2016 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,124 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 36 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraOct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Campaign 25V695000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, knee bolsterJun 26, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.
Campaign 17V398000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
245 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Aug 21, 2024
The car has less than 100,000 miles and has been diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. This is a known issue and Ford has not recalled this particular model for the same issue it has done recalls for. It is discussed in TSB 19-2208. The only known repair according to Ford is to replace the engine which is unacceptable for a car of this age and mileage. We have brought it in to check on the engine light and have been replacing coolant and have just found that the issue is that the engine has to be replaced according to a service station and Ford dealership. There are numerous social media accounts and class action suits filed for this very issue, and even Ford said that there "could" be a recall but so far there is not.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 21, 2024
At 116k miles the Turbo had to be replaced, immediately following by the transmission failed and needs to be fully replaced.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 15, 2024
Vechile showing transmission not in park
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine overheated and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving 23 MPH. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine block had fractured, causing coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2024
Uncontrollable acceleration increase; Difficult and rough starting; Engine overheating warning lights and message alerts; Coolant empty and no visible leak; Continued loss of coolant; Copious moisture smelling of anti freeze coming from exhaust; Check engine light codes: P1450, P1450 pd, PO302
Engine, Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was abnormally loud, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
Coolant leaked into the cylinders causing us to replace the motor.
Engine, Jun 30, 2024
I was driving down the highway doing 70 mph my car lost all power and a warning light came on said engine failure. This is dangerous. We could've gotten killed.
Engine, Jun 27, 2024
The crankshaft came loose, making a big racket. The pins that hold the crankshaft came looks this could cause a crash and is a big safety risk.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that heavy white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test determined that coolant had leaked into an engine cylinder and that metal shavings were found in the oil and air intake tube. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The engine block is cracked and leaking antifreeze into the combustion chamber. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -no Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Confirmed by dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -Just the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -None
Power train, Engine, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering and chugging significantly. Additionally, the transmission was slipping between gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward. The contact also stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond while the engine was revving. The contact stated that he continuously depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 60–65 MPH, coolant was leaking into the engine. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and engine overheating warning lights remained illuminated. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact stated that coolant was added to the reservoir, but the failure persisted, and the coolant reservoir was constantly low. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under and Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Engine, May 13, 2024
4/24/24 Vehicle began de accelerating quickly, going from 50mph to 28mph. The oil light came on, followed immediately by engine light, then seconds later, complete engine failure. Towed to dealership, where I was informed a week later that the engine needed to be replaced again. Ford replaced engine 1.5 years ago when another catastrophic failure occurred. That engine came with a 36 month warranty. Ford authorized the dealership to replace the engine again, however, was unwilling to provide a new 36 month warranty, indicating I would only have the remainder of the warranty period from the previous engine. This second incident could have resulted in serious injury to me, as it occurred on a busy road with no shoulder. I couldn’t open my driver door safely with speeding vehicles going by at 45-50mph to catch a ferry. My research indicates Ford was aware of potential problems with this model since before I purchased it new in 2016.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2024
The coolant leaks into the engine. I have already had it fixed before. It did it again and ruined my engine. I am now on the hook to replace the engine and still paying the car off. Looking to Google shows this is a known issue that ford refuses to address and has cost thousands of people a lot of money.
Engine, Apr 10, 2024
I was driving my 2016 Ford Escape and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I steeped on the gas and the car would not move. No check engine light came on and there was no indication that anything was wrong. The car had to be towed to two different repair shops. The first repair shop diagnosed that it was the transmission and they wanted to much to repair. I then had it towed to a transmission repair shop where they rebuilt my transmission. I picked up my car today and the shop told me that there was a recall on 2016 Ford Escapes. I called ford and they agreed there was a recall on 2016 Ford Escape transmissions but it did not include my car. This makes no sense as my car only has 63208 miles on it and the transmission went out with no warning. I don't understand my Ford says my car is not included when obviously there is a problem. Thank you for your time
Engine, Mar 19, 2024
Check engine light came on, car was taken to mechanic. Coolant system cylinder 1, 2 were showing as codes and coolant was 1/2 gallon low. Coolant was found to be leaking into engine and engine replacement was the only fix. Mechanic also indicated there is a TSB for this issue, meaning it is a known problem that ford will not help with correcting.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was struggling to start, and there was exhaust fumes coming inside the cabin while starting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would temporarily lose motive power while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking onto the spark plugs, causing the spark plugs to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that occasionally the engine would misfire while starting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had a warped cylinder head, causing the misfire due to leaking coolant intrusion. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 67,935.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling. The rattling was more evident in cold weather conditions. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made a loud vibrating sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak into cylinders #2 and #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling. The rattling was more evident in cold weather conditions. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made a loud vibrating sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak into cylinders #2 and #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2024
The head gasket and the car is pulling the car is smoking a lot the car is stopping in the middle of the street
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The warning light was flickering on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. There was no indication of a fluid leaking on the ground. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2024
Check engine light is on at 63,000 miles. Ford dealer confirmed coolant in cylinder and immanent total engine failure, so vehicle is not safe to drive as it may stop at any time and loss of coolant. Only indication is the check engine light. Dealer quoted repairs for engine, turbo, and cat converter replacement at over $18,000. Research on the internet reveals that this is a common failure. Since the warranty is out of the time and 3k over the covered range they will do absolutely nothing to remedy the issue. The sticker price on the Escape Titanium is over $37,000.