Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Ford Escape
The 2015 Ford Escape has a considerable number of complaints and recalls, primarily relating to powertrain, engine, and electrical issues. Key issues are linked to the transmission, engine block heater, and door latches. Be diligent in checking known problem areas during your inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Ford Escape has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,135 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V011000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V695000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V254000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V331000 Doors May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V472000 Seat and Seat Belt Mounting Bolts may Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V643000 Doors may Unexpectedly Open NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V436000 Engine may Continue to Run/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V406000 Instrument Cluster may be Inoperative/FMVSS 101 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 286 complaints
- Engine 239 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 171 complaints
- Unknown or Other 151 complaints
- Electrical System 136 complaints
- Steering 81 complaints
Of the 1,135 complaints on file, 31 report a crash and 20 a fire; across all 1,135 complaints, owners report 35 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine block heater crack
How to check: Inspect the engine block heater for any cracks or leaks.
Shifter cable detachment
How to check: Ensure the shifter cable is secure and attached properly.
Rearview camera distortion
How to check: Check rearview camera for clear, consistent image.
Door latch failure
How to check: Verify doors latch securely when closed.
Instrument panel malfunction
How to check: Confirm all lights and displays work on startup.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or ticking.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for erratic idle or vibrations.
Red flag: Rough idle or shaking.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting.
- 04
Steering
What to check: Ensure steering is responsive and smooth.
Red flag: Resistance or looseness in steering.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Grinding or squeaking noises.
- 06
Reverse parking
What to check: Verify clear image on rearview camera.
Red flag: Blurry or no camera image.
- 07
Final stop and idle
What to check: Watch for engine overheating or warning lights.
Red flag: Temperature warning or engine light.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the shifter cable been replaced?
- Were there any engine repairs recently?
- Is the rearview camera original?
- Have the door latches been repaired?
- Any instrument panel issues reported?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall completion paperwork
- Title and registration
- Previous repair invoices
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Ford Escape at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 Ford Escape? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.