Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 Ford Escape problems
Owners filed 1,135 complaints about the 2015 Ford Escape with NHTSA between Dec 2014 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (286).
Complaints
1,135
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
31
Reported by owners
Fires
20
Reported by owners
Injuries
35
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train286
- Engine239
- Back over prevention171
- Electrical system136
- Steering81
- Fuel/propulsion system50
- Engine and engine cooling44
- Structure36
- Latches/locks/linkages29
- Service brakes25
- Wheels25
- Air bags17
- Visibility/wiper16
- Vehicle speed control14
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
28
32
43
69
83
111
67
136
110
99
142
214
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2019 | 83 |
| 2020 | 111 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 110 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 142 |
| 2026 | 214 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
286 reports4 crashes2 related recalls
“I replaced my transmission around 156000 miles the repair shop replaced my transmission with a brand new transmission from a ford dealer. Less than 6000 miles on my new transmission it needed to be replaced again. My transmission is having issues again with less then 20000 miles on the second transmission.”
Engine
239 reports4 crashes9 fires
“The contact owned a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, her husband became aware that there was fire coming from under the hood. The fire was three feet high. The contact's husband attempted to extinguish the fire. The Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. The fire inspector informed the contact that the source of the fire was inconclusive. The contact stated that the fire caused damage to the garage. The contact and husband sustained smoke inhalation. The contact stated that the fire had occurred immediately after the vehicle was parked and the contact's husband had exited the vehicle and entered the residence. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. In addition, after researching, the VIN had an unrepaired recall repair, NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2015, the check engine warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of…”
Back over prevention
171 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“The contact’s daughter 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 unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. While the owner was reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a blue screen with the message “Rear-view Camera Unavailable”. During the failure the vehicle crashed into a vehicle behind. The other vehicle was damaged.”
Electrical system
136 reports2 crashes10 fires2 related recalls
“The rear-view camera could display a blank or distorted image on the center display screen when the vehicle is in reverse. We also receive a message that the rear-view camera is unavailable on the center display screen.”
Steering
81 reports5 crashes2 fires
“While driving the power steering goes completely out. It jolts suddenly and causes to steer off course. The steering tightens up making it difficult to safely make turns. Occasionally the steering assist goes back on without warning, forcing another jolt and overcorrection. It can not be safely driven with this malfunction. It forces the wheel to suddenly turn hard unexpectedly., making it dangerous for me, my passengers, and other drivers in the road We have had the problem confirmed by a Ford service mechanic. A Steering Assist notification flashes on the dash, as well.”
Fuel/propulsion system
50 reports1 fire
“The battery keeps dying even though it's been tested and is good. Lights keep shorting out I've had to replace the brake light and wires twice. The coolant is disappearing causing the vehicle to overheat even after driving ahort diatances but no puddle is left to show a cracked tank or something similar.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.