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Ford Escape

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2015 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2015 Ford Escape has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

""The backup camera simply stopped working which froze my display or the camera images would be upside down. There was no way to actually diagnose the problem without purchasing a new camera and replacing it per my Ford dealer. The problem started 5 years after purchase and would occur randomly. Turning off the vehicle and back on did not resolve the issue. The cost to replace with factory parts was too expensive when we didn't know if it would resolve the issue, so we resolved it by buying and self installing aftermarket products.""

Anonymous A., FL (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

""It started after a slight rearend collision, occasionally throws error that camera isn't available. There wasn't any damage to the car, this issue started some time after the rearend collision.""

Anonymous, TX (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen freezes up

""About 5 years after purchase, my screen would freeze. Per the Ford dealer it was potentially due to the backup camera failing. When we replace the backup camera, we have not seen any further issues with the display screen.""

Anonymous A., FL (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Hardware replacement

"About six months ago, a burst of static while listening to SiriusXM, then silence. Most controls continued to operate as expected, though no system, audio, or sensor (those paired with rear/backup camera) audio at all. A few months later, the Source selection button ceased functioning. In August 2025 I had the head unit replaced with a third-party Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatible head unit manufactured by Sony. Total cost of head unit purchase and installation was approximately $1,300 USD."

Anonymous A., NH (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other in-car electronics problem

""System beeps when there is no obstruction, backup camera sporadically does not work, system issues warnings for things that are working or don't exist""

Anonymous, TX (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"I believe it is " my key" that is the problem haven't taken it to the dealer yet, just got the car from carvana in July 2025"

Anonymous A., NJ (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"Radio turns itself on when I turn it off. It changes stations on its own."

Anonymous A., GA (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"The steering and sifting device completely locked up. It required emergency towing and fixing, a costly fix and tow."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Escape S Unsure)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"The rear calipers were seized and needed to be replaced."

Anonymous A., NH (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Approximately two months ago I was notified front and rear calipers were causing uneven and accelerated rotor wear. Calipers were repaired and rotors replaced in late August 2025. Cost to repair front and rear calipers and replace front and rear rotors was approximately $1,500 USD."

Anonymous A., NH (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The brakes gradually began to surge as it stopped. My mechanic suggested that I replace the calipers in the near future. I chose to repair them before the issue damaged the rotors."

Anonymous A., AR (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Loss of lower gears in automatic transmission"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"After 142,000 miles i had the transmission rebuilt"

Anonymous A., LA (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Transmission had to be re-manufactured."

Anonymous A., KY (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"After 142,000 miles I had the catalytic converter repalced"

Anonymous A., LA (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"the initial problem were the seatbelts but we took this in to a ford dealer and they fixed them"

Anonymous, ON (2015 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Head Ight housings let water leak in."

Anonymous, OR (2015 Ford Escape SE Unsure)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"My hatchback seals leak when it rains."

Anonymous A., GA (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"The rear shocks were clunking, and stability was concerning."

Anonymous A., WI (2015 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wheel bearings

"Front driver side wheel bearing started making noise."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Escape SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"This was related to the previous issue. But I believe another part was replaced."

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Problem was sporadic up until the time it finally produces a check light and code. I could not reproduce the conditions when bringing it to the service department. Engine would run at a low speed moving about a max 20 MPH but would rarely stall. After turning it off and waiting awhile it would run fine on restart, sometime for months. Other times you could sense the engine surging. That too would go away and return unexpectedly."

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Escape S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""A/C stopped working 2 years ago, had it "fixed", but it was still an issue, had it fixed again a year later and now works okay.""

Anonymous, OH (2015 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

"Compressor was slowly breaking over the last year. Cooling was inconsistent and because of that made it difficult to locate issue until they fully removed compressor."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Escape S Unsure)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Ignition switch

"The key would not always work. Sometimes wed have to click it it several times or put the key in another way or jiggle it. Not a starter issue. Eventually we had to replace the ignition."

Anonymous A., WI (2015 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Other driveline problem

"We have had the torque converter, transmission, and head gasket all replaced in the past three years. The torque converter was replaced for a second time in the past year."

Anonymous, MN (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Had engine rebuilt, head leaking antifreeze"

Anonymous, PA (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"Vibration loosened a fuse critical to the engine operation."

Anonymous, OR (2015 Ford Escape SE Unsure)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Transmission computer

"Catastrophic,simultaneous failure of all 3 computer modules in transmission"

Anonymous A., KY (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat belts

"Driver seat belt does not retract"

Anonymous A., WY (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Rust

"Purchased new and paid extra for rustproofing and 3M guards on hood and door edges. All four doors rusted on the inside bottom, and the hood is rusting all across the front edge."

Anonymous, MN (2015 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

2015 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT
Jan 15, 2026
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V011000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 116672
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Oct 13, 2025
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V695000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1448655
POWER TRAIN
Jun 10, 2022
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V413000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2925968
POWER TRAIN
Apr 14, 2022
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V254000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 96015
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Jun 08, 2020
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V331000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2147323
SEAT BELTS, SEATS
Jul 25, 2017
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V472000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 94605
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Sep 06, 2016
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V643000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2046297
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 08, 2015
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.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V436000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 374781
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 24, 2015
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.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V406000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 184519
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