NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Back Up Camera, I have reported it before several times and was given a #OD11583257 it's been over 6-9 months and still have heard back absolutely nothing from anyone and was told someone would contact me, it's very dangerous and have had many close calls. When I told the Ford location that I bought it, they told me there were other 2015 Ford Escapes that had been recalled with the same problem but my VIN number was NOT one of them, I don't understand and would like to have it fixed - so how do I go about that.. I would appreciate and response this has gone on too long without any communication, the Car Pro Jerry told me to continue to reaching out to you it is a malfunction and should be repair. Thank you for your immediate attention in this matter. [XXX] and [XXX] - email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There appears to be coolant leaking into/into the engine that compromised the seals and created oil leak/burn issues with the engine.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at high speeds, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a handheld scanner to retrieve DTC: P1299 (Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Detected Engine Overheating Condition). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER FUELING I NOTICED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR STALLS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON AND CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY. BUT,ONE DAY AFTER FUELING 15 MINUTES LATER ,WHILE DRIVING MY CAR STALLS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO AUTO ZONE AMD OREILY’S TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE READ. THEY BOTH COME BACK AS FAULTY EVAP PURGE SOLENOID. I SAW THAT THE FORD FOCUS IN THE SAME YEAR HAS HAD THERE EVAP SOLENOIDS RECALLED. COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THE FORD ESCAPES EVAP SOLENOIDS NEED TO BE RECALLED AS WELL??
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed either a blank, distorted, or a blue screen. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 20 MPH, the message "Please pull over immediately, temperature high" was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter pulled over immediately, shut off the vehicle, allowed the vehicle to cool down, and refilled the coolant reservoir before proceeding to restart her vehicle, and continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,283.
Leaking coolant overheat the engine. It was unexpected and left us stranded since the car could not be driven once it overheated. Got coolant and fill it in, so was able to drive back home. But the leak is so severe I had to park my car in my garage and stop using it.
The engine in my 2015 Ford Escape failed due to coolant intrusion leading to the long block and coolant system needing to be replaced. The problem was diagnosed by the Ford service technician and Ford service advisor when it was taken in for service after the heating system stopped working, the car started lurching when driven, and then the engine light turned on. If I had not taken my Escape in immediately, it was at risk of catching fire. The coolant had completely emptied into the engine and had corroded a spark plug to the point that it was stuck in the engine.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact's husband stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The contact’s husband looked in the rearview mirror and saw blue smoke behind the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact's husband saw oil on the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbo boost system failure. The contact's husband stated that while driving, the vehicle was driving rough and failed to accelerate as intended. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,700.
Coolant leak has been checked by mechanic to not be due to problems with any hoses or connections within the coolant system. Inspection is available upon request. The issue has caused the coolant level to drop below the minimum coolant level 4 times within 3 months with no warning or visible leaking occurring. This has been a regular occurrence with this vehicle for several months now.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that her mother smelled an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The transmission went out on the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the issue. While reversing, the back over prevention camera screen displayed a black screen. The failure mileage was 200,000.
My 2015 Ford Escape is diagnosed with a coolant intrusion due to flawed design issues by Ford. Coolant is slowly leaking into valve 2 and causing white smoke upon startup. The engine block is cracked due to faulty coolant system by per the designed of Ford. Only remedy is a new engine which is quoted at $8000. As this problem is entirely caused by Ford, it is unfair to expect the consumers to pay such a price.
The engine failed at 96,000 miles and we had it replaced with a new engine. Then at 131,000 miles the dealer stated that the engine has failed again and needs to be replaced because there is some delaminating happening in the engine. The 1.6L ecoboost engine is known for early failure. The new engine is only 3 months out of warranty and Ford will do nothing to assist in the engine replacement.
