2015 FORD ESCAPE Engine Problems
226 NHTSA complaints on file
Engine Issues in the 2015 FORD ESCAPE
226 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 FORD ESCAPE. Of these, 4 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 5 resulted in injury.
226
Complaints
4
Crashes
7
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Engine Complaints
Service engine warning light came on. When checked, coolant was found to be leaking into cylinder 3 due to the engine block being porous. Service center said they see this a lot in this particular engine.
Cabin lost heat November 2025. Brought it in to the local Ford dealership right away and they said replacing replacing the oil cooler hose will probably fix it. Car worked fine for a couple of weeks but the cabin heat tapered off again. Made another appointment with the Ford dealership, but the first available appointment wasn’t until 2/23/26. I tried to drive anywhere as little as possible after this because I live in Fairbanks, AK and it’s commonly -30 this time of the year. Tried to leave work on [XXX] and a warning came up as I started driving away that the engine was overheating and power was reduced to minimize damage. I put my car back in my work parking spot and plugged it in until I could get an appointment at a local mechanic shop. Had the car towed to a local shop 1/6/26 and they inspected it...
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted but continued to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle Information: 2015 Ford Escape – approximately 165,000 miles Incident Description: During normal operation while backing out of a parking space, the vehicle unexpectedly slipped out of the drive gear immediately after I shifted from reverse to drive. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms indicating a potential issue. After restarting the vehicle, it briefly engaged drive but was only able to travel approximately ten feet before abruptly shifting through multiple gears without any driver input. During each occurrence, the engine surged to unusually high RPMs despite no acceleration being applied. Safety Concerns: The unintended gear changes were accompanied by loud whining noises, and the vehicle was unable to remain in any gear long enough to be operated safely. This failure left the vehicle immobilized on a main roadway, causing a traffic backup and creating a hazardous situation for myself, my children, and surrounding motorists. Current Vehicle Condition:...
Unknown coolant leak. Coolant is being lost somewhere in the engine no visible leaks. Added coolant several times.
Engine began giving white smoke from exhaust at start up. 2 Mechanics have checked it and said it’s a well Known coolant intrusion issue with these ford eco boost engines. High risk of overheating and engine failure (while driving, which is a major safety risk for my family).
Coolant leak has been checked by mechanic to not be due to problems with any hoses or connections within the coolant system. Inspection is available upon request. The issue has caused the coolant level to drop below the minimum coolant level 4 times within 3 months with no warning or visible leaking occurring. This has been a regular occurrence with this vehicle for several months now.
We had to replace the engine about 4 years ago and we’re still getting gas smell into the cabin. About 3 years ago, we broke down on the road because the transmission quit. All our repairs have been done through Ford service department. We are now broke down again because of the transmission. Something has to be done with the Ford Escape!
Vehicle is leaking coolant.
The 6F35 transmission in my vehicle is shuddering and it seems like it’s going to possibly mess up my engine or anything else soon. It also jerks a bit forward from 0-25 along with gears slipping. This has almost caused an accident for me.
all equipped with 1.6-liter gasoline turbocharged direct-injected engines — could be subject to a lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating
Purchased my 2015 escape in Aug. of 2023 used knowing that the head gaskets needed to be replaced. Took it to a certified mechanic and had everything fixed on it. Fast forward to October of 2024 - Transmission went out had to purchase a brand new transmission had it installed at the certified mechanic. Then in July of 2025 all of the sudden it overheated. Took it back to the same mechanic and once again the head gaskets are blown. They stated that coolant had leaked into the motor and now it all needs replaced. How is this not a recall yet with everything that I have been reading. A recall has been issued for a back up camera but not this. We have been driving without back up cameras forever but we cannot drive a vehicle when every few months we need to dump thousands of dollars in it.
There appears to be coolant leaking into/into the engine that compromised the seals and created oil leak/burn issues with the engine.
I am having a issue that is not new to ford, my ford escape is having the coolant leak issue, I already have spend more than 2k on it, still engine is over heating, Ford Escape reps and almost all the mechanic know the issue is very known, I hope this issue is addressed.
DRIVER'S SEAT STOP WORKING AND THE ENGINE LEAKS AND THE SUSPENSION WENT BAD AND TRANSMISSION STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON FOULK ROAD IN WILMINGTON DELAWARE APRIL 18, 2025 AND WAS VERY SCARED AND NERVOUS..
