Makes›Ford›Escape›2015

2015 Ford Escape

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Ford Escape
Pictured: 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD in Oxford White, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium, 4dr SUV FWD S/Se/Titanium
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
178.7 in
Curb weight
3,605–3,777 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,131 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 299 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Ford Escape is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb (4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 8% better than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1131 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Escape — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Escape →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Se/Titanium178.7 in72.4 in66.1 in105.9 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,777 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD S/Se/Titanium178.7 in72.4 in66.1 in105.9 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,605 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escape FWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+8%$2,600345
Escape FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 25+4%$2,700360
Escape AWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+11%$2,700360
Escape FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 240%$2,800365
Escape AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23+2%$2,900382
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24 MPG2015 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Ford Escape.

Similar 2015 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Ford Escape (this car)26 MPGNot rated9
2015 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated4
2015 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2015 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated2
2015 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2015 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated3
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (9)

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Apr 14, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V254000 · 96,015 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the under hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Seats · Jul 25, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V472000 · 94,605 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Risk
The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 8, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V436000 · 374,781 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jun 24, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V406000 · 184,519 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,131Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
30Involved a crash
20Involved a fire
35Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train270
Engine239
Back Over Prevention150
Unknown Or Other148
Electrical System125
Steering80
Fuel/Propulsion System50
Engine And Engine Cooling38
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 524/12: 825/01: 725/02: 725/03: 725/04: 1025/05: 1625/06: 1125/07: 1625/08: 1025/09: 2825/10: 725/11: 1525/12: 826/01: 1526/02: 1726/03: 1826/04: 1026/05: 2026/06: 2326/07: 2026/08: 3326/09: 2826/10: 2624/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 33

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Ford Escape buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 270 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 239 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Back Over Prevention — 150 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escape years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Escape40180.7 inNot rated34
2025 Escape40180.7 inNot rated1031
2024 Escape39180.7 in★★★★★1088
2023 Escape40180.7 in★★★★★13138
2022 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21386
2021 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21498
2020 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★251,908
2019 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★3597
2018 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★41,822
2017 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★42,702
2016 Escape26178.7 inNot rated41,170
2014 Escape26178.7 inNot rated162,023

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →