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.
Power train, May 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the gear shifter was not able to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V254000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Electrical system, May 3, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was then referred to the local dealer to diagnose the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000 (Electrical System) and was informed by the manufacturer that the repairs were completed back in April 2016. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Power train, Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to restart after being parked after an extended driving period. The contact stated that after multiple attempts, the computer system would activate; however, the vehicle would fail to start-up. The contact also stated that only the passenger’s side exterior lights would illuminate while the vehicle was in operation. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the BCM (Body Control Module) was defective. The mechanic then referred the contact to a dealer since he did not have the equipment to repair the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000 (Electrical System). The dealer was notified and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. An appointment was then scheduled to have the vehicle serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the high engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coolant hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Back over prevention, Apr 19, 2022
Ford has already recalled a large amount of vehicles due to rear view camera electrical issues. My camera has always worked very intermittently often turning to a blue screen when in Reverse. After a few year this stopped working all together. When taking to Ford dealership and my local mechanic I was informed it is due to the poor/ lack of sealant placed around the camera when manufactured causing the inside to corrode whenever exposed to water/snow. I was quoted over $500 to get the camera and harnessing replaced. This is a safety issue and excessive cost to repair when this is a KNOWN defective issue and already recalled on many other years and models.
Power train, Apr 4, 2022
On 12/29/2020, Angela was driving the 2015 Ford Escape with Mileage at 133926 in Beverly WV on the main street of 219/250 and the Escape suddenly lost power and slowed down to 30mph and the vehicle shuddered and shook. It picked up speed again for about 30 seconds and then lost power again, this continued for about 2 minutes and then the Escape stopped moving in the middle of the highway in front of the Elementary School and the dash stated “Transmission Fault/Service Now” and Angela was suddenly stranded on the busy highway. Her husband Johnie drove his truck to the area where the Escape was setting and engine was still running but had no power to move. He turned the ignition off and restarted the Escape, the message was gone and vehicle ran and moved fine for about 30 seconds and then did the same actions again with shuddering , shaking, lose of power and “Transmission Fault/Service Now” on the dash. The vehicle had to be towed to Elkins Fordland, Inc in Elkins WV. On 12/30/2020 Elkins Fordland ran the diagnostic on the Escape at the cost of $111.30, they observed transmission pump making whinning noise and vehicle wouldn’t move, recommended new transmission per code (See attached documents and Bills for diagnostic test and replacement of transmission). On 01/01/2021 to 01/15/2021 Elkins Fordland, Inc had the Escape for transmission replacement. The cost to replace the transmission in the 2015 Ford Escape at Mileage 133926 was $5294.10 after tax. This is a Safety Issue due to the no warning of Transmission Fault and the sudden loss of power in the busy highway. The total cost of diagnostic test and replacement of the transmission was; $111.30 diagnostic $5,294.10 transmission Total Cost $5405.40 I have attached copies of the diagnostic and replacement paperwork.
Structure, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle was vibrating. A bystander informed the contact that a part had detached and was dragging underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that the skid plate or engine splash guard had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the skid plate and inserts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact purchased the skid plate and screws from the dealer and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic replaced the skid plate and the screws; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that the skid plate was replaced two more times and the screws were replaced 3 more times by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2022
I'm having to fill my reservoir with coolant. There is an indicator on dashboard that states coolant low. I can't see any visible leaks under the hood or on the ground. I am not sure if the 2015 ford escapes are apart of a recall like the 2014 escapes. The lack of coolant circulation could cause the engine to overheat and experience a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked head can cause pressurized oil leaks, oil that can leak onto hot engines. There had been reported fires.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
Coolant leaked into cylinder 3 and caused engine failure. Vehicle towed to Price Ford dealership where they investigated and said vehicle would need new engine $8854.83. Date 3/2/2022 mileage 53182. Check engine light on rough running.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle would experience a sudden surge in engine revs then immediately began operating like the engine was misfiring and the vehicle would eventually stall. The contact stated that his wife noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the evaporator purge cannister valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer and diagnosed with the same failure but was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2022
Stalls randomly, usually after idling for a period of time. Have changed throttle body and perge valve , was an issue on older models but no recall for the 15 and up for a harness issue
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2022
While driving I hear a pump sound and my car will die , I stop traffic all behind me until I can get it started again
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated after removing the key from the ignition switch, the engine continued to run. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigating, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,282.
