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.
Service brakes, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test and the mechanic stated that the muffler was bent, and that the vehicle needed new tires. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,055. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Jan 15, 2023
The engine light remains on, the error is a misfire in cylinder #3. The repair technician said there is coolant getting into the cylinder due to a leaking head gasket or cracked block. Contacted Ford and they said this is a common issue but my manufacture date is outside of the existing recall for this issue. The Ford service manager also said he see this often and hopefully the recall will be extended to other build dates as all the engines are the same and he is not surprised by problem. The solution is a engine replacement, about $9,000. The recall need to be expanded!!
Engine, Jan 15, 2023
Engine completly locked up while driving on 01/13/23 it is full of oil and didn't say it was getting hot. During acceleration it started making a whistling sound the day before now my vehicle is stalled leaving me stranded I bought this brand new from ford.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her employee was driving the company vehicle at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started overheating with white smoke coming from under the hood. The employee pulled over and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that the employee had not noticed any warning lights. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine and cracked the engine block. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a right turn at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the RPM’s revving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that she pulled over and turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the vehicle, the RPM’s increased, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the transmission was sealed, and the fluid levels could not be checked. The manufacturer was contacted and transferred the call to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Jan 6, 2023
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was notified that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and acknowledged being aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jan 3, 2023
The contact's grandmother owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 65,000.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating. This has caused a possible crack in the cylinder head. Lost power while driving on the freeway. The system is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my minor son was at risk. Warnings came on for overheating, check engine light, and safe mode put on while on the free way so could not accelerate.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
I was pulling out of our alleyway onto a main road when the vehicle seemed to have stalled in the middle of the road and the steering assist warning came on. Luckily the driver of the car that would have T-boned me was paying close attention and was able to stop in time. I suspect some drivers may not be so lucky. I have yet to contact Ford or any other mechanic about this as this was the first time that it's happened. I have read that there are recalls for a very similar if not same issue with 2014 Escapes and I believe the 2015 Lincoln. I've also seen in message boards online that this seems to be a very common problem with most modern Ford Escapes. Seems dangerous and that they should be forced to do a recall on most of their Escapes. The contact stated that the issue is that steering control module keeps shorting out. The contact stated that their local Ford dealership has refused to repair the vehicle.
Power train, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission bearing on the front driver's side axle was worn out and there was an unknown leak. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was a known failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2022
The Sync system in my vehicle no longer works properly. This makes me unable to connect my phone to the bluetooth and use my phone handsfree. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent center. I did however replace the fuse that powers the sync system and even disconnected my battery to perform a hard restart on the system and it still does not work. The sync first failed about 3 weeks ago.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 14, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that his daughter experienced a malfunction with the front passenger’s side door latch mechanism. The door failed to latch and close securely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that while the vehicle was idling or during start-up, he noticed a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to and independent mechanic; however, the mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer provided the number to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and 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 file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2022
The vehicle has completely shut off while driving on several occasions now. The first time it happened we had it towed and ended up replacing the battery. The 2nd time we put it back to park and restarted the vehicle and assumed it was just a fluke. It has happened 2 more times now within the last few weeks and it is a very serious concern. Mechanics have no idea what is happening or what's causing the issue. I have done some research and it seems this is a common issue with this vehicle. There needs to be a recall/fix for this problem as it could cause an accident and cost someone their life. We do not feel safe driving the vehicle anymore.
Engine, Dec 5, 2022
I took my escape to the dealer because of no heat on a Tuesday they filled the antifreeze because it was low I drove it on Thursday then on Friday I had to have it towed to the dealer because all of the antifreeze was on yhe ground I guess there's a problem with the eco boost escapes I believe it has the same problem
Engine, Nov 29, 2022
Check engine light came on. Low on coolant. 2 days later low on coolant again. Engine needs replaced at 101,000 miles after faithful regular maintenance. Have read multiple reports from other owners of this same problem. This should be a recall! So unfair to pay so much for a new car then have to pay again at such low mileage. Will definitely consider another brand at next purchase. And just now the dealership said they can't even get a new engine and a rebuilt one will be $2,000 more than a new one. I am just sick over this !! Ford needs to do better!!
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2022
Our 2015 Escape is having the same problem as the recall recently released for the 2020-23 models. We are getting terrible fuel smell inside the vehicle. Getting unsafe to drive.
Engine, Nov 19, 2022
While driving the vehicle, I received a notice on the dash screen stating that the engine was overheated and to pull over as soon as possible. I followed the instructions (within 30 seconds) and shut the engine off but before I could exit the vehicle, there was a large amount smoke/steam coming from the engine area and it had also gotten into the inside of the vehicle. I began coughing and had a hard time catching my breath. I exited the vehicle. Once I was able, I raised the hood and found that the coolant reservoir was empty. I went up to the local parts store and purchased some coolant and once the engine had cooled off, I added it to the coolant tank. The temperature gauge returned to normal and I was able to drive it to my mechanic's shop. Upon inspection, it was found that the engine head was cracked and warped as well as the engine block. I will need to replace thye engine.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2022
Car won’t start after filling with fuel
Power train, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle emitted an abnormal sound. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle then responded at a significantly slow speed. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot. A message indicating a transmission failure was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). However, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine, Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, there was a message indicating that the 4WD was inoperable. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified that there was coolant in cylinder #3, and that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,071.
Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly shift gear or accelerate as needed. The contact was able to exit off the highway and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that parts to do the repair were not available at the time however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the shifter inadvertently shifted into reverse while displaying drive on the shift indicator. The contact then stated while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond and remained in reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed and the contact was informed that no recall was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN. VIN tool confirms parts are available. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2022
I was driving on the highway 3 weeks ago and the dashboard turned off including the radio and there was no electricity inside the vehicle. Then a couple of minutes the power came back on. On 10/15/22 I got stranded at the border of San Ysidro because I had to turn off the car, I had to be pushed by the CBP Officers, since it was pass midnight (Sunday 10/16/22) I was waiting to be towed (magically the power came back on after almost 3hrs) and I was able to drive home. I took my car to Firestone, and they couldn't fix the problem, my car has been at the Ford dealership since Monday and finally after 4 days they know what the problem is, there is an issue in the network wiring to the BCM (Body Control Module). They still going to figure out the root of the problem. The dashboard turned off w/o warning no lights, no problems before.