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2015 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2015 Ford Escape has 1,125 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1], led by the power train and engine groups[2][3]. It also has 9 recalls[4], and two of them still have a remedy that is phased in or not final[5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 1,125 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 30 mention a crash, 20 mention a fire and 35 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The biggest groups by complaint count are:
- Power train: 286 complaints, median mileage at failure 94,000[2].
- Engine: 273 complaints, 10 mention a fire, median mileage 84,662[3].
- Back over prevention (the rearview camera system): 166 complaints[9].
- Unknown or other: 146 complaints[10].
- Electrical system: 135 complaints, 10 mention a fire[11].
- Steering: 81 complaints[12].
In the power train sample we read, owners describe the car hesitating, stalling or surging when they press the gas, plus rough or confused shifting. A few describe a shifter cable that broke[2]. Shifter cable parts are also the subject of two recalls below[13][14].
In the back over prevention sample, owners describe a rearview camera screen that goes blank, flickers or looks distorted[9]. A recall covers this too[6].
In the engine sample, owners describe stalling or loss of power[3]. In the electrical sample, some owners describe an engine that would not shut off with the key removed[11]. Recall 15V436 covers a similar failure[15].
These themes come from a small sample of complaints. They show what owners describe. They do not show how often each problem happens.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Engine block heater (26V011). Certain Escapes with a 2.0L engine[5]. The heater can crack and leak coolant, then short circuit when plugged in, which raises fire risk. Ford tells owners not to plug in the block heater until the vehicle is remedied. The final remedy is not yet available. The recall says dealers will replace the heater free of charge once it is, and an option to swap the heater element for a plug is also described[5]. An option to swap the heater element for a plug is also described. Interim letters went out and more will follow when the final remedy is available, so the remedy is not yet final[5]. - Rearview camera (25V695). The camera image may be distorted, intermittent or blank in reverse, which can reduce the driver's view behind the car and raise crash risk. Dealers are to inspect and replace the camera as needed, free of charge. The remedy is being released in phases by model and model year, so ask a dealer whether it is available for your car yet[6].
- Shifter cable bushing (22V413). The bushing linking the shifter cable to the transmission can wear or come off. The car may not go into the gear selected, may move in an unexpected direction or may roll after Park is selected, which raises crash and injury risk. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap, free of charge[13].
- Shifter cable bushing, 2.0L engines (22V254). The same defect, for 2015 Escapes with a 2.0L engine[14]. The same remedy applies, free of charge[14].
- Door latch repeat repair (20V331). Cars earlier repaired under older door latch recalls may have had the repair done incorrectly. A latch part can break, so a door may seem closed when it is not and could open while driving. Dealers check the latch date codes and replace latches if needed, free of charge[16].
- Seat bolts (17V472). Badly made bolts used on some seats, seatbacks, belt buckles or belt anchors may break, so the part may not stay secured in a crash. Dealers replace the bolts, free of charge[17].
- Door latches (16V643). A part inside the latch may break, so a door may seem latched when it is not. Dealers replace the latches with an improved part, free of charge[18].
- Ignition (15V436). Escapes built from April 1, 2014 to June 12, 2015[15] may keep running after the key is turned off. Someone could then move the shifter out of Park and the car could move. Dealers install a software update for the car's body control module at no cost[15].
- Instrument cluster (15V406). Escapes built from May 19, 2014 to February 6, 2015[19] may have a dead instrument cluster, so warning lights and chimes may not work. Dealers update the software, free of charge[19].
You can check any recall against your VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Fuel economy
EPA lists five versions of the 2015 Escape, all using regular gas[7]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| FWD, 1.6L turbo[7] | 23 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 |
| FWD, 2.0L turbo[20] | 21 / 29 / 24 | $2,800 |
| FWD, 2.5L[21] | 21 / 30 / 25 | $2,700 |
| AWD, 1.6L turbo[22] | 22 / 29 / 25 | $2,700 |
| AWD, 2.0L turbo[23] | 21 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 |
All five use a 4-cylinder engine and an Automatic (S6) transmission[7][20][21][22][23].
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star ratings are the same overall for both versions[8][24]. The AWD SUV earns 4 stars overall, 4 frontal, 5 side and 4 rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[8]. The FWD SUV earns 4 stars overall, 4 frontal, 5 side and 4 rollover, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[24].
Engine and size
EPA lists these power ratings for the 2015 Escape:
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[28][29].
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 996 | 13 |
| 2002 | 1,027 | 8 |
| 2003 | 558 | 7 |
| 2004 | 499 | 6 |
| 2005 | 1,584 | 4 |
| 2006 | 720 | 4 |
| 2007 | 393 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2,417 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1,846 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2,129 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,355 | 2 |
| 2012 | 619 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2,756 | 18 |
| 2014 | 2,089 | 16 |
| 2015 | 1,125 | 9 |
| 2016 | 1,162 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2,700 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1,820 | 4 |
| 2019 | 596 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1,902 | 25 |
| 2021 | 496 | 21 |
| 2022 | 385 | 21 |
| 2023 | 138 | 13 |
| 2024 | 88 | 10 |
| 2025 | 31 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 | 3 |
NHTSA lists 1,125 complaints and 9 recalls for 2015[4]. The 2014 Escape has 2,089 complaints and 16 recalls[4]. The 2013 Escape has 2,756 complaints and 18 recalls[4]. The 2016 Escape has 1,162 complaints and 4 recalls[4].
So 2015 has fewer complaints than 2013 and 2014 and slightly fewer than 2016, but more recalls than 2016. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2015 Escape?
The facts show a mixed picture. Complaints are lower than for the 2013 and 2014 model years, but power train and engine reports still lead the list[2][3][4]. Before buying, run the VIN on NHTSA.gov and ask about the shifter cable, rearview camera and block heater recalls[5][6][13]. Our data does not cover oil capacity, towing or tire size, so check those separately.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Escape?
- By complaint count, the power train group leads with 286 complaints, followed by engine with 273[2][3]. Owners in the samples we read describe hesitation, stalling and rough shifting[2].
- How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[4]. The block heater and rearview camera recalls have a remedy that is not final or is phased in[5][6].
- What MPG does the 2015 Ford Escape get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 23 to 26 MPG[7][23] depending on engine and drive. The FWD 1.6L turbo is highest at 26[7] and the AWD 2.0L turbo is lowest at 23[23].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,125 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Escape (30 mention a crash, 20 a fire, 35 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 286 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 273 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 10 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,662). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Escape model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V695, filed October 13, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 166 complaints name the back over prevention component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 146 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 6 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,616). NHTSA vehicle records
- 135 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 10 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 81 complaints name the steering component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,149). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V254, filed April 14, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V436, filed July 8, 2015: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V472, filed July 25, 2017: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V406, filed June 24, 2015: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Escape AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Escape with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Escape with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 237 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 168 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV AWD SE/TITANIUM: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,777 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV FWD S/SE/TITANIUM: length 179 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,605 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov