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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2022
AFTER FUELING IT WOULD SPUTTER AND ALMOST TURN OFF WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. MARCH 11 2021 ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT DID TURN OFF WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. TOOK TO MECHANIC DIAGNOSTIC READING WAS PURGE VALVE. 11 MONTHS LATER ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND DIAGNOSTIC READING WAS PURGE VALVE
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
The smell of burning wires, engine light on and off
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
I learned last week that the vehicle that I lease (it's actually a car subscription) from SwingleCollins & Associates ([XXX], CISR, COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER,[XXX], O [XXX] | F [XXX] ) has been recalled after entering the VIN # for my vehicle. I immediately contacted the vehicle owner (i.e. SwindleCollins) to alert them that the vehicle had been recalled and is not safe. While it appears the manufacturer of the vehicle, Ford, does not currently have parts to repair the vehicle, SwindleCollins has refused to replace my vehicle until such parts are available from the manufacturer. This puts me and my passengers at risks and seems in violation of the contract and I would like to therefore report the incident. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Jun 21, 2022
For the second time, the plastic retaining nuts have come off of the splash shield underneath to come lose and almost causing an incident. No warning prior to the failure.
Power train, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to move and the gear shifter seized in drive(D). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. The approximate failure mileage was 150,780.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2022
As I was slowing my vehicle died without warning, I had to quickly put in park to restart. Everything died. The car did restart but I almost got reared from the car behind me. I have heard like a roaring sound at times comming from the back area. I keep gas at no less the 1/4 tank so I know the gas is fine. My engine light come on and go off after awhile, now my ABS and AWD and On Hill Start is deactivate is comming on. I’m 65 and I had hoped this would be a safe vehicle for me, with very few problem but it looks like this is not the case. I have only had this vehicle 3 months I need your help to resolve this issue Please. Thank You
Power train, Jun 17, 2022
I was on my way to work, going about 40 mph, when all of the sudden my car slipped out of gear and a service transmission light came on. I pulled off the road and put the car in park, after that I tried to put the car and drive and it would only go in reverse. There were no warning lights or problems prior to this incident. I had the car towed to my home.
Power train, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after reversing at approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the contact depressed the accelerator and the engine started making a loud revving sound. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact said that the service transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to accelerate to approximately 30 MPH and driven to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated and as a result, the contact added coolant into the reservoir. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to add coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
Though the vehicle indicated that it was in park, both by the VIC and the shift being all the way in the forward position, the vehicle was still rolling after my daughter turned the vehicle off. This incident nearly caused my 16 year old daughter to hit a fence. It caused her to fear driving for a period of time. I had to have the vehicle towed to Jimmy Granger Ford in Stonewall, Louisiana to have it repaired. They informed me that the vehicle required the transmission cable assembly to be replaced, part number; CJ5Z-7E395-A. The total cost of the repair was, $1075.94. This issue is eerily similar to the issues that are in the recalls of earlier model Ford Escapes and Manufacturer Recall Number 22S43.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) however, the intended gear was not recognized, causing the contact to apply the parking brake to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission shift cable bushing was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2022
The bushing to my vehicle unattached itself while I was in the car and my 6 year old child. The car continued to roll forward although I tried to hold the brakes down and it would not go into park. I had to use the emergency brakes to keep the vehicle from continuing to roll forward. I looked up a recall for my vehicle but it has no remedy to the issue. I cannot drive my car in the condition that it is in because it will not go into gear or crank up because it is stuck in reverse.
Power train, Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15-25 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and started stalling. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway and waited before continuing to drive. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled four times while driving. The contact was in the middle of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove to her residence. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the vehicle moved forward instead. The transmission warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for towing and repair expenses of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing in the driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle worked as designed. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,179.
Steering, Jun 7, 2022
On several occasions i've lost the power steering when the car is in DRIVE making it almost impossible to steer. Thankfully i was going so slow i was able to get the car to a safe spot but this could be extremely dangerous if it happens at highway speeds. According to the Ford Escape forums this is a known issue but it has still failed to become a recall. There were no warnings prior to losing the power steering, only a warning that i was "at fault" once it failed. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by anyone yet.
Power train, Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact waited for 45 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the starter and steering column. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 156,597. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, May 31, 2022, crash
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was on and parked, the vehicle rolled forward about 3MPH and crashed into the house. The air bags did not deploy and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not destroyed and the house was slightly damaged. The police was not called. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle will be towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,082.
Power train, May 29, 2022
The bushing connecting the shifter to transmission broke and popped off causing the car to not go into park and not be able to turn on again after shutting the car off. Had to attempt to push broken bushing down to get it into park and have the car towed due to safety concern.
Power train, May 26, 2022
The vehicle is showing that it is in Neutral, indicated in the VIC. However, the shifter is all the way up in the park position. Being in neutral, this allowed my daughter to start the vehicle, as soon as it was started, she took her foot off of the break and she rolled her 2015 Ford Escape into our home fence. Now she is terrified. This seems very similar to the 2013-2014 recall. When I checked this vehicles VIN, no recalls are showing required due. Dangerous!
Engine, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, black smoke was coming from under the hood, and moments later the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. After examining under the hood, the contact discovered oil was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that there was a hole in the engine block causing the oil leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, May 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost normal transmission functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 14, 2022
Steering assist failed, unable to steer car
Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2022, fire
I had drove my car to chick fil a. I was inside for less than 5 minutes waiting on my order. When I came back outside my car was on fire. I’ve read articles about many other people having problems with their Ford Escaped catching fire. https://www.fordescape.org/threads/2014-ford-escape-engine-fire.88258/ If I had stayed in my car for a few more minutes I could’ve been inside and I could be dead right now. There seems to be a issue with the 2013 and 2014 model years combusting suddenly but, I think they need to include the 2015 model.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2022
Back up camera is blacking out and/or distorting more than half the time it's in use. The problem is intermittent. It's the exact same issue as already Recalled for newer Ford vehicles.
Power train, May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle started reversing instead of moving forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle then shifted into drive(D) for a second time however, the vehicle slowly moved forward and started to reverse. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.