While driving my 2015 Ford Escape at a speed of 35MPG and stopped at a stop sign, proceeded to turn left and car would not move. It seems to coast backward as if transmission was in neutral. I coasted back into a parking lot and turned off vehicle. I then restarted it and it started just fine with no warning lights. I then tried to put into gear and the RPMs went up and still felt like it was in neutral. I then had it towed to a mechanic and was told that it was a total transmission failure. 5500.00 to have repair. More than what the car's book value it. I have not reported to manufacturer but that is my next step.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to latch properly, and the contact had to pull the seat belt several times to securely latch the seat belt. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for additional assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to her son's residence and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire. The reason why the coolant is leaking into the chamber is because of a manufacturers defect. The engine block has impurities that eventually rusted away causing pinholes between the cylinder and coolant. This is a well known issue with mechanics. If someone has this issue and does not know the engine can seize or blow causing the engine to not work. If this happens while on a highway the potential for an accident goes way up. Please make Ford make this right. I have had this defect verified by a certified Ford dealership and two independent mechanics. This is a costly repair due to the entire engine being defective from the bad casting.
I was stopped at a stop light and when it turned green and I stepped on the gas the engin reved up but the car would not move. I looked down to see if the gear shift had been moved and when I saw it had not I stepped on the gas again and this time slowly moved and then jerked to a stop. I stepped on the gas again and it started rolling and the spead up so that it peeled out and then jerked to a stop again. I was right by a Les Swab and very slowly was able to pull into their parking lot. I had just had my breaks done and thought maybe something went wrong with them. They checked and said it was the transmission. I was afraid to try to drive it so I towed it home. After seeing other Ford Escape transmissions haveing issues and being recalled I wanted to report this. It sounds just like the complaints that are listed for the recalled transmissions. After checking with a local transmission shop they told me they had replaced 3 of these transmissions in the last month. So I know a lot of people do not look into this kind of stuff but I want someone to know this was very scary for me and if there had been another car close to me there could have been a accident.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, and attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel was stiff and failed to move as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was advised to warm up the vehicle and after 15 mins the steering wheel should unlock. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the following day after the vehicle had warmed up for 25 minutes, the steering wheel unlocked; however, while accelerating, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,266.
The engine suffered a catastrophic failure on 11/26/2024 with coolant leaking into the engine producing a white noxious smoke from the exhaust, engine overheating, and engine misfires. The engine light did not appear. It was the smoke from the exhaust that alerted me to the issue. At the time of the engine overheat I was driving interstate 10 in Desert Center CA. It was apparent the coolant was leaking. There were no mechanic shops nearby. A good samaritan driver had coolant to add to my engine. I had the engine inspected by three separate mechanics, all identified the issue as a known defect in the 2.0l ford ecoboost engine. The engine failure occurred at approximately 73,500 miles, which I believe is premature given the vehicle's maintenance history and mileage.
Malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve. There was a recall for the Ford Focus but not the Escape. We have an Escape in the same date range as the Focus recall and are having the same issue. Our Purge Valve is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
All 4 tires the inside sidewall . Are coming apart like a split . The size is 235/45/19 Kelly edge . Have only a little over 27.000 thousand miles on them .
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The contact was informed by the dealer that the lug nuts were swollen, making it difficult to remove wheels from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had disconnected the call after multiple attempts to contact the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 26,470.
EVAC Canister in rear of vehicle fails. While driving, a noise can be heard from the rear section of the vehicle followed by a foul odor. Then, the vehicle dash board will light up ALL warning lights followed by a complete shut down while driving! The issue seems to take place after filling the gas tank. This dangerous situation has happened on numerous occasions and almost caused several accidents as a direct result. Many many other owners of this vehicle are reporting the same issue.
We were driving down the highway when the ford escape shut down and the the check engine light came on for the Evap system several parts have been replaced but I get the same code and the car is dying at idle and losing power a different times while driving
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was then informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Similar to other complaints, my son got in his 2015 Ford Escape this morning and the power steering was not working. It was very difficult to turn the wheel. When I went to check it out, I noticed a warning that there was a "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message. He drove it yesterday without no issue. We have seen this happen in the past sporadically but it always seemed to somehow fix itself. Sounds like there is an issue here that needs to be addressed by Ford.
