2015 Ford Escape Safety Report
2015 Ford Escape Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Ford Escape
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Ford Escape. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (969) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 44 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ford Escape with 272 complaints and 19 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Ford Escape before buying across this generation. |
Ford Escape Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Escape years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Escape | 947 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ford Escape | 2495 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ford Escape | 1586 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ford Escape | 503 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ford Escape | 1386 | 23 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Ford Escape | 272 | 19 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Ford Escape Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Ford Escape, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
213 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyEngine
124 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
82 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyElectrical System
59 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlySteering
57 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Ford onlyBack Over Prevention
54 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford Escape
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ford Escape receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Ford Escape
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Ford Escape
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford Escape:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Over Prevention System The rearview camera intermittently displays a blank or distorted image, reducing visibility behind the vehicle. This issue has been reported multiple times and can be dangerous during reversing maneuvers. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Gear Position Indicator The automatic transmission gear position indicator (PRNDL) has been recalled due to potential malfunction, which can lead to incorrect gear selection and increased risk of accidents. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Block Heater A recall has been issued for the engine block heater, which can cause coolant loss and affect the car's heating system. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belts A recall has been issued for certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and other models due to potential seat belt issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford Escape:
Issues with the rearview camera display, including blank or distorted images.
Recalled due to potential malfunction, leading to incorrect gear selection.
Recalled for causing coolant loss and affecting the car's heating system.
Recalled for potential seat belt issues in certain models.
Recall Details for the 2015 Ford Escape
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Ford Escape by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 1-866-436-73...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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 beli...
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: 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. Ow...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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) ...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Ford Escape
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Ford Escape with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
The back up/rear view camera display a blank or distorted image while in reverse and has reduced and distorted my view of what is behind in not one, but on both my 2015 Fords which have been recalled. I have come close on several occasions to having an accident. I got a letter from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department ...
Took care & kept up with car maintenance quite regularly, including oil and transmission fluid drain & fills. No signs of any issues. Going uphill and suddenly transmission starts slipping and pump is suddenly whirring loud. No urgent lights or dash messages. Drove it a little further (i was already super close to my destination) and within a minute the car is violently jerking. Loud metal bangs a...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank screen. The failure later became a permanent failure, and the camera was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2569V5000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was n...
THE FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.
(1) What happened? Suddenly the rear camera screen went blank. It took me half a second to realize the problem and to react and automatically stepping the breaks. Luckily, there was no one behind the car. (2) What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Rear Camera View/Screen. (3) Is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. (4) How was your safety or the safety of others put at...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera became inoperable. The rear-view camera intermittently failed, with the image fluctuating and failing to properly operate. 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 ...
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 rear-view camera displayed a distorted image or a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver f...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently distorted or was inoperative. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2569V5000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not ye...
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 shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed an upside-down image. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the man...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera image failed to function properly and intermittently failed to display. 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 dealer was conta...
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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact h...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable and the image appeared blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the remedy parts required to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V436000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair for the back over prevention camera was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R)....
- The car loses coolant while the engine is running. This coolant loss is nearly imperceptible, except that the car's heat stopped working reliably. If the car is left idling with the heat on, it does not become warm. It only begins to become warm at higher speeds, then loses heat after slowing down.There are no easily visible coolant leaks. - If I had not caught it in time, the car could have ove...
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the screen failed to display an image of the rear of the veh...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blurry image. The contact stated that the image was foggy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet av...
Transmission failure in traffic. Just stopped engaging the gears. Transmission has failed and needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that occasionally the rear-view camera failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the...
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 rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the dri...
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
Showing 20 of 969 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Ford Escape
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Opened 2019-12-19 · Closed 2022-02-07
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQ...
Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Opened 2016-01-16 · Closed 2016-10-29
In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford Escape
Has the 2015 FORD ESCAPE been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 FORD ESCAPE has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 FORD ESCAPE have?
The 2015 FORD ESCAPE has 969 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 26 involved crashes. 31 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
The 2015 FORD ESCAPE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 FORD ESCAPE involve power train (213 complaints), engine (124 complaints), unknown or other (82 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, steering, back over prevention.
How many crash reports does the 2015 FORD ESCAPE have?
There are 26 crash reports associated with the 2015 FORD ESCAPE out of 969 total complaints (2.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 FORD ESCAPE have?
There are 18 fire reports for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE out of 969 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
31 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 FORD ESCAPE is extreme caution advised. It has 969 complaints, 9 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 FORD ESCAPE are: 1. POWER TRAIN (213 complaints), 2. ENGINE (124 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (82 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (59 complaints), 5. STEERING (57 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 213 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
Be cautious of the back over prevention system and automatic transmission gear position indicator issues. Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for the engine block heater and seat belts. The 2015 FORD ESCAPE has 969 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
The 2015 FORD ESCAPE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 969 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 44 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Back Over Prevention System and Automatic Transmission Gear Position Indicator.
What are the known issues with the 2015 FORD ESCAPE?
Known issues with the 2015 FORD ESCAPE include: Back Over Prevention System, Automatic Transmission Gear Position Indicator, Engine Block Heater, Seat Belts. These are based on patterns found across 969 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What is the most common issue with the 2015 Ford Escape?
The most common issue is the back over prevention system, where the rearview camera intermittently displays a blank or distorted image.
Is the automatic transmission gear position indicator reliable?
There have been recalls due to potential malfunction, so it's advisable to check for recalls and updates.
What should I do if I notice coolant loss in my 2015 Ford Escape?
Check for the engine block heater recall and contact Ford for further assistance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the back over prevention system and automatic transmission gear position indicator issues. Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for the engine block heater and seat belts.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford Escape
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford Escape. The data includes 969 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 26 reported crashes, 18 fire incidents, 31 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Ford Escape an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15