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, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) was previously performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that upon locking the vehicle with the key fob, the horn engaged as confirmation that the vehicle was locked securely. However, after his daughter became aware that someone had broken into the vehicle, she discovered that the vehicle could be opened by pulling the door handle after it had been locked with the key fob. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door latch and lock assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear back up camera failed to operate as needed with a blank on the display screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was then notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000 (Electrical System); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to provide sufficient illumination. Additionally, while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed there were small cracks on the headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 92,400.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving for approximately 20 minutes, the vehicle was parked the key was removed from the ignition, but it sounded as if the engine was still running. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine started revving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be turned off for 10-minutes. The vehicle was able to be restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine was overheating with the coolant temperature warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the radiator fans were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving 20 MPH. A message advising to pull over was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and remained there until the vehicle cooled down. The contact then drove to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the engine block. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer, who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2023, fire
My car caught on fire While it was parked. I contacted ford ford had no knowledge of fires in the car. Come to find out. It's all over the internet that there are fires in the ecoboost fuel system. They are refusing to fix the car. I am disabled and I feel like they are taking advantage of me because of that. I had an extended warranty even at the same time which obviously meant nothing. This is a great injustice and I really really really really really need help. I have tried everywhere. Please help me.
Engine, Mar 16, 2023
Vehicle stalled while on the highway at 60+ MPH, no warning, almost no brakes, or steering, almost got into an accident, emergency pulled over on the side of the road, started back up, this issue has occurred two times in the last couple moths. Also after fueling, vehicle idles hard and stalls a couple times, starts back up and runs normal.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2023
2015 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-22.
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle she became aware that the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact who is an amputee and physically disabled stated that she needed all the instrument cluster gauges to be operable in the event of an emergency because she had no phone service or ability to reach Emergency Services. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the APIM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online a related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20- 2255 (Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH uphill, the RPM revved up and dropped. The vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPMs revved to approximately 4,000-5,000 RPM and the vehicle hesitated to respond while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle was not shifting properly. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, Tigard Transmission Center, where the transmission was replaced at the contact’s expense. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the instrument panel had gone blank. The contact stated that due to the failure, the tachometer, speedometer, tire pressure, and check engine warning light features were made inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 30 MPH and merging onto the highway, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Power train, Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the transmission was slipping. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be serviced under the recall. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was then informed the vehicle could not be returned and was inoperable. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 98,400.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Power train, Feb 25, 2023
Tried to pass a car going around 55 or 60 got into the other lane to try to go around and car wouldn’t accelerate. When you hit the gas the rpm’s jump up and drop and repeat. Had to slam on brakes and get on side of road and turn the car off and sit there for a little while until it would crank and drive again.
Power train, Feb 21, 2023
The transmission failed instantly with no warning after the vehicle showed no issues on a diagnostic test 3 weeks previous to the transmission failure. In addition, a recall part issues from Ford was replaced that directly attached to the transmission at the service appointment 3 weeks prior. The transmission failure, stopping the car's movement on the spot, happened without warning while in traffic putting myself and other drivers in my immediate vicinity at risk. The dealer confirmed that the transmission failed and would need to be replaced. Ford is currently defending litigation in a class action lawsuit which quotes 1.7 million Ford Escapes have faulty cable bushing, the same part that was replaced on my car at the service appointment 3 weeks prior to the incident. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2023
Rack and pinion went out at 66,000 miles. I have send reviews on this make and model that this is a problem. I have talked to multiple mechanics who have adv this is an electric problem in these cars and with different years.
Back over prevention, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back-over prevention camera image became distorted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 35,727.
Power train, Feb 10, 2023
I received Safety Recall Notice 22S43/ NHTSA Recall 22V413 from Ford in October 2022. I called my local Ford Dealer West Hills Ford in Bremerton WA to schedule the recall service soon after. They told me they were too busy to do the service, and said they would call back. They never did. Today, my car will not shift out of park and I was in a busy parking lot. Once turned off, it will not start again. I called West Hills Ford to schedule the service today and was told they don't have the part and can't do the recall service.
Power train, Engine, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine, head gasket, and engine block needed to be replaced; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The contact was not made aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Feb 1, 2023
I bought my car at in 2015 brand new , it’s currently undriveable due to it being diagnosed with full transmission failure. My car has had a recall on it for 3 years and was advised not to take it in due to unavailability of parts (transmission related recall) due to unavailability of recalled parts the condition has degraded the transmission to the point of complete failure. In the ford dealership there are 108 of these same transmissions on back order, clearly there’s an issue with them. The assistance that they advised of is expediting the transmission getting to the dealership which honestly seems like a slap in the face, this isn’t an issue that I should be having with a 7 year old car. I should be enjoying the fact that it was paid off, not frantically looking to buy a new car. This isn’t my fault and I shouldn’t be financially responsible for inferior parts. Ford dealership will tell me that I have full transmission failure they would never admit it was due to unavailability of parts or an inferior problem of having an small eco boost engine that pumps air and oil into the transmission
Back over prevention, Jan 30, 2023
My back up camera started messing up and now when put my suv in reverse I can see the tag and a little bit of pavement and that’s it
Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera was blank. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the doors intermittently failed to unlock, and the vehicle failed to recognize the fob key. The contact used the spare key to start the vehicle to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V41300 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 108,628.
Steering, Jan 25, 2023
The car has on multiple occasions suddenly reported a "steering assist fault". When this happens you lose power steering. The steering wheel basically locks up and is more difficult than typical power steering loss. This is not the same as a typical power steering loss where you need more strength to turn the wheel, in this case you lose all control. This has happened while driving, which could result in a serious accident and injury to me and my children. It is only resolved by turning the car off and back on. The problem has not yet been checked or inspected by dealer or service center, we are in process of having it checked out after finding no safety recall despite the 2011 Ford Escape having a recall for the same issue and numerous online complaints for 2015 (and other years) having the same issue with electrical steering assist. This has happened multiple times, both when starting the vehicle and while driving.