Home · 2015 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,035)Crash / fire / injury (52)Transmission & drivetrain (283)Engine (235)Electrical system (128)Backup camera & sensors (102)Steering (79)Fuel system (54)Engine & cooling (44)Body & structure (36)Latches & locks (29)Brakes (25)

Newest first · 1,035 complaints · page 3 of 42

May 8, 2026Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would intermittently fail, flicker on and off, and at times display would appear upside down. The contact also stated that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts required to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11736585

May 4, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 rearview camera would display a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure fixed itself. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11735593

May 1, 2026Engine

Vehicle loses coolant over time and requires periodic refilling. There is a medium white smoke puff from exhaust on startup after the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours. Smoke disappears after initial startup. No constant smoke while driving. Mechanic suspects possible coolant intrusion issue.

NHTSA ODI 11735077

May 1, 2026Backup camera & sensorsElectrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, causing a rear visibility safety hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the speedometer and odometer were inoperable while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 70,624.

NHTSA ODI 11735142

Apr 28, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 on one occasion, while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display a clear view image. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734363

Apr 22, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732980

Apr 21, 2026Electrical system

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

NHTSA ODI 11732700

Apr 21, 2026Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11732857

Apr 17, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); and was informed by the local dealer that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731794

Apr 17, 2026AirbagsCrash1 injury

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

NHTSA ODI 11731970

Apr 15, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731317

Apr 11, 2026EngineFire

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 engine which is quoted at $8000. As this problem is entirely caused by Ford, it is unfair to expect the consumers to pay such a price.

NHTSA ODI 11730518

Apr 8, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair might be available the following day. The contact called and was informed that the part was for another model vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11729874

Apr 2, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 Dealership replace the camera because I felt very unsafe without the feature after becoming accustomed to it. At the time of service, the dealership informed me that there were no recalls posted for my vehicle, so I paid a total of $531.39 out of pocket for the replacement. I would like to inquire if it is possible to receive a refund for some or all of the charges I paid for the replacement. The dealership advised me that they were unable to process this request and that I needed to contact you directly. I have attached a copy of my invoice for your review. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request. Contact

NHTSA ODI 11728854

Mar 27, 2026Engine

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 not enough to merit a recall. Cost to replace engine more than the vehicle is worth

NHTSA ODI 11727617

Mar 26, 2026EquipmentEngineBackup camera & sensors

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 of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V011000 (Equipment). An appointment was scheduled with the local dealer who confirmed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the vehicle was scheduled to be towed to the local dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727161

Mar 25, 2026Lane DepartureBackup camera & sensors

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 from Ford confirming both cars are in a recall in October of 2025. We are now 6 months later and the service department at my Ford dealer has no answers. This is insane - 6 moths for both cars and they have no answers!! This is dangerous and it is infuriating that there is still no fix?!?!?!?!? This problem has been going on in both cars now at least 24 months. I want to dump them and never drive a Ford again, but I cannot afford to at this time. HELP!!!

NHTSA ODI 11727053

Mar 24, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

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 further (i was already super close to my destination) and within a minute the car is violently jerking. Loud metal bangs and clank sounds and lost power. RPMs up but can’t get into gear. It will jerk & move by itself at idle because can’t stay in park either. Still no warning message. Got it towed—dealership found NO transmission codes, but found one code, p0219, engine over speed; most likely from the RPMs spiking due to the slippage. The trans fluid level was ok but it was black and burnt, despite being serviced months ago. They confirmed it will need a total replacement transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11726878

Mar 23, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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: 2569V5000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ODI 11726443

Mar 22, 2026Fire

THE FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ODI 11726174

Mar 20, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725768

Mar 20, 2026

(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/Screen. (3) Is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. (4) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Other people and my self was in very high risk! (5) Has the problem been reproduced? Yes, many times after the first incident! (6) Confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? There is an open recall for this problem already, but Ford dealer refuses to fixed it! (7) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, no messages. Rear camera view/screen goes blue and then a warning is shown on the screen.

NHTSA ODI 11725928

Mar 19, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11725601

Mar 17, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2569V5000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11724929

Mar 13, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were only distributed to repair Ford Mustangs associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11724074

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Ford Escape Gas verdict →