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, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the warranty had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, or while starting the vehicle, the vehicle would shudder and shake. The contact stated the shaking was intermittent but became constant. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Structure, Wheels, Engine, Jan 19, 2023
Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad with only approximately 50,000 miles. Ford would not talk to me and the dealership stated it is not covered under the extended warranty. Somehow I paid minimal repairs but during that time their best mechanic was fired. Next the Continental tires pealed. I had the tire warranty and the dealership would not cover. I called Continental they stated that they knew these tires were bad but yet they were still sold on vehicles! After much complaining and stress all but $400 was covered by Continental. The dealership did very little. At approximately 65,000 the engine blew. I found out by a local repair shop that Ford had an Escape safety issue on their site about the engines. After speaking with Ford twice they refused to speak to me any longer and only the dealership if I wanted the engine replaced. I did and was given numerous different amounts it would cost me. Since this was Ford's manufacturing issue I should have paid nothing. It took over 4 months to repair my vehicle. I had to complain to Ford and the dealership to get a loaner. I am a 66 year old single women who depended on the quality of Ford. I had tried to email Ford representatives and call with no reply ever. Each of these issues had no warnings lights nor were there any problems prior to the issues occurring. These issues could have caused major accident by the engine quitting in traffic or blowing, and the tires pealing. Ford motor needs to pay for all these issues. There needs to be a class action suit.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Vehicle engine started smoking. Coolant fluid and oil entered the engine compartment caused engine failure and blown rod and more damage to engine. Dealer estimated $12,000 to replace engine. Research determined that many of these vehicles have had similar issues. Very dangerous situation under any circumstance but more so when this occurred on a busy interstate highway. There is currently a class action lawsuit, [XXX]et al v. Ford Motor Company, case no. [XXX] that addresses the failure of Ford to properly address the engine defect. I am not a party to that lawsuit. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
Car stared backfiring and engine light came on. Mechanic told me coolant is leaking into cylinder from head gasket. Told me probably need a new engine, told me Ford is aware of problems but aren't going to repair them. Ford has a tech bulletin- SSM 49821
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to emit white smoke from underneath the hood and into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact saw that coolant had spilled onto the engine. The contact stated that the temperature gauge had been moving from hot to cold randomly. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the overheating and smoke returned. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Dec 7, 2022
I was driving to work and my temperature gauge starting moving all over and car stated, "pull to safety." I pulled over and had car towed to Northside service center in brockport where they had it towed to West Herr dealership in spencerport. West Herr stated the recall doesn't match my VIN and is refusing to repair it.
Engine, Nov 30, 2022
I checked this site and my car had 1 recall that I was never informed or made aware of by my manufacturer. I don’t know if it’s a minor recall or a major one, but it’s scary.
Engine, Nov 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she notified a tow truck to jumpstart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Oct 29, 2022, crash
INGINE LIGHT/SUSPENSION LIGHTS WENT ON. CAR JERKS AND SHAKES ON THE ROAD AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CPONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the engine started to sputter and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stopped and placed the vehicle into park (P). The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent at first but gradually became constant. Additionally, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into an engine cylinder. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired by their local dealer but within two to three weeks, the transmission went out again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for an oil leak caused by the repair.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant level was low every week and that coolant had to be added frequently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and he stated that there was leak in the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis, and they stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2022
My coolant leaked into the cylinders of my engine causing a complete engine failure. When this occurred, there was no warning lights, indicators or check engine notices to notify me that there was a problem with my engine. I was driving down the street & white smoke started billowing out of the back of my car. I was able to make it home but had to have it towed to the dealership. This is a known issue with Ford, with a current lawsuit pending, due to the design of the engine. I have been advised that there are technical bulletins distributed within Ford and the dealer acknowledged there was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. My engine was already replaced due to the same defect when it had 34,000 miles on it. This was covered under warranty and the engine was replaced at a Ford dealership. The first time this happened, I was traveling on the freeway and my lights and power completely shut down while I was driving at night and my engine almost started on fire. I also had no warning lights, overheating or check engine notices when that happened. It now has 94,500 miles. This means I have needed 2 engine replacements for the same defect in less than 100,000 miles. The Price Ford dealership in Turlock, CA has quoted me $10,600 to replace the engine, which I am responsible to pay, and advised me to call corporate when I told them of the lawsuit. Ford's Corporate Office advised me that there isn't anything they can do because there isn't a recall issued yet, even though this a known documented issue of their defected engine design.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2022, crash
