What 1,035 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Escape Gas

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.

NHTSA ODI 11684667

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.

NHTSA ODI 11682798

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.

NHTSA ODI 11681532

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 lawsuit. Ford has not issued a recall for all affected vehicles, leaving owners at risk of repeated engine failures. I am submitting this complaint to document the repeat failure, as it poses a risk to safe operation and may affect other vehicles on the road. I can provide repair records, photos, and video evidence upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11680077

Transmission sticks and only will tend to shift once it hits 3 RPM! And jerks

NHTSA ODI 11678131

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

NHTSA ODI 11677209

Coolant intrusion

NHTSA ODI 11675457

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.

NHTSA ODI 11674838

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.

NHTSA ODI 11673664

Defective turbo charger.

NHTSA ODI 11673044

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.

NHTSA ODI 11672284

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 extensive the last couple of weeks. I noticed an oil leak under my car during the hot weather. However yesterday ([XXX]) the temperature here was in the 70’s and the leak wasn’t as bad. I decided to google “2015 Ford Escape 1.6L oil leak during hot weather” and discovered that this is a KNOWN issue and that there could potentially be a recall. I went on the NHTSA website, plugged in my VIN and found there is currently no recall. Ford needs to realize that their consumers purchase cars because they need them to get to work, dr appointments, church and common errands for everyday people. With the economy being the way it is, we can’t afford to continue dropping $1,000’s of our hard earned money on a regular basis. I’ve kept up the routine maintenance on my vehicle, and constantly defend Ford products because this is the first major engine incident I’ve experienced with my vehicle. Please contact Ford and implore them to make things right for the countless people that are experiencing the same issue as I currently am. I’m on a very fixed income and can’t afford a new engine let alone a new car. Thank you for taking the time to read this information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11671858

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 .

NHTSA ODI 11670913

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.

NHTSA ODI 11668914

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.

NHTSA ODI 11668607

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.

NHTSA ODI 11667213

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.

NHTSA ODI 11666265

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.

NHTSA ODI 11665054

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.

NHTSA ODI 11664851

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.

NHTSA ODI 11663244

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.

NHTSA ODI 11660307

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

NHTSA ODI 11659937

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.

NHTSA ODI 11659746

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.

NHTSA ODI 11658378

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.

NHTSA ODI 11658242