Page 6 of 23 · complaints 251–300 of 1,136

2015 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2015 record →

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 17, 202568,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera display was black with the message "Camera Unavailable" displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the hatchback was closed with force, and the camera was not functioning as needed while shifted into reverse(R). The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking
Filed Sep 16, 2025CO

The rear back up camera is malfunctioning/not working intermittently. Sometimes it works, and then glitches out and is gone, other times it is a completely black screen. This started approximately 4-6 weeks ago. It says "Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership". I have since seen that 1.5M Ford vehicles are being recalled for this exact issue, but my car is not on the list. I've called Ford and the Dealership, and they've said I will have to have it diagnosed and pay out of pocket. It's oddly peculiar that this would be the same issue, and it just started at the same time of the recall. This has put others at risk because I cannot see them behind me, the car is not alerting me to people behind me, and I have gotten used to that function. I have to check to see if the camera is working, and then make sure to look behind, but even then it is hard to see. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone just yet. I am hesitant to take to dealer, as I will be without car for 2 days and have to pay the diagnostic fee, and potentially repair fee. There were no warning messages or other symptoms. One day it just started glitching.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 13, 2025KY

The back up camera is not functioning. It’s very distorted. Very difficult to see what is behind me when backing up. I took the car to a mechanic and he said he wasn’t able to fix it.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 12, 2025IL

Back up camera does not work at times screen is black when vehicle is in reverse, other times camera display is working. This problem started around June 0f 2025

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 11, 2025AZ

The backup camera in my vehicle displays an inverted and distorted image, identical to the defect described in Ford’s existing recall. However, my vehicle has been excluded from that recall, and Ford has refused to repair the issue. This defect creates a significant safety hazard by impairing rear visibility and making backing up more dangerous. Because federal law requires a functional backup camera in this type of vehicle, I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall and repaired by Ford.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025MS

The rear camera is malfunctioning!! It shows a blue screen!! Hasn't complete stopped working! A recall was released yesterday and the recall fits the description of what my vehicle is doing! My vehicle was not listed! This started about a month ago!

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025MD

The back up camera is distorted, upside down, or shows not available. I believe this year of Ford escape should be included in the current recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025MO

Rear backup camera malfunctioning. Inverts image and sometimes blanks out. Dangerous in parking lots. Have not contacted dealer since warranty is expired. Has not been inspected. No warnings or messages before problem started. Started several months ago.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025MO

The back up assist camera only works part of the time. It will come on for a few seconds and then go off.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025TX

Rear view camera image is inverted and as I've been driving over 40 years, it's a nice feature, but after seeing all the recalls for this issue and mine is not included yet has failed in a similar way.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 9, 2025OR

When one of my back up lights went out it shorted out the back up video camera. After replacement, found out from Ford that the wiring of the lighting is tied also into the video camera system. After replacement the camera shorts out and is not replaceable.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2025ID

Back up camera glitches, shows images upside down, or not at all. This has been happening for at least 6+ months. Component has not been inspected. There is a current recall on Edge and Expedition in the same years as mine but the Escape was not included in in the recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2025OR

The back up camera has been switching on and off, and now is inoperable.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2025AL

Backup camera is not working. says to call dealership. dealership says they dont know what is wrong with it. safety hazard for backing up.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2025PA

Rear view camera doesn't work. Ford just recalled a bunch of 2015-2019 vehicles for this exact issue but the escapes didnt get a recall. I have been having this issue for a few months now. The screen with go blue or black and then say no camera available.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2025UT

While driving to Las Vegas, I noticed the engine felt unstable and coolant levels were low. After topping off coolant, the car drove normally for the remainder of the trip, but the air conditioning intermittently blew hot air. A mechanic performed diagnostic and pressure tests, but no codes appeared. The issue recurred with repeated coolant loss and stalling sensations. The following day, the vehicle overheated on the freeway and stalled. A mechanic diagnosed a blown head gasket and cracked cylinder head, which cost me $4,500 to repair. Less than a month later, the same issue happened again. This defect creates ongoing safety concerns due to the risk of sudden stalling, overheating, and potential engine fire. I have learned that this issue is widespread in Ford Escape EcoBoost engines, and Ford has not issued a recall or permanent fix.06

