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.
Air bags, Dec 6, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the front of the vehicle collided with two trees. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back, chest, and abdomen injuries and received medical attention. The vehcile was towed to a lot where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Fuel system, Other, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started losing motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel intake gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Steering, Nov 25, 2023
Steering rack needs to be replaced. It’s growling when I turn, and now that it’s below freezing in Maine, it’s locking up. It tries to lock up while I’m driving. It’s very dangerous, but the job is a 2-3K job. I’ve researched the issue, and this has happened with MANY Ford vehicles. See other links below: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] These are just a few of hundreds of articles reporting the same problem. This is clearly an issue with Ford’s steering racks and should be investigated as it’s extremely dangerous and shouldn’t be happening to so many people. I still owe 10K on this car and have already put thousands into it for repair. Something has got to give with this company making poorly made vehicles that are not built to last. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 24, 2023
Suddenly smoke billowed from the exhaust. No notification arose through the car's system. The shop tore it apart to find the problem. Said it was an eco boost failure, which also ruined the catalytic converter. A week and $5837 later, they said it was fixed. The next morning it billowed smoke from the exhaust. Took it back to the shop. They then said the problem was a ruined engine. The engine is backordered and will cost about $8000 to replace. The car's engine trouble system never came on despite the numerous codes that are associated with an eco boost failure and I'm sure countless other codes that should indicate an engine failure problem. I travel I-25 and US Highway 6 twice daily for work. If the engine had seized, since it had been damaged, that could have been disastrous for others and me. It is not that hard to alarm codes for safety reasons. Industry does it all the time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
I have been having issues with coolant loss for over a year now. After doing research online I'm seeing this is a really common problem for Escapes and other models built around the same time frame. I believe this issue is with Ford and they should be responsible to fix it, considering all the evidence supporting how common of an issue this is.
Steering, Nov 16, 2023
Steering randomly locks up and jerks to one side. I've had it checked twice and both places reported not finding any issues. Not showing any codes to repair it
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the horn could be faulty because it was made from plastic. The vehicle had been repaired three times however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to sputter with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated with a message to “Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that there was fluid leaking into cylinder #1 and that the cylinder and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the head gasket and short block were previously replaced due to fluid leaking into cylinder #3; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that shortly after having the vehicle serviced by the dealer, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the Eco boost engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not idle and began shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times and was restarted each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due a cracked cylinder and condensation leaking into the oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Nov 6, 2023
Was in the middle of driving and hit the accelerator and the car would not go anywhere. Mechanic/Ford dealership said it was the transmission, that the trans pump fluid wasn't pumping correctly and it caused the trans to fail. Had no warnings that anything was wrong. Needed an entirely new transmission then was charged for extra parts(nuts, bolts), in addition to the new transmission. Cost was $7336.47
Power train, Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud humming sound heard inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting abnormally. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 132,010.
Engine, Oct 29, 2023
There was not any wreck
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust system. Additionally, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the air intake hose, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who determined that there was coolant inside the engine cylinders and the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Back over prevention, Oct 26, 2023
Backup camera not working at times. Has been going for 3 years
Steering, Power train, Oct 2, 2023
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.
Power train, Sep 28, 2023
coolant leaking not the water pump or thermosat or heater hose it is coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 3
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2023
Transmission failure without warning leaving me stranded on a busy off ramp. Very dangerous situation state police had me towed costing me 430.00. Dealership determined the car needed a new transmission. Vehicle has been repaired.
Power train, Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Service Transmission" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to rev at a high RPM without the contact depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine was revving abnormally loud, and the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to diagnose the vehicle however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,031.
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2023
I was getting off I77 and went to push my brake pedal and it wouldn't move and i couldn't slow down. I had no warning lights come on. Thankfully i made it home. I checked for brake fluid and it was good
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2023, crash
While my family and I were returning from lunch and pulling into a parking space at my moms apartment complex, my 2015 Ford escape SE eco-boost, had a sudden unintentional acceleration where it basically accelerated forward and we hit a building. During this, the brakes were unresponsive, and there was building and vehicle damage. Luckily, the post to the building prevented us from driving through the entire building. I have read several reports of the Ford escape experiencing this exact problem. We are lucky we were not killed. Ford has had no recalls for this very deadly issue.
Engine, Sep 21, 2023
Vehicle is burning thru coolant. Has to be topped off multiple times a week. Have had the to replace the coolant bypass valve twice.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the coolant was added, there was condensation underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.