2015 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2015 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2015 Ford Escape a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,116 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and backup camera.
1,116 complaints 9 recalls, 1 fire risk 11th worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2015 Ford Escape problems
Transmission problems
286 complaints (26%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and bearings / bushings.
Engine problems
273 complaints (25%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and cooling system.
Backup camera problems
158 complaints (14%) name the backup camera, most often the camera and rearview system braking.
Electrical problems
135 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (634 of 1,116). The amber line is the middle value, about 77,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2015 Ford Escape recalls
Block heater can crack and short circuit
Fire riskThe engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.
Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.
Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026Camera
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 25V695000 · Oct 2025Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.
Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022Shifter bushing can detach, causing unintended movement
Crash riskThe bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission can wear out or come loose. This can keep the car from shifting into the selected gear, or let it roll after the driver selects Park, raising the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Your dealer will replace the under-hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing at no charge.
Recall 22V254000 · Apr 2022Latch
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V331000 · Jun 2020Seat or seatbelt bolts may fracture
Crash riskSome seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors may be held in place by improperly made bolts that can break. If a bolt fractures, the part may not be secured properly, which raises the chance of injury in a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the affected bolts free of charge once remedy parts are available, and Ford will notify you by mail when that happens.
Recall 17V472000 · Jul 2017Door latch may break and not hold
Injury riskA part inside the door latch can break, so the door may not latch or may look closed when it is not. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is moving and injure someone inside.
Fix: The dealer will replace the door latches with an improved part free of charge.
Recall 16V643000 · Sep 2016Engine may keep running after shut-off
Crash riskAfter the key or START/STOP button is turned off, the engine may keep running, so the vehicle does not meet federal theft and rollaway protection rules. If someone moves the shifter out of park, the car could roll unexpectedly and crash.
Fix: Your dealer will update the body control module software at no cost to you.
Recall 15V436000 · Jul 2015Instrument cluster / panel
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge.
Recall 15V406000 · Jun 2015Get an email when your 2015 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2015 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Escape years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2015 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2015 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,116 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and backup camera.
What are the most common 2015 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, backup camera and electrical system. 286 complaints (26%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and bearings / bushings.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 68,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 95,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Escape have?
9. Block heater can crack and short circuit (26V011000); Camera (25V695000); Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod (22V413000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2015 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.