- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2015 Ford Escape Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1,149 complaints about the 2015 Ford Escape with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (286) and the engine & cooling (273). Those complaints describe 31 crashes, 20 fires and 35 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in January 2026 for the engine block heater. For comparison, the 2014 has 2,091 and the 2016 has 1,192.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Escape year, for its age
#7 most complained-about 2015 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1,149
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 31
- Fires
- 20
- Injuries
- 35
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2015 Ford Escape problems
Share of all 1,149 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2015 Ford Escape recalls 9
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The 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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- The 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. 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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1,149 complaints about the 2015 Ford Escape
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 46.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was distorted, inverted or black with the message "Camera Not Available" displayed. The dealer was informed of the failure several times during routine maintenance and confirmed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.
The rear back up camera does not work alot of the time. The message says contact the manufacturer. However, everytime I call to have it fix, thye ford dealer says they do not have the parts to repair it yet. This is a hugh saftey issue.
Safety Recall 25V695 has still remained unresolved. My rear camera randomly fails and reports a problem.
See attached document for complaint.
The rear view camera is broken on the 2015 Ford Escape; it displays a blank screen when in reverse. This creates a safety risk when the car is in reverse and visibility is limited. I received the initial safety recall notice in October 2025. It is now November 2026 and no fix/repair parts are available. After speaking with Ford Customer Service, they made initial parts available for just one of the models effected in January 2026 but no other vehicles. Their timeline was supposed to have repairs available by the end of June 2026 but still no repair/replacement parts are available. This is not a reasonable timeframe to resolve a safety recall.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or distorted image. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, the rear-view camera screen displayed a blank or distorted, dotted image. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where diagnostic testing determined that the rear-view camera display failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to contact the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when his daughter shifted to reverse, the message "Rearview Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank image and made abnormal sounds. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While reversing, the rear-view camera failed to display an image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 80,000.
I have a 2015 Ford Escape, and the rear view camera has been recalled. My rear camera that is inoperable has caused me almost several accidents. I feel very unsafe and the remedy to fix it has not been authorized yet. The safety of myself and others is largely put at risk. I am still waiting for parts to arrive at the Ford dealership so this recall can be taken care of. Until then, I do have an attorney on standby in case an accident does occur due to the failure of the rear view camera on the vehicle not working. Please be advised!
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was distorted. The dealer was contacted several times and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 6,966.
The rear-view camera could display a blank or distorted image on the center display screen when the vehicle is in reverse. We also receive a message that the rear-view camera is unavailable on the center display screen.
Backup camera is distorted, upside down, blue screen, or message displayed stating "Rearview camera not available". I received the recall notice that was mailed October 2025. I have since contacted my local Ford dealership attempting to have this recall resolved, each time to be told that parts are not available yet, only for the Ford Mustang. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This is a safety concern, as not only do I work at an elementary school, but I also have young grandchildren under the age...
Read the full complaint
of 4. This camera issue started before the recall was even issued, and has gotten worse, occurring 97% of the time vehicle is on Reverse. It has been confirmed by the local dealership that the codes read do align with the recall notice. It has been over one year since the recall was issued, and the only available parts are for Ford Mustangs, which represent a small portion of affected vehicles. There are many more models affected, and a year is definitely NOT a timely manner. I even bought a new vehicle in March 2026 (NOT a Ford) as I am tired of waiting for this recall to be resolved. This situation is causing me to regret owning a Ford.
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. While the owner was reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a blue screen with the message "Rear-view Camera Unavailable". During the failure the vehicle crashed into a vehicle behind. The other vehicle was damaged.
Recall 25V695 Rear backup camera is not working half of the time-totally black screen. Received recall notice in October 2025. Called Ford in October 2026 (a year later) and was told parts still not available and they had no idea when they would be available. This is unacceptable. I believe a year is adequate time to correct this issue. I would like to file a formal complaint.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V69500 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank or distorted image. The failure mileage was 72,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts were unavailable for the recall repair.
I replaced my transmission around 156000 miles the repair shop replaced my transmission with a brand new transmission from a ford dealer. Less than 6000 miles on my new transmission it needed to be replaced again. My transmission is having issues again with less then 20000 miles on the second transmission.
My 2015 Ford Escape is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 25V695/Ford Campaign 25SA9 concerning failure of the rearview camera. The recall was filed October 13, 2025. I have repeatedly attempted to obtain the recall repair through authorized Ford dealers in my area, but I continue to be told that the required part is unavailable. I contacted Ford today (10/21/26) asking for assistance in locating a dealer that can obtain the required part and complete the repair. I was once again told that a remedy is not available at...
Read the full complaint
this time. I am requesting assistance regarding Ford's inability to provide the recall remedy to replace the camera. Currently, my rearview camera only sporadically comes on, and when it does, the image is upside down.
A recall was issued on my 2015 Ford Escape's rearview camera. There wasn't a fix for it at the time and over a year later, there still isn't a fix. I have heard nothing new on when to expect it to be repaired. I was originally informed it would be June 2026. I live around a lot of young children and depend on my rearview camera to help me watch out for them. The problem has gotten to where my rearview camera very seldom works at all now. When can all of the Ford owners with this problem expect it to be fixed? Thank you.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear-view camera was flickering or displayed a blank screen with the message "Contact the Dealer" displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 102,984.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.
Ford Escape: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 605 | 3 | C |
| 2018 | 1,830 | 4 | F |
| 2017 | 2,708 | 4 | F |
| 2016 | 1,192 | 4 | D |
| 2015 | 1,149 | 9 | D |
| 2014 | 2,091 | 16 | F |
| 2013 | 2,757 | 18 | F |
| 2012 | 604 | 2 | C |
| 2011 | 1,321 | 3 | D |
2015 Ford Escape vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Escape | 1,149 | 9 | D | |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 1,794 | 11 | F | Compare |
| 2015 Chevrolet Equinox | 680 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 617 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 305 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander | 239 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 229 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2015 Kia Sportage | 146 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 133 | 4 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2015 Ford Escape
Does the 2015 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 Ford Escape: engine block heater (January 2026); camera (October 2025); gear position indication (prndl) (June 2022); gear position indication (prndl) (April 2022) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Escape?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (286), engine & cooling (273), driver assistance (194).
How many complaints has the 2015 Ford Escape had?
1,149 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 22, 2014 and the latest on November 9, 2026. Of these, 31 describe a crash and 20 a fire, and together they report 35 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2015 Ford Escape a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford Escape year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Escape years have the most complaints?
2013 (2,757), 2017 (2,708), 2008 (2,417). See every Ford Escape year compared.
What should I do if my 2015 Ford Escape has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data