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, Nov 18, 2021
Was driving down the road and the car started to sputter and shake. Was able to pull into a gas station parking lot and when I stepped on the gas nothing happened and the transmission fault light kicked on. Got parked and called a tow company to tow it to the nearest transmission shop to which they told me the transmission is shot and needs replaced.
Power train, Nov 14, 2021
There was a recall for 203-2014 Ford Escapes (18S20) for the bushing on the shifter cable breaking and requiring repair. However our vehicle is a 2015 Escape and we were told it was not covered by the recall although we experienced a similar issue. Upon putting the vehicle in reverse the gearbox stuck in reverse and was not able to shift to neutral, drive, or any other gear. Since the vehicle was stuck in gear and not able to move until the tow truck arrived it put others at risk. We had the car towed to Merrill Ford in Okemos Michigan where they confirmed the bushing failed however due to Ford's protocol they had to replace the entire shifter cable at an estimated price of $950. I did some investigation and found another cable and requested the dealer remove the bushing from the new cable and install it on the vehicle. I could have purchased just the bushing however the dealership advised against it. In addition, the shifter cable was not available for approximately another week since 1,400 were on backorder which makes me believe this is a bigger problem than just our vehicle. There were no prior warnings to the bushing failure. Although the dealership knew there was an alternative solution of only replacing the bushing they originally refused to do it. I find this practice of not replacing the failed part (bushing) negligent and trying to create more revenue for Ford and the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Nov 9, 2021
The vehicles rear view camera works intermitantly - sometimes it is blank, or upside down and sometimes it works - as I saw they are recalling 2019 models with the issue I think my 2015 model has the same issue. Please issue a recall on this model aswell thank you
Wheels, Oct 27, 2021
Had my tires rotated and the mechanic had a very hard time getting the lug nuts off. He said this the worst design that are on Ford’s. If you get a flat tire on the side of the road trying to change your tire it would be very dangerous. He said why Ford hasn’t had a callback is ridiculous.
Engine, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, white smoke came out of the exhaust tip. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the head gasket replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated cylinder #3 misfire warning message was displayed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Electrical system, Oct 15, 2021
The instrument panel on my vehicle, where the speed and fuel level and other important informational messages and displays are, have lines spreading horizonatally blocking information and the lighting is completely dimmed. The panel where the backup camera displays has the same lines running horizontally and dimmed . It is unsafe for me to drive my vehicle if I don't know the speed and other important information displayed. I called Ford company and was told that this particular VIN did not have a recall therefore it is my responsibility.
Back over prevention, Oct 5, 2021
The back-up camera in my vehicle will operate for a few moments - if the weather is below 50 degrees or if you are parked in a shady area - but it will just cut-off. The system is working and all the fuses are good but the back-up camera only works intermitted. I am reporting this as an issue on the 2015 Ford Escape since I found there is an active recall for the same problem on new models. This needs to be addressed- when backing-if you use the reverse camera and it goes out in the middle of the back-up it can be dangerous.
Wheels, Sep 26, 2021
Took car in for maintenance (my Ford dealer) and was told needed new lug nuts. Was informed that it is “a known issue” with the lug nuts. I don’t see a recall but see quite a few issues reported. If their as dangerous as implied by the dealer then why not on recall. Was quoted over $300 to replace them.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021
Ecoboost failed. Car would not accelerate while I was on a highway. Car went from 67 mph down to 35. There was no notice of the dramatic change in speed for the cars behind me. I was almost rear-ended.
Engine, Sep 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the water control valve was replaced. Recently, the contact stated that the same failure recurred and that the same repair was needed to be performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Steering, Sep 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 mph, the power steering had failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife parked the vehicle in a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, Sep 14, 2021
In April 2021 I was stranded due to the degradation of the bushings on a cable connected to the transmission. The car was repaired. However, now in September 2021, a “transmission fault service now” error popped up while I was on the way to work. The diagnostics have come in and Ford is telling me I need an entirely new transmission. The car has less than 93K miles and should not be having a transmission issue, especially when a majority of the miles driven were freeway miles. Ford has quoted a repair cost of $6600, but I find it hard to believe that the incident in April is unrelated to the transmission failure today.
Power train, Sep 13, 2021
At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission blew out while my son was driving the vehicle on a bridge of a freeway. The engine, sputtered, locked up, would not stay in drive and died. He had to maneuver to safety in the middle of the road on a dangerous bridge. We had the transmission supposedly replaced at Future Ford of Concord. This repair took close to three weeks. Upon return of the car, the same thing happened again. We returned the car to the dealer. It stayed for another four weeks while they ran diagnostics, and supposedly fixed the car. Not more than 100 miles later the car experienced the same thing as the original incident. My son was once again on the freeway, the car lost all power, the transmission light went on and the car is again currently at Future Ford of Concord. Cars should not have transmission problems such as this with only 100,000 miles. And, if the problem was fixed, then we should not have had to take the car back two additional times for the same thing. I believe there exists a significant problem with the transmission of this 2015 Ford EXCAPE.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2021
The contact's parents own a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled with the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was slow to restart. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P2112 (Throttle Actuator Stuck Closed). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2021
The bushing in the shifter cable fell out or somehow was no longer attached and could not be located. This prevented the vehicle from going into any gear and stranded me until the repairs could be made.
