It depends on the engine in your Escape. The 2.5L I-4 uses a traditional spin-on oil filter mounted on the front of the engine, while the EcoBoost engines (1.6L and 2.0L) use a cartridge-style filter inside a small housing attached to the engine.
In this guide, we explain how to identify which engine you have, where its oil filter sits, and how to access and replace it safely.
Oil filter locations by engine type
Here is a quick mapping of the common engines in the 2015 Escape and where their oil filters sit.
- 2.5L I-4: Traditional spin-on oil filter mounted on the front of the engine block. Access is often easiest from the top with the hood raised, sometimes behind the engine cover.
- 1.6L EcoBoost: Cartridge-style filter inside a small housing attached to the side of the engine. Replacing the filter involves removing the cap or housing to access the cartridge.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: Cartridge-style filter in a housing that is mounted to the engine (often toward the front or side). You may need to remove a splash shield or wheel well liner to reach the housing.
Knowing your exact engine type helps you locate the filter quickly and avoid confusion during maintenance.
How to locate and replace the oil filter yourself
Before starting, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, the engine is cool, and you have the right replacement filter and oil. If you’re unsure which engine you have, check the vehicle identification label under the hood or the owner’s manual.
- Identify your engine type (2.5L I-4, 1.6L EcoBoost, or 2.0L EcoBoost) to determine the filter style and location.
- Gather the right parts and tools: a replacement oil filter (spin-on or cartridge as appropriate), an oil drain pan, wrenches or a cap tool as needed, new O-rings if you’re replacing a cap, and fresh engine oil that meets Ford specifications.
- If required for access, remove any underbody splash shields or wheel well liners to get a clear path to the filter housing or spin-on canister.
- For a spin-on filter (2.5L): place the drain pan underneath, loosen and remove the old filter, allow oil to drain, wipe the mounting surface, install the new filter hand-tight plus a quarter-turn if the spec calls for it, and check for leaks after adding oil back in.
- For a cartridge filter (EcoBoost): remove the filter housing cap or cover with the appropriate tool, take out the old cartridge, wipe the housing, install the new cartridge with any required O-rings or seals, reassemble the housing securely, and replace the oil in the engine as recommended.
After completing the replacement, start the engine and run it briefly while checking for leaks around the filter area. Recheck the oil level and top up if necessary. If you’re unsure about torque specifications or the exact steps for your engine variant, consult the Ford owner's manual or a professional mechanic.
Summary
The 2015 Ford Escape does not have a single universal oil filter location—the spot depends on which engine your SUV uses. A 2.5L I-4 uses a traditional spin-on filter mounted on the front of the engine, while the 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines use a cartridge-style filter housed in a small unit on the engine. Identifying your engine type is the key first step, followed by locating the appropriate housing and following standard oil-change procedures to replace the filter and replenish oil.