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.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Sep 17, 2023
The back up camera started appearing upside down at times or black. Then it was constant upside down for a couple weeks so we were co sidering flupping tje camera but it switched to a normal view for about a week or 2 and now it is usually upside down. This can be a safety issue. It's hard to not look at a camera that you're used to using and it's right in front of you. I know other models were re alled so this should also be recalled. I called the dealer and they said they would fix it for around $900 so it's not fixed
Steering, Sep 13, 2023, crash
Electric power steering intermittently loses communication with module. It's very dangerous. Just driving straight down the road or making a turn it cuts out and it's like a ghost grabs the wheels and jerks you off the road or into oncoming traffic. I've hit guardrails and many curbs, luckily no oncoming traffic. This should be a serious recall if I've ever seen one. One of the most dangerous malfunctions I've ever experienced and I'm a technician.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Coolant is leaking to a cylinder. They said is a know issue due to overheating in other vehicles with the same engine, but ford hasn't extended the recall to this model
Power train, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound, and the gear shifter was difficult to operate. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,503.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was very hesitant while accelerating. The contact smelled of fumes inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the thermostat was reading high. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was with the spark plug in cylinder #3. The spark plug was replaced; however, the failure recurred the following day. 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 unknown.
Power train, Aug 26, 2023
We were driving our Ford Escape when the RPMs shot up, and our car would no longer accelerate. The transmission is whirring, and we are unable to operate the vehicle safely. It keeps losing the ability to accelerate and move forward. This comes only a year or so after we had the recall for the bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission.
Power train, Aug 25, 2023
After transmission shifter cable brushing repair I Received a transmission error warning on my car . Car is now going in reverse while in driving almost got into car accident with my kids in car. I believe there is a transmission problem with these model vehicle. Local shop unable to diagnose properly. Unable to drive.
Back over prevention, Aug 24, 2023
The rearview backup camera is glitching and at times shows blank screen. Not being able to reliably used the rearview backup camera can cause injury and/or death. the vehicle has not been checked as of this time. During an intermittent disabling time, the screen showed a message to take to dealership for service.
Power train, Aug 20, 2023
The vehicle started and appeared to be working properly. Without warning, the message center displayed a message indicating that the automatic transmission had failed and advising the driver to pull over. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine to rev past 3000 RPM but did not cause the vehicle to move. After the engine had been shut off for a few minutes, the vehicle could be restarted but would only move a short distance before the transmission once again failed to engage. The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer on a flatbed. The service department's inspection revealed that the torque converter had failed catastrophically and distributed metal shavings through the entire transmission hydraulic system. The service advisor noted that the transmission filter was clogged with metal fragments from the torque converter. She suggested that turning the engine off allowed enough fragments to drop out of the filter so that a small amount of fluid could get through -- enough to move the vehicle a very short distance before the problem repeated. The recommended repair is to replace the transmission and torque converter with remanufactured parts, flush the cooler and lines, install a new thermal switch, and fill the system with fresh fluid. The vehicle, with the defective transmission installed, is at the dealer awaiting parts. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance carrier; the only inspection was performed by dealer personnel as part of the trouble diagnosis. If this sudden failure had occurred on a freeway or major surface street instead of a side street with light traffic, it would probably have triggered a rear-end collision involving the Ford Escape and one or more vehicles behind it when the Escape abruptly lost drive and coasted down. The potential for injury in such an accident should be self-evident.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Wheels, Aug 17, 2023
After purchasing suv the back seatbelt buckle popped while holding carseat. Second incident while driving car shut off and radio made a popping noise electrical issues stored happening Radio went out electrical functions won’t stay positioned back camera is blinking on an off upside down
Back over prevention, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera screen was blue. Occasionally, the “Camera not Available” message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023, crash
While putting the vehicle in park, the vehicle continued to roll and accelerate in an unintended direction, forward. This caused the vehicle to crash into and through a house, causing around $15,000 worth of damage. The vehicle remained difficult to control for the driver.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2023
My transmission is slipping and won’t change gears consistently.I bought it in for recall work but it seems like the issue wasn’t fixed 2015 Ford escape
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle was started but hesitated, made an abnormal sound, and then stalled. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook abnormally and lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the canister purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2023
When driving on the freeway The car all of the sudden stop indicating TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK. It had a recall 22S43/NTHSA22V413 and suppose Ford fix it but its doing it again. On July 7, 2023 [XXX] told me to take it back but as of July 25, 2023 still have not been fixed. The past 3 days i been calling [XXX] but he does not answer my calls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The consumer stated that they are scared the vehicle will stop in the middle of the freeway again.
Steering, Jul 22, 2023
“steering assist fault". The steering wheel basically locks up and is more difficult than typical power steering loss. My pregnant wife was driving on the road around 55 mph and got the “steering assist fault” in the middle of a busy highway. She couldn’t pull over immediately due to steering being hard to use. Issue happened randomly about 6 months ago and happened again twice in 3 weeks. Car is schedule to get assessed by dealership. No warning signs before or after. Issue gets temporarily resolved by turning off the vehicle and turning it back on
Power train, Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an unusual grinding sound and stopped the vehicle and shifted into park(P); however, when he attempted to shift back into drive(D), the gear shifter was inoperable. The driver was only able to shift into reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
TRANSMISSION FAULT on 4/17/23 i took my car for a check engine light/ I got the recall notice few days later. I took my car back to ford Wilson motor company and they stated that they had done the recall on 4/17 I did not notify them or anything they refused to service my car. forward few months later. No light or noise my car gets a transmission fault i called ford and they said they did fixe it but now i have car they refused to service.
Power train, Jul 15, 2023
Transmission Converter Torque. I have had the car 7 months and had nothing but issues with this used car. However, since the first day of having, there was a hesitation and sputtering which I was told was due to the fuel line. The dealer fixed that but than washed there hands of us. After, It kept shuddering so I took it back to a mechanic and was told the above. After reading the reviews, this should be recalled immediately and is dangerous to drive on and can cause a serious accident or injury for anyone in the car.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle shuddered significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taking to the service station, where an independent mechanic replaced the sparks plugs. The contact stated while reversing out of the service station, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while reversing and while attempting to drive from a complete stop. The contact stated that she would quickly depress the accelerator pedal after shifting into drive(D) or reverse(R) to prevent the vehicle from shutting off. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring increasingly more. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2023, fire
While driving my vehicle went into limp mode and then caught on fire.
Wheels, Jul 11, 2023
On July 06, 2023, I took my wife's Ford Escape to Dick Masheter Ford for an oil change and tire rotation. It is the dealership that we bought the car new. The car is a 2015 and has only 44000 miles on it. The technician came over to the service representative so I knew there was a problem. They informed me that the wheel lug nuts had swollen and the parts department didn't have any lug nuts in stock. I would have to go somewhere else to get them replaced. I did some research on the internet and found out that my problem is not new to Ford. I have bought Ford cars for my wife and me for the last twenty years and I feel Ford should offer help on my wife's car. If not replace the lug nuts then assist in changing them out when I rotate the tires again.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2023
Update to previous report filed Report No. 11521661. Another class action lawsuit filed on this same issue alleging FORD's knowledge of this issue and lack of response. Is the NHTSA going to act? This is dangerous. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2023/ford-canada-lawsuit-ecoboost-engines-leak-coolant.shtml
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2023
I was driving when the car turned off and the display said Transmission is not in park. The car would not turn on until the engine cooled down, I took it to mechanics and they could not figure out why it was turning off. The battery, alternator and started all tested fine. I do not know what happened.