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2015 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2015 Ford Escape is an SUV whose engine requires 4.3 quarts of 5W-20 oil for standard maintenance, but the vehicle's reliability profile demands far more attention than its fluid capacities suggest. Amassing 1,033 total owner complaints alongside 9 recalls—primarily concentrated in the Power Train—this model year reflects a distinctly troubled era for the nameplate. Within the broader complaint history spanning 2000 to 2024, the 2015 Escape sits well below the 2013 apex of 2,743 complaints yet remains drastically higher than the 2000 low of just 5, indicating that this generation was still grappling with significant mechanical issues rather than offering the dependability researchers might expect from a matured platform.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.3 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tire sizeP235/55R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3777 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–10.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2014SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec178 hpFWD
2016SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec240 hpFWD
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.20 sec240 hpAWD
2013Titanium EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.30 sec240 hpAWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-48.90 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SE EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.00 sec16.70 sec178 hpFWD
2013SEL EcoBoost 1.6L Turbo I-49.10 sec16.90 sec178 hpAWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.3 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, SAE 80W in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSAE 80W
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.43 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity9.7 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity9.2 qt
Engine OilSAE 5W · Synthetic · SAE 5W

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)19.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center BoltsStage 1: 74.0 Stage 2: 90 degrees ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Driveshaft Flange to Transmission26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug8.8 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel HubAWD models, torque hub nut to 98 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypePAG
Oil Capacity4.5 oz
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test21.7 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief21.7 psi
Pressure Test21.7 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief21.7 psi
Pressure Test21.7 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief21.7 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55-73
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55-73

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 28.0; Rear: 28
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129.0; Rear: 46
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 3.5; Rear: 3.5
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Solid Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementRear: 0.354
Solid Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth0.004 - 0.015
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 0.906
Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth0.004 - 0.015

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
135.0
266.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Failure to follow the camshaft tightening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts. · NOTICE: Make sure that the camshafts and camshaft bearing caps are installed in their original locations or damage to the engine may occur. · NOTE: Make sure that the components are installed to the position noted before removal. · NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the bearing surfaces of the camshafts, camshaft bearing caps and the VCT bridge. · Tighten the bolts evenly, half a turn at a time, until the camshaft bearing caps and the VCT bridge are seated against the cylinder head. Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W20-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C945-A) · Torque:

15.1
27.4
3Tighten bolts 1 through 16 an additional 45 degrees45 degrees
4Tighten bolts 17 and 18 an additional 70 degrees70 degrees
5Tighten bolts 19 and 20 an additional 53 degrees53 degrees
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Failure to follow the camshaft tightening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts. · NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft journals and camshaft bearing caps with clean engine oil. · Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W30-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C946-A) · Tighten 2 turns at a time in the sequence shown in 2 Steps. · Torque: · Camshaft bolts

15.1
2Front bolts
15.1
211.8
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Failure to follow the camshaft tightening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts. · NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft journals and camshaft bearing caps with clean engine oil. · Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts one turn at a time, until finger-tight. · Torque:

15.1
211.8
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep The rod cap installation must keep the same orientation as marked during disassembly or engine damage may occur. · NOTE: Install connecting rod caps and bolts on the connecting rods for cylinders 1 and 4 first and tighten. Then rotate crankshaft 180 degrees and install connecting rod caps and bolts on connecting rods for cylinders 2 and 3 and tighten. · NOTE: After installation of each connecting rod cap, rotate the crankshaft to verify smooth operation. · Use new connecting rod caps bolts. · Torque:

113.3
245 degrees45 degrees
345 degrees45 degrees
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep The rod cap installation must keep the same orientation as marked during disassembly or engine damage may occur. · NOTE: After installation of each connecting rod cap, rotate the crankshaft to verify smooth operation. · Torque:

17.4
221.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 Step 290 degrees
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

13.7 ft. lbs.3.7 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep The cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield and must not be reused. New cylinder head bolts must be installed. · Torque:

15.1
211.1
341.0
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep The cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield and must not be reused. New cylinder head bolts must be installed. · Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W20-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C945-A) · Torque:

15.1
211.0
333.0
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 Step 3: 22.0 Step 4: 90
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 Step 3: 83.0
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 Step 3: 83.0
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 4 stages
111.0
218.0
322.0
490 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
137.0
259.0
383.0
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
137.0
259.0
383.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Lubricate the main bearing beam bolts threads with clean engine oil. · Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W20-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C945-A) · Torque:

122.0
237.0
345 degrees45 degrees
445 degrees45 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Lubricate the new main bearing beam bolts threads and under the bolt heads with clean engine oil. · NOTE: Position the crankshaft to the rear of the cylinder block, then position the crankshaft to the front of the cylinder block before tightening the main bearing beam bolts. · Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W30-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C946-A) · Torque: · Step 13.7

218.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Lubricate the main bearing beam bolts threads and under the bolt heads with clean engine oil. · NOTE: Position the crankshaft to the rear of the cylinder block, then position the crankshaft to the front of the cylinder block before tightening the main bearing beam bolts. · Install and tighten the 10 new main bearing beam bolts. · Material: Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (U.S.) / XO-5W20-QSP (U.S.) (WSS-M2C945-A)

13.7
218.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
14.0
27.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
17.4
214.8
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
17.4
214.8
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
13.7
26.6
37.4

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2015 Ford Escape sits in a relatively improved position within the third generation (2013–2019), following the spike of 2,743 complaints and 18 recalls in 2013 and 2,068 complaints and 16 recalls in 2014. With 1,033 complaints and 9 recalls, 2015 marks a clear reduction from those peak years, though it remains above the lower recall counts of 2016 (4 recalls) and 2018 (4 recalls). The trend across the generation shows an initial surge in issues, a moderate decline through 2015–2016, then a renewed complaint spike in 2017 (2,627) without a corresponding recall increase. The 2015 model’s top complaint areas—powertrain (216) and engine (129)—along with 19 fire complaints, indicate persistent mechanical concerns, but the data does not specify root causes. Overall, the 2015 Escape is a better choice than the high-risk 2013–2014 models, though it still carries above-average risk compared to later, lower-recall years like 2016, making it a cautious buy only with a documented service history and pre-purchase inspection.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
128
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,033
Owner complaints
29 involved a crash · 19 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,033 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train216
Engine129
Back Over Prevention89
Unknown Or Other86
Electrical System62
Steering58
Engine & Engine Cooling29
Power Train,Engine27

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

17V472000Seat BeltsReported 25/07/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners…

16V643000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 06/09/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 128 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
SSM 531762024-11-26Unknown Or OtherSome 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
SSM 524762024-04-24EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Vehicles taking 4.3 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2015 Escape take?

4.3 qt of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil; Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil, per the factory manual.

Does the 2015 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.