Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2015 Escape?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Electrical system: 108 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,000–96,744 mi
Steering: 79 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–81,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2015 Ford Escape? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 271 owner reports
· tends to show around 96,009 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 187 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,296 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 108 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,867 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 79 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,957 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 66,867 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2015 Escape· powertrain
While driving down hill the vehicle was revving up to almost 5rpms while breaking... Was not shifting into lower gear.. Pulled in to get gas.. Went to back up with reverse.. Then shifted gear into drive .. And the vehicle was still in reverse... Pushed the shifter to park and…
We were driving down the highway when the ford escape shut down and the the check engine light came on for the Evap system several parts have been replaced but I get the same code and the car is dying at idle and losing power a different times while driving
The transmission shift cable fell off the transmission shift lever in the engine compartment. The plastic bushing that holds the shift cable in place is worn out or defective. Ford has a replacement part (#DG9Z-7K340-A) and a new cover cap to protect the bushing now. Wondering…
It first started while sitting at a light and the gears shifted on their own kind of felt like it just clicked into place. I continued to drive as no check engine light came on and it was feeling fine. I was driving down a hill at 45 MPH and then all of a sudden my rpms shot…
Had a problem with your 2015 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles
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.
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.
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
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. 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2
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 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.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Ford Escape reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 1,027 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Ford Escape has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2015 Ford Escape?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford Escape is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Electrical system: 108 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,000–96,744 mi; Steering: 79 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–81,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 Ford Escape?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 271 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 96,009 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 Ford Escape a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,027 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 96,009 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 Ford Escape?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 271 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 96,009 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 96,009 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Escape has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 Ford Escape?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,027 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 2 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Ford/Escape.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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