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)

44 of 1,035 complaints match · Engine & cooling · clear filters · page 1 of 2

May 20, 2026Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape SE. The contact stated that while idle at a stop light with the left-turn signal on, the vehicle started to jerk, and loud noises were coming from the front end of the vehicle. The Check Engine light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to move. The Fire Department arrived and assisted the contact with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic at Precision Auto Shop, who diagnosed that the coolant was leaking. After further inspection, the dealer also diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,400.

NHTSA ODI 11738985

Feb 3, 2026Engine & coolingBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that occasionally, while shifted in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display as intended and was possibly impacted by severe weather conditions. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended while activated. After further inspection, the coolant reservoir was abnormally low. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the coolant level was extremely low. The coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11715347

Dec 19, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the engine was overheating. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the coolant level was significantly low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the contact noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant line was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had caused collateral damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission, the serpentine belt, and the pulley were replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11706112

Aug 19, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating an engine misfire. The contact replaced the ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while replacing the spark plugs, the spark plug thread of cylinder #4 remained stuck in the cylinder head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the spark plug thread might be stuck because the cylinder head had melted around the spark plug thread. The mechanic determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended the cylinder head replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11681531

Jun 23, 2025Engine & coolingEngine

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

Mar 19, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at high speeds, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a handheld scanner to retrieve DTC: P1299 (Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Detected Engine Overheating Condition). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11649286

Jan 30, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to her son's residence and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11639620

Jan 28, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact's husband stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The contact’s husband looked in the rearview mirror and saw blue smoke behind the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact's husband saw oil on the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbo boost system failure. The contact's husband stated that while driving, the vehicle was driving rough and failed to accelerate as intended. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,700.

NHTSA ODI 11639117

Jan 28, 2025Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 20 MPH, the message "Please pull over immediately, temperature high" was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter pulled over immediately, shut off the vehicle, allowed the vehicle to cool down, and refilled the coolant reservoir before proceeding to restart her vehicle, and continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,283.

NHTSA ODI 11639183

Nov 13, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1. The contact was then informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624980

Oct 24, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM raised to high with heavy white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11621789

Oct 16, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact called on behalf of their daughter who owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that their daughter attempted to start the vehicle while parked, the vehicle shuttered and stalled, and then proceeded to start back up again, upon noticing the abnormality the vehicle was no longer used. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder number two, and that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11620234

Oct 15, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would leak coolant, and needed to be refilled consistently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a hole in the coolant tank was discovered and replaced the tank, however, the coolant continued to leak and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and advised that the Turbo engine eco boost failed and that the vehicle coolant was leaking into the engine. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

NHTSA ODI 11619979

Oct 11, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder head, causing engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,300.

NHTSA ODI 11619342

Oct 7, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the driver observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, prompting him to refill the coolant reservoir. The following day the driver observed white smoke coming from the exhaust prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2229. 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 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618466

Oct 1, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinder #1 due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617426

Aug 21, 2024Engine & coolingEngine

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 where it was diagnosed with spark plug failure. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder and engine failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unstated recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610051

Aug 8, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a white cloud of exhaust smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an excessive amount of exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, causing an engine misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact to keep the coolant reservoir filled with coolant to prevent complete engine failure until the vehicle was repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 11607330

Jun 24, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596155

Jun 13, 2024Engine & coolingFuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly began to vibrate and shake before returning to normal functionality. Later, while the vehicle was parked and running, the contact observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust and smelled exhaust fumes on the interior of the vehicle; after which, the contact fainted and attributed the incident to carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicle but had not sought medical treatment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the EVAP system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and the turbo charger. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11594193

Jun 3, 2024Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of multiple leaks coming from the vehicle. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to several local dealers where it was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592200

May 30, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH, with a reduced engine power message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant leak, and the engine, thermostat housing, valve, and overflow hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11591599

May 22, 2024Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and then stalled. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local mechanic who replaced the turbo and shifter cable bushing; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590211

Apr 8, 2024EngineEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the fob and the heat did not work as intended. The contact stated that the heater blew out cold air in some vents and heat in others and the key fob would not connect to the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently but eventually went off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine due to a coolant leak and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,530.

NHTSA ODI 11581666

Mar 22, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 30-35 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating and advising to pull over immediately was displayed. The contact stated that his daughter veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinders #1 and #2. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,662.

NHTSA ODI 11578931

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Working with the data? Download all 1,035 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

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 →