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ProblemsByVin File / 2015-FORD-ESCAPE NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2015 · Ford

Ford Escape problems

1,011 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

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.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
271 reports · fails ~96,009 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
186 reports · fails ~88,296 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
107 reports · fails ~66,867 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
78 reports · fails ~54,957 mi · avg $700
severe
body
30 reports · fails ~48,427 mi · avg $1,500
severe
wheels
23 reports · fails ~54,785 mi · avg $400
moderate
brakes
15 reports · fails ~55,380 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
14 reports · fails ~57,999 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2015 Escape's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2015 Escape?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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…
12/31/2020 · at 109,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385718.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2015 Escape · powertrain
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
12/30/2024 · at 145,349 mi · NHTSA ODI #11633099.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2015 Escape · powertrain
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…
2015 Escape · powertrain
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…
12/30/2020 · at 91,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385679.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 1,011 owner complaints →
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.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 17V472000 July 25, 2017

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.
severe NHTSA 15V406000 June 24, 2015

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.
severe NHTSA 22V254000 April 14, 2022

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 1,011 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: 107 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,000–96,744 mi; Steering: 78 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'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 1,011 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days 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. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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