vehicle's maintenance history and mileage.
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed while the liftgate was securely closed. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused the interior lights and the marker lights to remain illuminated upon parking the vehicle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2024
Malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve. There was a recall for the Ford Focus but not the Escape. We have an Escape in the same date range as the Focus recall and are having the same issue. Our Purge Valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
Steering, Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, and attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel was stiff and failed to move as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was advised to warm up the vehicle and after 15 mins the steering wheel should unlock. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the following day after the vehicle had warmed up for 25 minutes, the steering wheel unlocked; however, while accelerating, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,266.
Tires, Nov 29, 2024
All 4 tires the inside sidewall . Are coming apart like a split . The size is 235/45/19 Kelly edge . Have only a little over 27.000 thousand miles on them .
Wheels, Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The contact was informed by the dealer that the lug nuts were swollen, making it difficult to remove wheels from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had disconnected the call after multiple attempts to contact the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 26,470.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, when the accelerator pedal was depressed there was an abnormal sound and the vehicle independently shut down. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled. The failures occurred on several different occasions. The "Electrical Malfunction" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after waiting for an hour, the vehicle restarted. The failure occurred on several different occasions; the infotainment screen had to be reset whenever the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound whenever the vehicle was in reverse. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed or repaired; The contact stated that the independent mechanic gave a diagnosis stating that the water pump needed to be replaced and repaired the vehicle however, the contact was concerned that the failures that had occurred was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Nov 15, 2024
EVAC Canister in rear of vehicle fails. While driving, a noise can be heard from the rear section of the vehicle followed by a foul odor. Then, the vehicle dash board will light up ALL warning lights followed by a complete shut down while driving! The issue seems to take place after filling the gas tank. This dangerous situation has happened on numerous occasions and almost caused several accidents as a direct result. Many many other owners of this vehicle are reporting the same issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was then informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
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
Steering, Oct 28, 2024
Similar to other complaints, my son got in his 2015 Ford Escape this morning and the power steering was not working. It was very difficult to turn the wheel. When I went to check it out, I noticed a warning that there was a "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message. He drove it yesterday without no issue. We have seen this happen in the past sporadically but it always seemed to somehow fix itself. Sounds like there is an issue here that needs to be addressed by Ford.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM raised to high with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Oct 23, 2024
Head gasket is bad according to the mechanic.
Power train, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle became loosened. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further diagnostic testing. In addition, the contact stated that the front wheel bearings were previously replaced at the same local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2024
The contact called on behalf of their daughter who owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that their daughter attempted to start the vehicle while parked, the vehicle shuttered and stalled, and then proceeded to start back up again, upon noticing the abnormality the vehicle was no longer used. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder number two, and that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would leak coolant, and needed to be refilled consistently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a hole in the coolant tank was discovered and replaced the tank, however, the coolant continued to leak and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and advised that the Turbo engine eco boost failed and that the vehicle coolant was leaking into the engine. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Steering, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact did research and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2024
The vehicle has coolant leaking into the cylinders. The dealership shows that it was due to overheating but the vehicle has not overheated. The dealership states that the engine needs replacement but is unable to verify any damage in the cylinders. The vehicle was taken in due to misfiring and the vehicle dying upon starting after a short period of time being turned off.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder head, causing engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,300.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the driver observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, prompting him to refill the coolant reservoir. The following day the driver observed white smoke coming from the exhaust prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229. 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 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinder #1 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 26, 2024
We bought this car used from the Ford dealership in Ellensburg WA in 2021. It had 79k at the time. We performed a lot of maintenance on the vehicle; new tires, alignment, coolant flush, transmission flush, spark plugs, and updated the Synce software. Then the turbo failed about 5 months later. And we replaced the turbo with a brand new one at the same dealership for 5k. Then we replaced the coolant system. We performed all the recalls as they came in, regarding the transmission shifter and something to do with a solenoid, and we never missed an oil change. In September 2024 the transmission failed and it needs a whole new one. There's a class action lawsuit in CA for the type of transmission in this year of Ford Escape, but it's only for CA residents. Too bad. It's been less than 3 years since we bought it, we've paid twice the price it's worth in repairs and on maintenance, and now it's junk. DON'T BUY AN ESCAPE!