2015 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Doors, latches or locks fail
- 36owner reports
- 56,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Feb 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
62 of the 1,105 complaints on this car are about the latches and locks. 36 of those describe door latch.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Door latch on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
Door complaints sound minor until you read them. The most common is a "door ajar" warning with every door shut. Others describe a door that won't open from inside, one that won't latch at all, locks that cycle on their own, and occasionally a door that opened while the car was moving.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the latch (34 reports) and the handle (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the latches and locks cover the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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, 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.
All 9 recalls on the 2015 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the latches and locks on the Escape
Failed door check arm attachment point. Closed jan 24, 2024.
Door latch failures. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-177.
Door latch failure. Closed oct 29, 2016, led to recall 16V-643.
Rear liftgate window glass breakage. Closed aug 18, 2011.
Engine compartment fire. Closed feb 29, 2012, led to recall 12V-005.
Engine compartment fire. Closed jan 15, 2010.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 15, 2009.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 17, 2007, led to recall 07V-156.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 32,000 and 117,400 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Rear passenger door wonât latch. Appears to be a problem with the mechanism in the door. It remains stationary when the door handle is pulled. Door doesnât stay closed when driving. No accidents, no injuries. Initial occurrence happened when parked.”
Filed May 18, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 226 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 145 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 136 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 120 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 74 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 68 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 52 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 46 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 39 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 30 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 26 reports