Vehicle was inspected by third party shop and a Ford Dealership. Both indicated that this is a manufacturer error and should be considered a recall. Lots of different Ford models have experienced this manufacturing error and this issue was considered a recall. This includes: 2015-2018 Ford Edge 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ 2017-2019 Escape 2017-2019 MKC My 2015 Ford Escape is built incredibly similar or the exact same as these other models and since it is experiencing the same issue as these other models, the recall should extend to mine and be covered under Ford as a recall. Error: Presence of coolant in the engine cylinders, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition (with or without an illuminated MIL) 2.0L EcoBoost engine Error Code: P0217 TBS: 22-2229
Coolant intrusion on the engine block which is causing misfires. Issue was confirmed by an independent service center.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera would turn off or display a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle became loosened. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further diagnostic testing. In addition, the contact stated that the front wheel bearings were previously replaced at the same local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
The vehicle has coolant leaking into the cylinders. The dealership shows that it was due to overheating but the vehicle has not overheated. The dealership states that the engine needs replacement but is unable to verify any damage in the cylinders. The vehicle was taken in due to misfiring and the vehicle dying upon starting after a short period of time being turned off.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM raised to high with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
I replaced the transmission in 02/2023. Then the bushing failed in 08/2023. Had it replaced at dealership (after paying $150 for diagnostic & $200 for towing.... Then the bushing failed again last Tuesday (XXX). Was told not longer covered by Ford despite it previously recalled. Then repaired again. Broke same night. $250 in towing.... repaired Saturday - yesterday. Now the bushing is out AGAIN today (sunday). This is ludicrous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the driver observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, prompting him to refill the coolant reservoir. The following day the driver observed white smoke coming from the exhaust prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.
We bought this car used from the Ford dealership in Ellensburg WA in 2021. It had 79k at the time. We performed a lot of maintenance on the vehicle; new tires, alignment, coolant flush, transmission flush, spark plugs, and updated the Synce software. Then the turbo failed about 5 months later. And we replaced the turbo with a brand new one at the same dealership for 5k. Then we replaced the coolant system. We performed all the recalls as they came in, regarding the transmission shifter and something to do with a solenoid, and we never missed an oil change. In September 2024 the transmission failed and it needs a whole new one. There's a class action lawsuit in CA for the type of transmission in this year of Ford Escape, but it's only for CA residents. Too bad. It's been less than 3 years since we bought it, we've paid twice the price it's worth in repairs and on maintenance, and now it's junk. DON'T BUY AN ESCAPE!
Head gasket is bad according to the mechanic.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinder #1 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
The contact called on behalf of their daughter who owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that their daughter attempted to start the vehicle while parked, the vehicle shuttered and stalled, and then proceeded to start back up again, upon noticing the abnormality the vehicle was no longer used. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder number two, and that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
At 120k the transmission went bad. Dealership charged $7k to replace. We chose to replace because it was cheaper than buying a new vehicle. A few months after the transmission was repaired, we started losing a lot of coolant. The dreaded coolant leak through the head gasket into cylinder 2 is the diagnosis. Dealer, told us $12k for a new motor. This is not okay!!!
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
With no warning, car suddenly refused to start after parking it for a brief errand. Jump starting had no effect (battery was healthy and fully charged). Keys would switch instrument cluster on but cluster would go dark when key was turned to start position or when shifter release was pulled. After reviewing YouTube, other owners found that the 50A mega fuse connected to the fuel pump and BCM (yellow wire) would degrade to the point that its internal connection would become intermittent. This causes intermittent no-start condition and could result in the vehicle shutting off while being driven on the road. Rapping on the front panel of the battery box can temporarily reconnect the internal failure of the fuse and allow the car to start.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illumined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,140.
The backup camera does not work.
Backup camera - this vehicle not included in the recall as is having all the same issues blank screen - inverted screen - works sometimes - this has been an issue for some time and I contacted the ford dealer I use who states the repair is over 400. and do not know why this vehicle has not been included in the recall.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder head, causing engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,300.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. An unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted and verified that parts for the recall repair were not available. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Coolant intrusion My car has the 2014 engine in it and has coolant leaking into the cylinder combustion chamber
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026