2015 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 46owner reports
- 78,348median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
274 of the 1,105 complaints on this car are about the engine. 46 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 46 reports
Engine failure 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: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (43 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers 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.
All 9 recalls on the 2015 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escape
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 27, 2024.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 21, 2013.
Engine stalling. Closed aug 31, 2004.
Engine stalling. Closed apr 15, 2004, led to recall 04V-165.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 10, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
What owners paid
15 of the 46 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,200 to $9,242.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 36,000 and 101,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2015 Ford Escape that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
SOME 2013-2016 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE, LOW RPM AT IDLE OR A STALL ON HOT RESTART WITH NO DTCS IN SELF TEST. THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BEING SEIZED.
What owners wrote
“My 2015 Ford Escape is diagnosed with a coolant intrusion due to flawed design issues by Ford. Coolant is slowly leaking into valve 2 and causing white smoke upon startup. The engine block is cracked due to faulty coolant system by per the designed of Ford. Only remedy is a new engine which is quoted at $8000. As this problem is entirely caused by Ford, it is unfair to expect the consumers to pay such a price.”
Filed Apr 11, 2026
“Engine began giving white smoke from exhaust at start up. 2 Mechanics have checked it and said itâs a well Known coolant intrusion issue with these ford eco boost engines. High risk of overheating and engine failure (while driving, which is a major safety risk for my family).”
Filed Dec 28, 2025
“We had to replace the engine about 4 years ago and weâre still getting gas smell into the cabin. About 3 years ago, we broke down on the road because the transmission quit. All our repairs have been done through Ford service department. We are now broke down again because of the transmission. Something has to be done with the Ford Escape!”
Filed Dec 9, 2025
“On 7/25/25 at about 1pm my son was driving the ford escape 2.0 engine (2015) and it started jerking, stalling while driving. The AC shut off suddenly and the car was overheating. He almost got in a car accident when it suddenly stopped! Turns out it was coolant oil intrusion issue and now requires a new engine 12k”
Filed Jul 30, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 46 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
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 39 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 36 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