While driving to Las Vegas, I noticed the engine felt unstable and coolant levels were low. After topping off coolant, the car drove normally for the remainder of the trip, but the air conditioning intermittently blew hot air. A mechanic performed diagnostic and pressure tests, but no codes appeared. The issue recurred with repeated coolant loss and stalling sensations. The following day, the vehicle overheated on the freeway and stalled. A mechanic diagnosed a blown head gasket and cracked cylinder head, which cost me $4,500 to repair. Less than a month later, the same issue happened again. This defect creates ongoing safety concerns due to the risk of sudden stalling, overheating, and potential engine fire. I have learned that this issue is widespread in Ford Escape EcoBoost engines, and Ford has not issued a recall or permanent fix.06
UNKNOWN, but appears like other version of Ford Escape the 2015 suffers from the same fuel pump issues. On at least 10 moments the car stalls and dies during driving. When brought to Fords attention, they have on 2 times indicated that no error codes or way of duplicating problem. I had independent car repair place as well look into the issue with the same response. We now only drive the car if we have to and only in short areas where we are not driving on the freeway and if we can walk home. Please add this to the recalls.
While driving, the car hesitates changing gears. Sometimes the car will not go in gear or go into Park. Had a recall in 2022 for some bushings and cable shifter. The car is too dangerous to drive and mechanics have stated a new transmission is needed.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The contact placed the vehicle into Sport Mode and was able to drive as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced the vacuum, and the engine light went off. The contact had an independent mechanic arrive at the residence, and the mechanic determined that the vehicle was about to throw a rod. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
My 2015 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, has experienced a repeat engine failure due to what appears to be the known “coolant intrusion” defect currently under active litigation (Miller v. Ford). The original engine failed due to loss of coolant into the cylinders, causing rough idle, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and loss of performance. Ford replaced the entire engine under warranty approximately 24.5 months ago. The replacement engine is now exhibiting the same symptoms, including: Rough/unstable idle, especially on startup Abnormally loud engine noise Suspected internal coolant loss with no visible external leaks Reduced performance and hesitation This is the second major engine failure in a short time, creating a serious safety concern due to potential sudden loss of power while driving. The EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect is widely reported in Ford Escapes from this model year and is the subject of a class action...
Transmission sticks and only will tend to shift once it hits 3 RPM! And jerks
On 7/25/25 at about 1pm my son was driving the ford escape 2.0 engine (2015) and it started jerking, stalling while driving. The AC shut off suddenly and the car was overheating. He almost got in a car accident when it suddenly stopped! Turns out it was coolant oil intrusion issue and now requires a new engine 12k
Coolant intrusion
Vehicle overeheated and stalled. Engine light came on. Had it to garage who told me call Ford because vehicle needed a new engine. Got a second opinion a few months later, and they confirmed that coolant was leaking in to the spark plug cylinders.And yes it needed a new engine. Prior: At 80000 miles the transmission needed replaced.I was told that my my car was notorious for needing transmissions and engines.
I own a 2015 Ford Escape with an EcoBoost engine. I had to repeatedly refill the coolant but could not find any visible leaks. At one point the engine did overheat. Eventually, I took it to a Ford dealership, where the mechanic inspected the engine and found coolant inside the cylinders. I was told this was a known issue with EcoBoost engines. The engine had to be replaced entirely, and I was forced to pay for the replacement out-of-pocket. This is a major safety concern, especially since it can lead to engine overheating and sudden failure while driving. Ford did not cover the repair even though this appears to be a common defect.
Defective turbo charger.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illumined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,140.
My vehicle overheated on a drive home from work on an expressway doing approximately 72mph. Without any warning, my car flashed a notification that the engine temperature was too hot and I needed to stop safely. The car would not accelerate, in fact, it decelerated the next 4 miles before I could find a gas station to stop. The coolant reservoir was empty (which was full when I started my car) so I refilled it again. I did end up replacing the coolant reservoir but this issue kept recurring. Fast forward 2 weeks and my car decided it didn’t want to accelerate on my drive home from work. I took it to a local mechanic who said there was oil soaking up the spark plug in the 4th cylinder. Said mechanic replaced all 4 plugs, coil packs and valve cover gasket. I live in Michigan and the heat has been...
