2015 Ford Escape: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Ford Escape? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 980 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2015 Ford Escape Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2015 Ford Escape trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2015 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2015 Ford Escape SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015 Ford Escape has 980 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Escape
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 980
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2015 Ford Escape Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2015 Ford Escape?
The 2015 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2015 Ford Escape
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Check for any steering or back over prevention related complaints.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Check for any steering or back over prevention related complaints.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 Ford Escape, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2015 Ford Escape shows a high volume of reports, with the majority concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine components. While crash-related complaints are relatively few, the overall complaint count is substantial for a single model year. The data suggests potential issues in key systems, but due to the low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain and engine problems together account for over half of all complaints.
- Electrical faults and steering defects are also notable, with over 100 and nearly 80 complaints respectively.
- Back over prevention complaints are present, which may relate to safety features.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most reported, with 278 complaints.
- Engine Problems follow closely with 274 complaints.
- Electrical Faults and Steering Defects are also significant concerns.
All 2015 Ford Escape Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Escape. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 278 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 274 | 4 | 9 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 127 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 122 | 2 | 10 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 78 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 69 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 48 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 5 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 11 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Preventio…
The back up camera cuts out randomly. Sometimes mid back up. It has been recalled for quite sometime and there is still no remedy available
Vehicle has 126,000 miles on it and has a coolant intrusion into the engine. This has also caused my heater to go out with a weird smell and making the engine shake when driving.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted or upside-down image. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25…
On 4-13-26 an unknown subject hit my wife head on causing significant damage to our vehicle. None of the airbags deployed causing injury to my wife’s forehead, right foot and left knee
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 exc…
My 2015 Ford Escape is diagnosed with a coolant intrusion due to flawed design issues by Ford. Coolant is slowly leaking into valve 2 and causing white smoke upon startup. The engine block is cracked due to faulty coolant system by per the designed of Ford. Only remedy is a new e…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image while in reverse(R). Due to the rear-view camera failure, the contact had bumped into various objects or vehicles while in reverse(R). The contact received notification of NHT…
See attached document for complaint. I am writing regarding the above-referenced recall for my 2015 Ford Escape. In October 2025, I received notice of the recall related to my vehicle. However, prior to receiving this notice, in September 2025, I opted to have my local Ford Deal…
MIL activated, reported misfire in cylinder 2. Attempted to replace spark plugs but they had seized. Took to dealership: was told coolant leaked into cylinder and entire engine needed to be replaced. Technician said this was common with Ecoboost engines for this model year, but n…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification…
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 …
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 fu…
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: 2…
THE FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.
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 …
(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/…
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 …
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 notif…
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:…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Ford Escape.
2015 Ford Escape Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Ford Escape. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2015 Ford Escape Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 980 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Escape?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (278 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (274 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (127 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Ford Escape?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Ford Escape?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Ford Escape, NHTSA complaints include 27 crash-related reports and 19 fire reports out of 980 total complaints. 32 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Ford Escape. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2015 Ford Escape?▾
The 2015 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2015 Ford Escape based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.