Power train, Feb 12, 2022
My wife was driving the vehicle and without warning, the vehicle lost power to the drivetrain. Engine was running fine without issue but upon pressing the accelerator, the engine revved but no movement. No warning or noise from the transmission of a pending issue. Proper regular maintenance has been done on the vehicle since ownership on time. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop at which time it was diagnosed with failure of the transmission. My wife does a lot of highway driving so luckily it happened in the city close to home and not on the expressway.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was coasted to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking onto the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The default power message was also displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, the codes that were retrieved were not related to any recalls. The vehicle was replace and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,005.
Power train, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, she attempted to shift to drive however, the gear shifter would not go into drive. The contact stated that the gear shifter would move but would not go into any other gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission shifter cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V471000 (Power Train) because her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jan 23, 2022
First problem- over the course of the last few years, the car intermittently gets "jumpy" when changing to/from different gears like (from reverse to drive OR drive to reverse, all after completely braking-not in the middle of gear shift). It has not completely stalled but feels very close to it. i had brought it in in the past and they had never found anything wrong with it. It does not always happen. Second problem- the rear view back up assistance has not been working properly for over 3 years. I will be in reverse and either the beeping continues even though nothing is around or, the screen goes blank and shuts off. I was told this would be at my expense, not a recall. this does not happen all the time but is very often.
Power train, Dec 30, 2021
The transmission shift cable fell off the transmission shift lever in the engine compartment. The plastic bushing that holds the shift cable in place is worn out or defective. Ford has a replacement part (#DG9Z-7K340-A) and a new cover cap to protect the bushing now. Wondering why this is not a safety recall. The linkage fell off while my wife was parking the vehicle in sub-zero weather. She had the shifter in park, but the vehicle was actually in neutral or reverse. The vehicles engine could be started or stopped, would not drive, but could roll. Luckily it was on level ground when it happened. Ford has the same problem on earlier year models but not on our model year. The Ford dealer told me that there were no recalls or TSBs for my VIN model.
Wheels, Dec 9, 2021
On 11/21/21 I went to Sam's Club to have new tires installed. They were unable to remove lug nuts on both back tires, they said the nuts were swollen. They could not proceed with tire installation. On 11/23/21 I went to Goodyear for new tire installation. They also found the lug nuts to be swollen. They were able to get them removed and complete the tire installation, with 5 lug nuts needing to be replaced at a cost of $39.95. They suggested I purchase a full set of lug nuts and get them all replaced soon. There was no warning message alerting me to this issue so I had no idea until I tried to have the car serviced. Both Sam's and Goodyear said they see this problem often on Ford vehicles. Doing some research on the internet, I see that many people have this issue with Ford.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2021
- When pushing start, the car cranks but no start. Failed to start with new battery. - I took the car to Ford dealer maintenance shop and couldn't identify the problem and contacting Ford Engineering for further investigation. - There is no any message or warning on the dashboard and also what the maintenance shop informed me. All the lighting system is Ok, even the radio is working. - According to the mechanic, the issue is new one and not has been seen before.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021
Transmittion went out without any warning was driving and started jumping bad and just shut down. There was transmittion fluid, and it just secede up with under 100k miles. Then shift cable broke 3 months later without any warning. Was parked changed, and I had backed into a parking spot, and car went into reverse could not get out of reverse. Put the car in park and still showed that car in reverse with the back up camera. Had to get it towed both times
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2021
The accessories screen that the camera uses works intermittently. When not working the backup warning signal also does not work causing a safety issue of backing into someone or something
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
The transmission shift cable bushing on my 2015 Ford Escape deteriorated and failed. The car indicates that it is in PARK but it is actually in gear and will roll freely but can not be cranked. There has been a recall for this exact same problem on the 2013 and 2014 versions of this same vehicle as well as some other Ford vehicles. Why does it not include the 2015 model year?
Power train, Nov 18, 2021
On 11-8-2021, my transmission failed out of nowhere, there were no warning lights or noises or check engine codes or anything. When I backed out at work the vehicle shook a little and when I pulled out on to the road it hit second gear kind of hard. When I got close to the stop sign it just shut off. I started it back up and when I put it in drive it shut off again. It did this 3 times before I could get it off the road. I had it towed home and started it up and attempted to put it in gear again it shook hard and shut off again. The last drivability/performance check was 6/18/2020 at 112,560 miles done by Summerville Ford. My vehicle is available upon request for inspection. Mine and others safety was put at risk by the vehicle not working properly, on a very busy highway. Although there was not a crash, there very well could have been. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center nor has it been inspected by anyone other then my husband and myself. The problem first appeared that afternoon, I have only owned the vehicle since May 2021, I haven't even gotten to my first oil change. I bought it from Berkeley Ford in Moncks Corner SC.