Jerking, unwanted jolting, locked up steering
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
Sice 2016 I've had numerous issues with this vehicle yet no one had told me about your website. Although some of the repairs on this vehicle were under safety bulletins I was never informed. The latest is that my engine light going off and on. I was told it was misfiring, had an appointment set up for repair and it overheated. The mechanic told me to get it to the dealership immediately so it was towed over. Only to find I needed an engine and that there are many Escapes this way. Another issue was the catalytic converters were bad there were there was only approximately 40 to 50,000 on the car at that time and the dealership refused to put it under the extended warranty saying it wasn't covered. However I believe the manager did it and was fired for it. Another issue what's the gas cap area, I was told because there's not an actual cap that that flap on there will eventually allow fumes to escape and cause an issue so I had to pay over $400 for that, again nothing's covered. And I bought the extended warranty. What a joke. Right after I had bought the car the roof was leaking and again was told it was not covered under a warranty and I had to take it to a repair shop. I also cannot get my GPS to update correctly and other smaller issues. This vehicle has been a lemon from day one and I wish I would have sued under it sooner.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough starting. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that coolant was present inside engine cylinders #3 and #4. Additionally, the head gasket was blown. The engine gasket was replaced however, later the failure recurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 56,538.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2022
On April 10, 2022, I received the check engine light indicator on my 2016 Ford Escape. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic to be inspected on April 15, 2022. I was informed after a diagnostic that my Vapor Canister Purge Valve was malfunctioning. I was told that the part could be ordered, but it was on backorder in excess of 4,000 orders. I have had the following problems that continue to put myself and other motorist in danger: I am unable to accelerate past 50MPH due to air build up in my engine causing engine stall outs on major roadways and intersections with the inability to restart the vehicle, as well as the inability to safely refuel my vehicle due to restart problems. My car has stalled out on major state highways and interstates, creating unsafe situations for myself and other motorists. Over the past 4 months I have continued to call my mechanic and Ford, with Ford offering no ETA on the production of the needed part.
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
I had replaced my transmission at 100,000 mile mark. I have never had that happen in an older veichle. And when mine went it did the same thing with not going into park all the way. I paid out of pocket for it. And have kept up with oil changes and Maintance on my veichle, and now I am having problem with misfire and it is the head gasket and they garage put a camera down in it and the motor is cracked. I have had nothing but bad luck with this escape. I owe a lot of money on it still and cannot afford to put new motor in it. I’ve googled on the issue and I see other reviews of people having the same issue. I have receipts when I did the transmission and would like reimbursement for that and I would like to give my veichle back and not have to finish off the loan , so I can ne able to go get another veichle.
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
The driver owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact called on behalf of the wife, who drove into the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the gear was put into the park; however, the vehicle inadvertently reversed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle stopped in the yard and was not diagnosed or repaired. The driver notified the manufacturer and was informed of a recall that would be coming out soon; however, they provided no more details or timeframe. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer after a taillight replacement, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who provided the same diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2022
Kept saying it was over heating shutting down the motor chugging not gaining speed. Had all spark plugs and coil packs changed ran for 5 days and started dining it all over again.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2022
FORD 04/29/22: Brought my 2016 Ford Escape Titanium to dealership in Bremerton, WA when engine light was on and engine began shuddering on a cold start. Mechanic found P034 for a #4 engine miss. Removed #4 plug & found some buildup on coil boot. Replaced plugs  coil boot. Installed SP550 spark plug, CB5Z 124402 A boot, ignition wire prot, replaced spark plugs and 2 worn coil boots. Completed fuel induction service & installed 201 fuel injection cleaner. Total: $1,097.31 05/13/22: Return to dealership to report engine light on again & intermittent shudder on cold start. Mechanic found P304 present. Passed relative compression test. After cold starting vehicle for a few days, mechanic verified reported concern. Pressure tested cooling system, removed #4 spark plug. Using bore scope, found coolant seeping into cylinder. Recommended engine replacement due to coolant intrusion into cylinder. Dealership submitting to Ford for good will. Awaiting response. Mileage: 51,158 Service manager informed me my car was “safe to drive”
Engine, May 20, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood to the windshield. The contact pulled over and there were flames entering the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away since it was not driveable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,681.