I'm having TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.. AND IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.. AND THE SHOP MY CAR IS IN SAID THEY'VE REPAIRING TRANSMISSIONS IN A LOT 2015 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES.. AND THE ENGINE LEAKS THESE ARE SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT (FORD) NEEDS TO FIX FOR THE OWNERS OF THIS (YEAR) IT'S COSTING $5,000 TO REPLACE FOR THE TRANSMISSION.. I'M SO SO SO SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE COMPANY.. YOUR DOING RECALLS FOR ALL THESE OTHERS VEHICLES BUT THE 2015 ESCAPE .
In March 2025 the check engine light came on. Diagnostic showed issue was a misfire for cylinder 3. Mechanic said spark plug in cylinder 3 was seized and he recommended bring the vehicle to a ford dealer. They removed the spark plug and retapped the cylinder outlet. In June 2025 the check engine light came on. Diagnostic showed issue was a misfire in cylinder 3. This time the ford dealer said the issue is a coolant intrusion and I need a new engine. I called the Ford Customer Satisfaction number only to be told my vehicle isn’t part of the recall for the coolant intrusion. They could do nothing to help me.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while idling and while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to A1 Auto 3 Brothers Car Repair, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to piston rings failure, and the turbo charger also failed. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The warranty company informed the contact that only the turbo charger was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment while attempting to accelerate and the vehicle was jerking and vibrating abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Driving home from work vehicle would not move forward. Had towed to Ford dealership. Told transmission was over heating, requiring a new transmission at a cost $7,400. Purchased the vehicle one year ago from an auto dealership. Was told by the Ford dealership that they see a lot of this happening to this vehicle type.
Vehicle threw code for Ignition Coil 1 malfunction, replaced all 4 ignition coils & spark plugs but the car later threw codes for Ignition Coil 1 and 2 malfunction. I observed antifreeze was leaking from the car only while in operation. Lines were replaced and the car was thoroughly checked for leaks. Antifreeze was kept topped off routinely while troubleshooting. Went to start car and it wouldn't start. Had it towed for repairs and received diagnosis that engine overheated due to an internal coolant / antifreeze leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This is a known manufacturer's defect that has caused total engine failure and requires replacement of the engine block. Quote to repair the vehicle exceeds the vehicle's value.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the vapor canister purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine overheated. Coolant Bypass Valve needs replacement, which is known issue in this model for various years and only one year (2014) was identified for recall, although it has been a common problem for many Ford Escapes model years after 2010. Thermostat assembly, check engine light, and overheating are issues that arose due to the faulty coolant bypass valve. A possible outcome is engine fire, as indicated by information from the manufacturer.
Unknown, got this year model because ford supposedly fixed the head gasket issue in the 2015 model. 70k miles i bought used. Within a month a ton of white smoke started comming out of the exhaust on startup and car if driving for over 25 minutes will shake and shut off until I wait an hour it will start again with the white smoke. Reader says coolent bypass sensor as the only code. I changed it twice and nothing is fixed so I doubt that is it. Probably headgasket like all the other ford escape owners and ford doesn't seem to care.
Check engine light went on and code P1450 for evaporative emissions purge valve. After refueling vehicle, it does not start without reving the engine at a high rate and still sometimes does not start. This is a common warranty item on many Fords during the time but not for this specific VIN
TWO THINGS: Transmission failed, as it frequently does, in this car at around 90K. Shop said it's a known flaw and Ford said sorry, despite having pointed related issues out to our dealer several times. Replaced at tranny shop to the tune of $7K+. Less than a year later, the engine failed due to known structural flaw with cylinders where coolant intrudes. Engine completely shot - dealer said sorry pay us $13K to replace it. Both these things have been parts of class-action lawsuits. Please remedy. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a red light, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact shifted to neutral to keep the vehicle running. While in reverse, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was hot and was welded to an unstated object, and there was a leak coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and was driven 10-ft and stalled again. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Overheated due to an internal coolant / antifreeze leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This is a known manufacturer's defect that has caused total engine failure and required replacement of the engine block. Mechanic quoted $13,000, more than the value of the car.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, while driving or while reversing from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle temporarily responded as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle then jerked, lost motive power, and failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. The malfunction warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Passenger Air Bag Off" was displayed while the front passenger's seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred while her son was test-driving the vehicle. The contact's son was able to check the transmission fluid level and confirmed that no issue was found. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure....
