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.
Power train, Engine, Sep 20, 2024
At 120k the transmission went bad. Dealership charged $7k to replace. We chose to replace because it was cheaper than buying a new vehicle. A few months after the transmission was repaired, we started losing a lot of coolant. The dreaded coolant leak through the head gasket into cylinder 2 is the diagnosis. Dealer, told us $12k for a new motor. This is not okay!!!
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2024
With no warning, car suddenly refused to start after parking it for a brief errand. Jump starting had no effect (battery was healthy and fully charged). Keys would switch instrument cluster on but cluster would go dark when key was turned to start position or when shifter release was pulled. After reviewing YouTube, other owners found that the 50A mega fuse connected to the fuel pump and BCM (yellow wire) would degrade to the point that its internal connection would become intermittent. This causes intermittent no-start condition and could result in the vehicle shutting off while being driven on the road. Rapping on the front panel of the battery box can temporarily reconnect the internal failure of the fuse and allow the car to start.
Power train, Air bags, Sep 3, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle died without warning. Due to the failure, the contact was left stranded in the middle of the highway. While the contact was on the phone with 911, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle from behind. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact sustained mental trauma due to the accident, but no physical injuries. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. No medical attention was rendered at the scene. No property damage was reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 3, 2024
My backup camera glitches and my APMI module has gone out, which was diagnosed by Ford. I’ve seen this is an issue with other Ford models as well, however there are no active recalls for my VIN. The Airbag light is also on.
Engine, Aug 30, 2024
Coolant has leaked into the engine and the whole engine needs to be replaced
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with spark plug failure. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder and engine failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unstated recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Aug 15, 2024
THE CAR KEPT OVERHEATING AFTER i PURCHASED IT EARLIER THIS YEAR. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND THE INSURANCE i ADDED ON COVERED MOST OF IT FOR A USED MOTOR TO BE INSTALLED. THE DEALER NEVER FIXED THE RECALL ON THE LOCKS WHICH THE DOORS OPENED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP. IF MY GRANDKID OR DOGS WERE IN THERE THEY COULD HAVE FELL OUT AND GOT HURT.
Engine, Aug 13, 2024
Coolant intrusion My car has the 2014 engine in it and has coolant leaking into the cylinder combustion chamber
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of the garage, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the “Steering Service Required” message was displayed. The contact stated turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering returned to normal operation. The contact stated that several days afterwards while exiting a parking space, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,841.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2024
I was driving this car down the road 50mph when the engine turned off. The dash board indicated no rpm, no warning lights and to shift the car into park. When I rolled safely to a stop, the engine would not crank over with the key and none of the dash board warning lights were on. The issue with this was the 50a BCM fuse #9 opened but did not blow. Wiggling the main wires by the battery caused the BCM to regain power and the car restarted. The fuse was replaced for the repair.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a white cloud of exhaust smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an excessive amount of exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, causing an engine misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact to keep the coolant reservoir filled with coolant to prevent complete engine failure until the vehicle was repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Power train, Aug 2, 2024
My daughter borrowed my car and experienced a loud rattling noise. We had it towed to our local shop who recommended bringing it to a Ford Dealership for the issue. We had it towed there and I was informed after they looked at it that we had a cracked flex plate. It horrifies what could have happened while she was in the car. There was a check engine light on, but that was not connected to this issue apparently because I had to pay an additional cost to get that fixed. I have never heard of a cracked flex plate but when I googled it I found Ford had several recalls for it, but not attached to my VIN
Steering, Jul 31, 2024
Two separate events - In parking lot, started the vehicle, backed out of the spot, pulled forward and received an alert regarding a power steering assist failed. The ability to control the car at slow speeds with regards to steering was extremely impacted. I could barely turn out of the way of traffic and pull back over into a safe area. I turned the car off then stared it back up and the error went away. The second event approx. a month later was while I was driving down a winding hill and the error error popped up on my screen again regarding the power assist failure. The even though i was traveling at 45 mph, the loss of steering assist about caused me to go off the road and down the embankment. I could have just as easily gone into incoming traffic. I was able to slow the car down significantly and put a lot of effort to get off the side of the road safely. Again, I turned the car off then back on and the problem was no longer present. Research on the internet shows this isn't an isolated event and has been reported by other owners of the same vehicle type. I will be taking the vehicle to the dealership for inspection but I'm confident they will not be able to re-create the issue since this has been a random event.
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.
Engine, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds up an incline, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, one of the rear doors unexpectedly unlatched while his son was sitting by the door. The contact stated that the rear door latches were not working as intended. The contact was able to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the road and close the door. A local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the latches were previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,817.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2024, fire
My Ford Escape ecoboost engine had a coolant leak. It gave no warning and suddenly stopped running in the middle of the road while I was driving. I opened the engine and there was a small piece of metal that looked like it was about to catch fire. I have visited the ford dealership multi times asking for them to repair car and fix any known issues and they ignored this well known problem with the 1.6 engines and racked up unrelated charges on unnecessary fixes (I believe) to get the most money out of me before catastrophic engine failure. If I had driven 100 yards or more I'm sure my engine would have completely caught fire.
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine light warning illuminated, and the vehicle started to shake and vibrate before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was later towed to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2024
Car goes into reverse, electrical issues
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
MY 2015 FORD ESCAPE SE HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT EXCEED 5 MPH. THE INTERSTATE WAS BUSY AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY 3 DIFFERENT VEHICLES SWERVING TO GO AROUND ME UNTIL I COULD FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND THEY CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR ESTIMATE $5000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Wheels, Jun 20, 2024
After getting a flat tire I could not get the lug nuts off by hand. They are aluminum and strip easily. Needed to call a tow truck with an air gun to get lug nuts off. Even with the air gun they strip. My mechanic says I now need 10 new lug nuts. That is after buying 8 about 2 years ago.