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.
Steering, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the Steering Assist Fault message displayed. The contact's daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering assist was faulty and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. 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 87,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she was unable to refuel the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inserting the nozzle, the gas pump stopped pumping continuously. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that fuel tank solenoid was filled with dirt. Additionally, the fuel tank assembly and related parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Wheels, Oct 24, 2022
I got a nail in a tire the other day and couldnt get the ford lug nut off, I was told by a mechanic that the lug nut had expanded and due to further inspection I now have to replace all of the lug nuts, there really should be a recall put in to place it is a huge expense to take your vehicle to a shop
Back over prevention, Oct 22, 2022
My 2015 ford ecspe se back up camera just stop working it would show a white screen flickers back and forward then all of suddenly it go to a black screen at first it look like it was some kind of message but couldn't really see what it said because of the flickering we thought it was the fuses but that's not the case it is a safety hazard for the back up camera not working.
Power train, Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the gear shifter seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Oct 11, 2022
While driving on a multi-lane road going 60mph the Transmission Fault Service Now warning popped up on my dash. Within a minute after I could feel the transmission moving into neutral, causing the RPMs to go very high, then the card would buck violently and it would go back into drive allowing me to continue to try to drive it to safety. This happened 3 or so more times as I had to stop at a traffic light with my hazards and I was unable to get the car to move forward again until the transmission slipped back into gear and I was narrowly able to get off the main road before it completely stopped working. My parking brake had to be engaged to stay still.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Oct 11, 2022
Ford Escape had a history of transmission issues prior to the 2015 vehicle I purchased used in Feb 2018. I was told the rough shifting and vehicle skipping (which started gradually the winter of 2021/2022) can be a hardware, software, shutter or torque problem. Even though there are class actions suits to resolve the software and hardware problems, Ford has not provided any assistance, instead expecting me to replace the transmission at my expense quoting the highest repair price despite not having an actual diagnostic which they also expect me to pay $169.00 for.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2022
Horn works intermittently
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was first taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinder block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by an authorized Ford dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the diagnosis was confirmed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and the transmission was not shifting as needed. The transmission fault message was displayed. The contact was able to drive safely to her location. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2022
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/avoid-ford-ecoboost-engine-all-cost/ Everything listed in this article happened to our Ford Escape From the EcoBoost, catalytic convertor, vacuum pump for the brakes, timing chain, head gasket, and main fuel line. We have paid over 6k to replace these parts. Only to be told the car needed a new PCM computer to run. We took the car to Thoroughbred Ford in Kansas City to replace the PCM, which the part itself cost us 1k. Ford replaced the PCM and the car still didn't work after more than one diagnostic test and another associated testing, they told us it wasn't a PCM problem at all, that in fact, the engine needs to be replaced. Meanwhile, Ford wants to charge us $2300, for a car that is known for having Ecoboost issues.
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side headlight and rear passenger’s side taillight malfunctioned and failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered the headlight and taillight assemblies had been damaged due to overheating and melting of the assemblies and both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,840.
Power train, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to jerk forward forcefully. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact's husband continued to experience the failure the following day. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the dealer stated that the failure was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
The temperature gauge pegged-out at FULL HOT in a matter of seconds, the engine overheated. The safety risk would be a seized or blown engine while driving. The problem was checked by two independent auto repair facilities and an authorized dealer service department. The authorized dealer representative said the vehicle had a "coolant invasion of the #1 cylinder. The car had a defective block so changing the head gasket was not recommended, replacing the engine was the prescribed fix. Each week for a period of three weeks the 'check engine' light came on. I went to my mechanic and he checked it out with his electronic engine diagnostic port, each time it showed that the #1 cylinder misfired. He could not find any reason/couldn't figure it out. The fourth week when the screen showed red when the engine overheated was the first time there was a light/warning other than the check engine. I immediately stopped, turned the engine off, opened the hood and notice the antifreeze reservoir was empty. Sharing this information helped my mechanic to piece the problem together and said the antifreeze was getting into cylinder #1and that I needed a head gasket, which was confirmed by another mechanic. They both recommended going to Ford for the work since they could get the part(s) quicker and perform the work more timely. Since Ford said the engine was defective then why doesn't Ford assist in the cost of repair and/or replacement?
Steering, Sep 24, 2022
My vehicle gave me a notice of “steering fault service now”. I then stopped at an advanced auto and that’s when steering failed completely with the notice on the dash of “steering failure stop safely”. What if this happened while going highway speed? Where I live highways have many curves. This is a dangerous and unacceptable situation. I can no longer steer and I drive for work. This is an enormous safety concern as this could’ve happened at any time, and I could have been injured or hit someone else due to this failure.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 21, 2022
2015 Ford Escape. Electronic automatic power steering failed in traffic taking 90year old to the doctor. Had it towed. After restarting car the steering worked. Been happening randomly but last week 3times in one afternoon. Ford dealer replaced defective parts. Said there is a recall for older models. Why not 2015? It was a moving safety hazard that Ford should have rectified before we were put at risk. The repair cost us $3100. Been reading other 2015 Escape owners have had similar incidents.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon driving from a complete stop, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 and the engine needed to be replaced. 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 70,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
2015 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING FAILURE SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER THE ADVICE OF THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS MADE DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WOULD FAIL AS WELL.
Wheels, Sep 15, 2022
Took vehicle in for scheduled oil change, tire rotation and inspection. Upon cashing out was told they could not rotate tires because of bad lug nuts. Would have to order new ones at a cost of $227. This to me seems to be a Ford Company problem. If I would have had a flat tire, I would have been stranded as tire could not have been changed. This is unacceptable and Ford needs to fix this and I should be compensated.
Power train, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer and the recall was serviced. Soon after the repair, the vehicle began to make an abnormal, rattling noise as the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with a defective torque converter; however, the parts for repair were on backorder. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter inadvertently started to change gears without warning. As a result, the vehicle started to jerk, and the engine revved however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle then performed as designed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the parking brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. The contact then referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
Transmission slips and is a safety hazard for my family unknown when it's in p or D no indication
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2022
I went to start my vehicle and the digital screen on the dash does not work. This is the screen with the digital speedometer, odometer, miles driven and many other digital readouts connected to a “cluster” of wiring within the dash. This is a problem that could not be prevented by me, and is the fault of a faulty manufacturing piece. There is a blank space in the dash where the readouts were. This piece is definitely a safety hazard and should be replaced by Ford. Local dealer told me it was out of warranty therefore my responsibility.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and there was coolant in cylinder #4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was oil in the turbo booster. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.