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
Earlier this year my car began shaking while I was driving it and when it was time for me to park, I couldn't move my shifter. I had to use the emergency break to keep my car in place. I noticed that my shift linkage had eroded and I had to place a temporary one from Auto Zone on there so I could continue driving. Ever since then, my new shift linkage continues to pop off and I am constantly having to use the emergency break to keep my car from going anywhere and placing the temporary shift link back on. I looked up recalls for my vehicle and noticed that other Fords had the same problem and were issued a recall, however, my particular vehicle did not fall under the recall list. There has been no warning signs that come on my dash which is very alarming. The only reason I ever know that the link is about to pop off is because my shifter becomes very loose and wiggles. This incident has happened several times dating back to around April 2021, and the most current time this has happened is today, September 7, 2021.
Power train, Sep 2, 2021
Yesterday while driving across a 5 mile long expressway bridge, my car started jerking and the RPMs reved up but I was unable to accelerate. It kept shaking and jerking and barely getting above 30 mph. When I was able to get over to the side, it would no longer move forward. I shut the car off, turned it back on, and it moved forward but I could not re-enter the highway speed traffic. My car was flatbed towed to the closest Ford dealer, who today said the transmission has failed. They quoted me $7000 for a new transmission. My car is a 2015 with 85,000 miles on it. The transmission is no longer under warranty and it gave no indications of beginning to fail before this happened. Having the transmission fail at highway speeds on a 4 lane bridge put my life and the lives of those around me in danger.
Power train, Aug 27, 2021
January of last year I was driving on the highway and the car started shaking and jerking, slipping in and out of gear. It eventually reved to 5000 rpm and wouldn't move. Once at the transmission shop they said it would be over 5,000 dollars to get another transmission from the ford dealer. Now about a week ago I was driving on the highway again and the same thing happened this time with my 7 month old in the car leaving us stranded 20mi from home. Both times the transmission light came on after the car became disabled.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the instrument cluster screen was inoperable and the driver was unable to view safety related information regarding the tire pressure monitoring system and air bag warnings. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the instrument cluster display needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number 15V406000 (Electrical system). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Engine, Aug 24, 2021
My ford has had white/blue smoke clouds coming from the exhaust for weeks. I scheduled maintenance at a ford dealership and was told a diagnostic was not even worth the money because the knew exactly what the issue is, the coolant is leaking into the engine, causing the engine to smoke and eventually will misfire, overheat and catch fire. I was told there is no repair, the engine needed to be replaced and because my warranty had expired, I must pay to replace the engine. Although, Ford is aware of their mistake and faulty parts, Ford is not accepting responsibility for the issue they caused innocent buyers. I am a single mother of an adopted kid. I bought this car 3 years ago under the impression Ford is a honest company.I am now seeing otherwise. I now am stuck with making a decision during a pandemic on paying upwards of 6 to 7,000 to replace an engine on a vehicle that has a faulty system, caused by Ford. If paying thousands of dollars on a vehicle that I can hardly afford now isn't hard to swallow, the newly purchased engine will result in the same failure because FORD HAS'NT FIX THE PROBLEM. Ford refuses to put in a new engine and Ford has not fixed an issue that has been occurring for almost 10 years, forcing Ford owners into debt and bankruptcy because where would a person like me get the money to pay for something like this again and again? I cant even afford to get into another car. I am scared to put my son in the vehicle now. I need help
Power train, Aug 19, 2021
Flywheel cracked/broken on 1.6 liter engine. University Ford North confirmed failure and replaced. They have/had part. Ford Motor Company was contacted on 8-19-2021 regarding this and refused to open a case to investigate. No warning lamps or indications were displayed for this failure. Issue was noticed on approximately August 3rd.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to latch after multiple attempts to close the door. The contact wrapped a bungee cord around the door and drove the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and the vehicle was left overnight for the repair. The next day, the contact received a call from the dealer and was informed that the recall repair would not be performed due to damage to the front driver’s side door. The contact stated that an attempt to break into her vehicle had been made months prior which left a hole right above the front driver side door handle. The contact was provided an estimate to repair the damage so that recall repair could be performed. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,400.
Back over prevention, Aug 10, 2021
Backup camera blanks out and goes upside down below is the approximate start date, still doing it. Only reporting due the current recall that doesn't go back to 2015 models
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shudder and then stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would drain fuel at a rapid pace and that a loud, humming sound was coming from the engine while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump however, despite the repair, the failure persisted. The contact had called a dealer in her area and was informed that they could not offer any assistance. The manufacturer had also been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Aug 3, 2021
Owner of a 2015 Ford Escape 1.6L. White plumes of smoke have started to billow out every time I start my vehicle in the morning and then again on my way home from work. No indicator light or error codes are showing as to why coolant is leaking in the cylinder heads.