2015 Ford Escape: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Steering · MO

The vehicle currently has 119,000 miles. While driving, I received a service steering assist fault on my dashboard and immediately lost all power steering. There was no previous signs of any sort of power steering failure whatsoever. After diagnosing the vehicle, it was determined that the power steering control assist module head failed, which is directly attached to the rack and pinion assembly. After doing some research, it is very apparent that this is a common issue on all Fords of this era that have electric power steering. Due to the module being built into the rec companion, the entire rack assembly has to be replaced, which is about a $3000 job at the dealership. Given how much this is a reported problem I am surprised that it’s not already recall. This raises a severe driver safety concern as when operators are on the highway and lose all power steering, there is a little to no reaction that they are able to have when going 70+ miles per hour.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Transmission · PA

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.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CO

My 2015 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, has experienced a repeat engine failure due to what appears to be the known “coolant intrusion” defect currently under active litigation (Miller v. Ford). The original engine failed due to loss of coolant into the cylinders, causing rough idle, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and loss of performance. Ford replaced the entire engine under warranty approximately 24.5 months ago. The replacement engine is now exhibiting the same symptoms, including: Rough/unstable idle, especially on startup Abnormally loud engine noise Suspected internal coolant loss with no visible external leaks Reduced performance and hesitation This is the second major engine failure in a short time, creating a serious safety concern due to potential sudden loss of power while driving. The EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect is widely reported in Ford Escapes from this model year and is the subject of a class action lawsuit. Ford has not issued a recall for all affected vehicles, leaving owners at risk of repeated engine failures. I am submitting this complaint to document the repeat failure, as it poses a risk to safe operation and may affect other vehicles on the road. I can provide repair records, photos, and video evidence upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

My 2015 Ford Escape experienced sudden power loss while trying to proceed at a Stop Light in Irving, Texas on [XXX}. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 145,349 miles · TX

We were driving down the highway when the ford escape shut down and the the check engine light came on for the Evap system several parts have been replaced but I get the same code and the car is dying at idle and losing power a different times while driving

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Transmission · OH

My 2015 ford escape se has a defective transmission. While driving on the interstate, the car suddenly lost power and would not exceed 5 MPH. The interstate was busy and I was almost hit by 3 different vehicles swerving to go around me until I could find a safe place to pull off the interstate. I had my car towed to a certified mechanic and they confirmed the transmission had failed and needs to be replaced. Repair estimate $5000.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Engine · 114,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed May 1, 2024 · Transmission · MI

The Transmission has failed and is available for inspection. I was concerned for my safety because one minute the car would move and then it was as if I lost all power and then boom it would throw it's self in gear and take off with no throttle response when you touched the pedal. No the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone listed above. There were no other problems or warnings before this took place the only time I got a warning was a day later when I went to go load the car up on the trailer to take it to my mechanic. The issue occurred on 04-25-2024.

Filed Mar 8, 2024 · Transmission · IN

I drove at 60 MPH during rush hour on a very crowded highway. I tried to accelerate, but I was losing speed. My RPM was working, but I was not accelerating. I took my foot off the accelerator and tried again, and then the car accelerated briefly (without continuous pressure--it accelerated without me--- and again lost power. I had nowhere to stop. I got off at a ramp one mile away, coasting at 17 MPH. The "Transmission Fault" warning appeared as we entered a gas station. $190.00 tow bill. Our mechanic of 18 years diagnosed total transmission failure. My car has been well cared for, with recommended check-ups/oil changes. There were zero warning signs of trouble. The mechanic recommended this car be evaluated by a Ford dealership. The approximate cost from the Ford dealership is $6000.00. This was a VERY very dangerous situation with children in the car in rush hour traffic on a highway. I have 91,163 miles on the car with a total transmission failure.

Filed Jan 8, 2024 · Steering · 99,600 miles · WV

The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact observed a communication power assist failure message on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Steering · FL

The car has on multiple occasions suddenly reported a "steering assist fault". When this happens you lose power steering. The steering wheel basically locks up and is more difficult than typical power steering loss. This is not the same as a typical power steering loss where you need more strength to turn the wheel, in this case you lose all control. This has happened while driving, which could result in a serious accident and injury to me and my children. It is only resolved by turning the car off and back on. The problem has not yet been checked or inspected by dealer or service center, we are in process of having it checked out after finding no safety recall despite the 2011 Ford Escape having a recall for the same issue and numerous online complaints for 2015 (and other years) having the same issue with electrical steering assist. This has happened multiple times, both when starting the vehicle and while driving.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Engine · IL

lack of coolant circulation resulting in the engine overheating. This has caused a possible crack in the cylinder head. Lost power while driving on the freeway. The system is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my minor son was at risk. Warnings came on for overheating, check engine light, and safe mode put on while on the free way so could not accelerate.