The problems on my 2015 Ford Escape are related to the last recall, NHTSA Recall 22V413/Safety Recall Notice 22S43. On 02/21/2025, I had stopped by a Traffic Stop Light Signal. When I tried to proceed after the lights turned green, my car would not move forward and would behave like it was in Neutral mode making a lot of noise. I called Ford Motor Company and asked for remedy, and I was told the previous recall has already expired and that there is nothing that they can do now. I got my car towed to a Ford Dealership and they have sent me a cost estimate of over $8,000.00 to get the issue fixed. I am wondering if NHTSA can make Ford Motor Company do the necessary repairs on my Ford Escape, since this problem is related to the last recall. Thank you.
Good morning Ford motor corporation headquarters as well as my advisor They are located at AutoNation Ford Torrance California this is with the 2015 escape eco-boost that should be on your lot. Anyway I took your advice and followed your directions and made contact with Ford motor corporation they do have some sort of a file on my situation which is the same as all of the other recalled cars with dangerous and faulty motors and should be part of this recall for Engine replacement or another source of compensation or transportation that I am entitled to for this issue with my representative that I spoke to at Ford Motor Co. Recall acknowledges the situation and Well move ahead with my case But my issue with my defective dangerous faulty engine is no different then the other engines. they are all defective and dangerous and unsafe to the driver and...
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER FUELING I NOTICED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY CAR STALLS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON AND CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY. BUT,ONE DAY AFTER FUELING 15 MINUTES LATER ,WHILE DRIVING MY CAR STALLS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO AUTO ZONE AMD OREILY’S TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE READ. THEY BOTH COME BACK AS FAULTY EVAP PURGE SOLENOID. I SAW THAT THE FORD FOCUS IN THE SAME YEAR HAS HAD THERE EVAP SOLENOIDS RECALLED. COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THE FORD ESCAPES EVAP SOLENOIDS NEED TO BE RECALLED AS WELL??
The engine in my 2015 Ford Escape failed due to coolant intrusion leading to the long block and coolant system needing to be replaced. The problem was diagnosed by the Ford service technician and Ford service advisor when it was taken in for service after the heating system stopped working, the car started lurching when driven, and then the engine light turned on. If I had not taken my Escape in immediately, it was at risk of catching fire. The coolant had completely emptied into the engine and had corroded a spark plug to the point that it was stuck in the engine.
Leaking coolant overheat the engine. It was unexpected and left us stranded since the car could not be driven once it overheated. Got coolant and fill it in, so was able to drive back home. But the leak is so severe I had to park my car in my garage and stop using it.
Coolant intrusion on the engine block which is causing misfires. Issue was confirmed by an independent service center.
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
Other 2015 FORD ESCAPE Problem Areas
Power Train
260 complaints
Unknown Or Other
123 complaints
Electrical System
112 complaints
Steering
77 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
48 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
37 complaints
Back Over Prevention
33 complaints
Structurebody
31 complaints
Service Brakes
23 complaints
Wheels
21 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
20 complaints
Air Bags
15 complaints
Seat Belts
13 complaints
Visibilitywiper
13 complaints
Exterior Lighting
11 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
11 complaints
Suspension
11 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
11 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
10 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
8 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
8 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
7 complaints
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
6 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
5 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
3 complaints
Back Over Prevention Warnings
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingheadlights
2 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
2 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioninternalbearingsbushings
2 complaints
Structure
2 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Camera System
1 complaint
Electrical Systembody Control Modulebcm
1 complaint
Electrical Systemhorn
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengineother Fuel Typesturbosuperchargerintercooler
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalengine Block Heater
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
1 complaint
Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionshosesvalvessensors
1 complaint
Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkagesfuelingcharging Doorhatchportlatchlock Release System
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
1 complaint
Power Trainshift Linkagecablerod
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulic
1 complaint
Steeringcolumn
1 complaint
Suspensionrear
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottleactuatorstepper Motor
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield
1 complaint