2015 Ford Escape problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,099 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Escape, filed between 2014-12-22 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the power train (285, 26%), engine (238, 22%) and back over prevention (148, 13%). Owners reported 29 crashes, 19 fires and 32 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Ford Escape complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 285 | 26% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 238 | 22% | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Back over prevention | 148 | 13% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 141 | 13% | 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 135 | 12% | 2 | 10 | 3 |
| Steering | 81 | 7% | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 50 | 5% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 44 | 4% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 36 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 29 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 25 | 2% | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Wheels | 25 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 16 | 1% | 11 | 0 | 14 |
| Seat belts | 14 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 285 complaints
- 285 complaints of 1,099 (26%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 41 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 22V413000, says: “The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.”
Engine: 238 complaints
- 238 complaints of 1,099 (22%) name the engine.
- 41 of them also name the power train; owners reported 4 crashes, 8 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Escape covers this system.
Back over prevention: 148 complaints
- 148 complaints of 1,099 (13%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Ford Escape; the recall, campaign 25V695000, says: “The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.”
Electrical system: 135 complaints
- 135 complaints of 1,099 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 24 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes, 10 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 Ford Escape; the latest, campaign 15V436000, says: “In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off.”
Steering: 81 complaints
- 81 complaints of 1,099 (7%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Escape covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 50 complaints
- 50 complaints of 1,099 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 22 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Escape covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2019 | 83 |
| 2020 | 111 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 110 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 142 |
| 2026 | 178 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ESCAPE, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Ford Escape recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Escape?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Ford Escape's most common problem areas are the power train (285 of 1,099 complaints), engine (238 of 1,099 complaints) and back over prevention (148 of 1,099 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA has 1,099 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Escape, including 29 reported crashes and 19 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Ford Escape's problems?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 Ford Escape; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.