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2015 Ford Escape engine problems

273 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 83,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
273
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
83,000
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger
    3
  • Engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger: intercooler
    1
  • Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape engine problems in other years

200120052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Ford Escape engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 97Stalling 81Overheating 80Engine failure 46Loss of power 30Misfire 22Won't start 17Knocking 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2015 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · 74,000 miles · FL · fire · 2 injuries

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, the federal safety agency 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 the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · MD

Engine cylinder head. Coolant is leaking into the engine cylinder(s) (coolant intrusion). Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I was driving to DCA and while on [XXX] on the highway my engine totally overheated requiring I drift into an isolated parking area near east potomac park. I checked and the coolant had totally run dry. Upon ubering to get more coolant and waiting for the engine to cool down, I topped it off and took it to the mechanic. They informed me on a KNOWN Ford 2015 Escape SE Ecoboost issue where the Ecoboost allows coolant intrusion. This is similar to: Safety Recall 17S09 on the 2014 model but instead of oil leakage, it is coolant related. I received a single warning of engine overheating and within 5 seconds the temperature gauge shot up to max and multiple alerts began. I had under 30 seconds to cross multiple lanes and get to a parking spot before catastrophic failure. Since then, I have been able to continue driving by keeping coolant levels extremely high, but it is a significant cost to repair (full engine replacement required) due to the design of the Ecoboost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine · OH

I am hoping you can help me. I have a 2015 Ford Escape. It has 107,000 miles on it. I do the regular maintenance items as needed. Last Friday I was driving my car and my temperature gauge went to Hot and my Check Engine Light came on. It said to pull over and stop engine. I pulled over and let it cool down. I drove it home. My neighbor looked at it and said, that it needed coolant. There was not any coolant in the reservoir. He added 1 gallon of coolant to my reservoir. The next morning he added another gallon of coolant to my reservoir. I took my car to a garage to have it looked at. I was told, the coolant is leaking into my engine. And not to drive my car. Because it could stop at any minute and the engine would be done. Online I found a Ford Recall for 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape, Recall # 26S01. Coolant that leaks into the cylinder causing engine failure. And potential fire risk. The engine block heater may crack and develop coolant leak. Dealers will replace block heater free of charge. I called my dealership where I purchased the car. They are not a Ford dealership and advised I call a Ford dealership. I called a Ford dealership and gave them my VIN number. Was told my VIN number was not included in the recall. I was advised to call Ford. I called [XXX]. I was told my car VIN was not included in the recall. The VIN number determines which factory it was built and came from. I advised my year and diagnosis is what the recall is for. There was not anyone else to talk to. I asked this information to be sent to someone else. She advised, she will send it to Safety Office to review the recall. I was advised, I will probably not hear from anyone because there are so many recalls right now. I called Ford Customer Service [XXX] and was told the exact same thing, like a script was being told to me. I am Very Disappointed on how Ford is not handling my situation. I can't drive my car and forced to purchase a new car. This is my only vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · NC

The engine started running ruff, and stalling and white smoke coming from exaust like it either a blown head gasket or a crack in the block. I checked for other cars with the same problem and it seems to be the same issue. This seems like this would be a saftey issue with the engine stopping on the road,

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Engine · CO

I have coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, pressure in the coolant tank, white smoke from the exhaust. I had code that indicated misfire in cylinder 3. I have taken it to Ford dealer and they did a diagnostic and stated the engine needs replaced. in my research I have found this is a very known issue with thousands of complaints, multiple class action lawsuits for the exact issue i have experienced. The dealer and Ford has stated that there are no active recalls for my vehicle even though it is such a wide spread issue. around 5k miles ago I had to replace the transmission in this same vehicle. I am being told there is no help with repair cost. What are my options. Now with the cost of the new engine on such a know issue and the transmission I feel that Ford has a responsibility in the repairs Yes the Vehicle is Currently at the Ford Dealer in Grand Junction Colorado I feel that with the new transmission and a Very well know engine issue, Ford should replace the engine

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · TX

Engine coolant intrusion issue known by ford and documemented in prior recall and STB.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 111,400 miles · AL

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.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Engine · IL

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · SC

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.

Questions about the 2015 Ford Escape engine

Does the 2015 Ford Escape have engine problems?

Owners have filed 273 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Ford Escape, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2015 Ford Escape engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 83,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Ford Escape engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2015 Ford Escape problems

Transmission 287Driver assistance 188Electrical 137Steering 81Fuel system 57Body 36Locks 29Brakes 26Wheels 25Visibility 21Airbags 17Acceleration 14Seat belts 14Lights 13Suspension 13Seats 6Tires 5

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