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 5, 2025TX

I own a 2015 Ford Escape. The rearview backup camera intermittently fails when I first start the vehicle. Each time I put the car in reverse shortly after startup, the screen displays the message: “Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership.” After driving for several minutes, the camera usually begins working again. This is a safety concern because the camera is not available when I first back out of parking spaces, driveways, or other areas where pedestrians, children, or other vehicles may be present. The failure is unpredictable, and the camera is supposed to be a safety device to prevent accidents while reversing. The issue seems to worsen in hot weather, but it has happened on multiple occasions regardless of temperature. I have researched and found that other Ford owners report similar issues with backup cameras failing intermittently. Since rearview cameras are federally mandated safety equipment, I believe this problem should be investigated for a possible recall.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 3, 2025OR

UNKNOWN, but appears like other version of Ford Escape the 2015 suffers from the same fuel pump issues. On at least 10 moments the car stalls and dies during driving. When brought to Fords attention, they have on 2 times indicated that no error codes or way of duplicating problem. I had independent car repair place as well look into the issue with the same response. We now only drive the car if we have to and only in short areas where we are not driving on the freeway and if we can walk home. Please add this to the recalls.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 2025CA

The car won’t shift into the intended gear.The car stalls as well. The transmission fault service now light is on.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 2, 2025AL

The backup camera does not work.

Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2025NJ

The transmission has failed and fuel propulsion. While driving on the highway with no warning it slowed down considerably, which almost caused me to be rear-ended. Yes, it's even inspected. No warning lamps. PLEASE CHECK, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF 2015 FORD ESCAPES WITH FAULTY TRANS AND FUEL PROPULSION ISSUES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 1, 2025TX

The camera goes on and off. Sometimes as you reverse the camera is working then suddenly goes black. There is no direct pinpoint to when the camera stopped working properly but poses a risk when using to reverse and suddenly goes black

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2025NC

While driving, the car hesitates changing gears. Sometimes the car will not go in gear or go into Park. Had a recall in 2022 for some bushings and cable shifter. The car is too dangerous to drive and mechanics have stated a new transmission is needed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 22, 2025OR

While driving recently, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all forward acceleration. Soon after, I discovered that when placed in Park, the vehicle could still roll freely — a dangerous condition that could lead to an accident or injury. Initially, the car was able to move in both Drive and Reverse for a short time, but it quickly deteriorated to only reversing, and then the Park function failed to hold the vehicle altogether. I have maintained my Escape according to Ford’s recommendations and have records available. There were no warning lights, no unusual noises beforehand, and no indication that such a failure was imminent. This is not just a mechanical failure but a significant safety hazard, as loss of acceleration and loss of Park lock can put drivers, passengers, and bystanders at risk.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 19, 202580,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating an engine misfire. The contact replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while replacing the spark plugs, the spark plug thread of cylinder #4 remained stuck in the cylinder head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the spark plug thread might be stuck because the cylinder head had melted around the spark plug thread. The mechanic determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended the cylinder head replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 202597,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The contact placed the vehicle into Sport Mode and was able to drive as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the vacuum, and the engine light went off. The contact had an independent mechanic arrive at the residence, and the mechanic determined that the vehicle was about to throw a rod. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 2025130,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the shift indicator indicated that the transmission was not in drive(D). The contact shifted the gear lever however, the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into drive(D), reverse(R), or neutral. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her husband checked under the hood and became aware that the shifter cable was loose and applied pressure, and the contact was able to shift into drive(D) and drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact arrived at the residence and attempted to shift to park(P), however the transmission failed to engage as intended. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 13, 2025120,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a solid black or blue screen without an image. The contact stated that occasionally the image was displayed upside down, creating a hazard while reversing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2025CO

My 2015 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, has experienced a repeat engine failure due to what appears to be the known “coolant intrusion” defect currently under active litigation (Miller v. Ford). The original engine failed due to loss of coolant into the cylinders, causing rough idle, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and loss of performance. Ford replaced the entire engine under warranty approximately 24.5 months ago. The replacement engine is now exhibiting the same symptoms, including: Rough/unstable idle, especially on startup Abnormally loud engine noise Suspected internal coolant loss with no visible external leaks Reduced performance and hesitation This is the second major engine failure in a short time, creating a serious safety concern due to potential sudden loss of power while driving. The EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect is widely reported in Ford Escapes from this model year and is the subject of a class action lawsuit. Ford has not issued a recall for all affected vehicles, leaving owners at risk of repeated engine failures. I am submitting this complaint to document the repeat failure, as it poses a risk to safe operation and may affect other vehicles on the road. I can provide repair records, photos, and video evidence upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2025HI

The shift cable bushing on my 2015 Ford Escape failed, causing the gear shifter to appear in "Park" when the transmission was actually in a different gear. This posed a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could roll unexpectedly. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by a certified Ford dealership. They stated the failure was due to a coolant hose leak affecting the bushing, but this seems questionable since this exact bushing has been recalled previously for premature degradation (Ford recalls 18S20 and 22S25). I experienced the same symptoms reported in the recall: gear position not matching the shifter, difficulty engaging Park, and the potential for the car to roll. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. I had to pay for the repair out of pocket, even though this appears to be the same defect covered in the recall. The part is no longer available for inspection, as it was replaced during the repair.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2025MO

Transmission sticks and only will tend to shift once it hits 3 RPM! And jerks

Power Train
Filed Aug 2, 2025HI

The shift cable bushing on my 2015 Ford Escape failed, causing the gear shifter to appear in "Park" when the transmission was actually in a different gear. This posed a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could roll unexpectedly. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by a certified Ford dealership. They stated the failure was due to a coolant hose leak affecting the bushing, but this seems questionable since this exact bushing has been recalled previously for premature degradation (Ford recalls 18S20 and 22S25). I experienced the same symptoms reported in the recall: gear position not matching the shifter, difficulty engaging Park, and the potential for the car to roll. There were no warning lights or messages before the failure. I had to pay for the repair out of pocket, even though this appears to be the same defect covered in the recall. The part is no longer available for inspection, as it was replaced during the repair.

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2025IL

On 7/25/25 at about 1pm my son was driving the ford escape 2.0 engine (2015) and it started jerking, stalling while driving. The AC shut off suddenly and the car was overheating. He almost got in a car accident when it suddenly stopped! Turns out it was coolant oil intrusion issue and now requires a new engine 12k

Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2025TX

Coolant intrusion

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 21, 2025106,000 milesCA

The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact's daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to shift gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2025PA

Vehicle overeheated and stalled. Engine light came on. Had it to garage who told me call Ford because vehicle needed a new engine. Got a second opinion a few months later, and they confirmed that coolant was leaking in to the spark plug cylinders.And yes it needed a new engine. Prior: At 80000 miles the transmission needed replaced.I was told that my my car was notorious for needing transmissions and engines.

Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2025SC

I own a 2015 Ford Escape with an EcoBoost engine. I had to repeatedly refill the coolant but could not find any visible leaks. At one point the engine did overheat. Eventually, I took it to a Ford dealership, where the mechanic inspected the engine and found coolant inside the cylinders. I was told this was a known issue with EcoBoost engines. The engine had to be replaced entirely, and I was forced to pay for the replacement out-of-pocket. This is a major safety concern, especially since it can lead to engine overheating and sudden failure while driving. Ford did not cover the repair even though this appears to be a common defect.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2025TX

My 2015 Ford Escape experienced sudden power loss while trying to proceed at a Stop Light in Irving, Texas on [XXX}. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2025GA

Defective turbo charger.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 9, 202570,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the ABS and the traction control warning lights illuminated. The messages "4-Wheel Drive Temporarily Disabled" and "Hill Start Assist Not Available" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving after starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while responding, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Westlake Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 9, 202564,140 milesOH

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2025MI

My vehicle overheated on a drive home from work on an expressway doing approximately 72mph. Without any warning, my car flashed a notification that the engine temperature was too hot and I needed to stop safely. The car would not accelerate, in fact, it decelerated the next 4 miles before I could find a gas station to stop. The coolant reservoir was empty (which was full when I started my car) so I refilled it again. I did end up replacing the coolant reservoir but this issue kept recurring. Fast forward 2 weeks and my car decided it didn’t want to accelerate on my drive home from work. I took it to a local mechanic who said there was oil soaking up the spark plug in the 4th cylinder. Said mechanic replaced all 4 plugs, coil packs and valve cover gasket. I live in Michigan and the heat has been extensive the last couple of weeks. I noticed an oil leak under my car during the hot weather. However yesterday ([XXX]) the temperature here was in the 70’s and the leak wasn’t as bad. I decided to google “2015 Ford Escape 1.6L oil leak during hot weather” and discovered that this is a KNOWN issue and that there could potentially be a recall. I went on the NHTSA website, plugged in my VIN and found there is currently no recall. Ford needs to realize that their consumers purchase cars because they need them to get to work, dr appointments, church and common errands for everyday people. With the economy being the way it is, we can’t afford to continue dropping $1,000’s of our hard earne

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2025PA

As soon as I put my car in reverse the camera goes upside down or black.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 3, 2025OH

Back up quit working.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jul 2, 202567,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank or distorted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 2025NC

Sunroof will not close and every time it rains it leaks so much to the point that it’s going to cause more electrical issues. I will not take this back to the Randy Marion dealership in west Jefferson NC they also sold me this car with a bad transmission which ended back up in the shop for 3 plus months. They were completely incompetent about handling the situation. So I will not go back to them. Also they sold this cat with seatbelts that are so lose if I were to have a wreck I would probably go through the windshield. They didn’t want to repair that without me handling the bill.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 2025DE

I'm having TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.. AND IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.. AND THE SHOP MY CAR IS IN SAID THEY'VE REPAIRING TRANSMISSIONS IN A LOT 2015 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES.. AND THE ENGINE LEAKS THESE ARE SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT (FORD) NEEDS TO FIX FOR THE OWNERS OF THIS (YEAR) IT'S COSTING $5,000 TO REPLACE FOR THE TRANSMISSION.. I'M SO SO SO SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE COMPANY.. YOUR DOING RECALLS FOR ALL THESE OTHERS VEHICLES BUT THE 2015 ESCAPE .

Suspension
Filed Jul 2, 2025DE

I NEED HELP REPAIRING MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2015 FORD ESCAPE SE IT'S COSTING ME $5,000 TO BE REPAIRED THAT I DON'T HAVE..

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2025NJ

In March 2025 the check engine light came on. Diagnostic showed issue was a misfire for cylinder 3. Mechanic said spark plug in cylinder 3 was seized and he recommended bring the vehicle to a ford dealer. They removed the spark plug and retapped the cylinder outlet. In June 2025 the check engine light came on. Diagnostic showed issue was a misfire in cylinder 3. This time the ford dealer said the issue is a coolant intrusion and I need a new engine. I called the Ford Customer Satisfaction number only to be told my vehicle isn’t part of the recall for the coolant intrusion. They could do nothing to help me.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jun 23, 202584,893 milesOH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative and displayed a dark screen. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Rearview Camera Not Available" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,893.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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