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: power train
320 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Aug 15, 2022
While driving transmission suffered a sudden complete failure, with no warning signs. Car had to be towed to local service station. Mechanic verified transmission was bad from original manufacturing, i.e., bad transmission from the factory
Power train, Aug 14, 2022
While driving on the highway transmission suffered a sudden complete failure, with no warning signs. Leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway had to have police block off road to get me to a safe place.
Power train, Aug 11, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2022
I pulled into a walkway access and a passenger got out and closed the door. I shifted the gear shift to reverse and backed up so I could proceed to my left and shifted the gear shift to Drive but, the vehicle went backward. Sitting there with my foot on the brake I turned the key off. I was unable to put it in Park until pushing it to a better position and removing power to the fuse box rather than searching for the fuse that got it. While in Park the reverse lights were on, so I was not able to start; I had it towed to a mechanic because it was stuck in reverse. The next day I learned the mechanic was unable to get information from the modules and it needed to be transported to the local dealership. I have now missed 2 nights of work and the Dealership estimates the 23rd for completion but is not providing a rental nor loner; so poor manufacturing on good faith purchase is complaint here. Additional info - I did hear clicking on the interstate from forward in the vehicle and a brake light bulb went out between receiving the safety notice and the breakdown. I'm not sure I recall the rear video for backing was on or off. I recall an incident last winter while sliding on ice and a semi was in a slide toward me that with the wheels locked in breaking it died when shifting to reverse; it's safer if it does shift because cars can spin on ice into oncoming traffic and I've kept the oncoming traffic lane free before.
Power train, Aug 5, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter to Reverse(R) out of a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently drove forward over two curves before crashing into two vehicles and then rolled backward and crashed into a third vehicle. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. The air bags were not deployed upon impact. The contact sustained back pain from the collision; however, no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the dealer was contacted but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Aug 3, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE COSNUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 22S43/ 22V413.
Power train, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The approximate failure mileage was 115,700. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that after reversing out of a driveway, the gear shifter seized in park(P), impeding oncoming traffic. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home and was unable to remove the key out of the ignition. The dealer was notified about the failure and confirmed that parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact was then informed that the vehicle had to be repaired out of pocket; however, she might be reimbursed by the manufacturer once parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into Reverse(R), the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty transmission shifter cable bushing. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift to the intended gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2022
While operating the vehicle, the transmission shifter failed to appropriately shift into the intended gear position, which caused the car to not drive when the gear was in “drive” the car would not move forward when pushing on the gas pedal which left us in an extremely dangerous predicament. The intended function of the transmission was completely unreliable. When shifting the transmission to or from the “Park” position, the transmission was unpredictable and did not sufficiently and safely put the car in the park position or in the intended position and significantly increased the risk of injury or crash. The car was inoperable because the transmission was no longer functioning properly or safely enough to drive and we had no other choice but to have the car towed and the repair fixed in order to have a safe functioning vehicle. Because of the safety recall for the same issue, we are requesting a full refund totaling $3,500.09 for the repaired issue.
Power train, Jul 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the transmission downshifted without warning. Her daughter pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the gear shifter failed to operate as needed. After multiple attempts, she was able to resume normal driving operations and drove home. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic was unable to service the vehicle; the mechanic towed the vehicle to another independent mechanic who they were unable to retrieve the part to repair the vehicle. The contact then called Hempstead Ford (301 N Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550) and Crown Ford Inc (420 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563) and both informed her that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Power train, Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to shift into reverse(R), the gear shifter remained in drive(D). The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter into reverse(R) successfully, she heard an abnormal loud popping sound coming from the hood. The contact also saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where the transmission was replaced. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A warning message indicating that the vehicle needed assistance was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact was able to drive to her residence however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer and was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH while attempting to accelerate. The contact was able to get to her destination; however, the vehicle became difficult to move forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Jul 11, 2022
Over a month ago, the transmission on my vehicle blew while I was driving the car. There were no warning signs or lamps prior to this issue. I have been made aware of the recall and I am not sure if the transmission failure is due to this recall. A mechanic has looked at it and has confirmed that a new transmission is needed.
Power train, Jul 10, 2022
We have maintained this vehicle per manufacturer instructions including flushing the transmission system. While on vacation 2 states away a transmission fault light came on. There were no indications like hard shifting or the transmission slipping. It Said to hit the OK button so we did. Then the indicator went away. It came right back on and then the engine fault light came on. The car shuddered and then the transmission quit. I have never had a car do this before. This is an expensive fix for a car that has been properly maintained and had only 111,000 miles on it.
Power train, Jul 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from park while reversing. The vehicle continued to roll. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,440.
Power train, Jul 6, 2022
This vehicle has less than 45K miles on it. It's begun to jerk shift between 2 and 3 gears. There is a transmission recall with no remedy as yet, but it is more related to parking issues. Problem was reproduced at Superior Brookdale Ford, they performed an adaptive relearn but it was doing the same thing on the way home. I've read from others with the same model that it could cease functioning altogether and that could lead to an accident. No warning messages appear, and it is available for inspection upon request.
Power train, Jul 6, 2022, crash
Cranked car to leave, left running to run back in my home for a forgotten item. As I’m walking toward my home, my car started rolling backwards. I ran try and stop it as it was only moving 1-2mph. Hit my mailbox and started veering right towards a light pole and utility box in neighbors yard. I was able to get to it after falling twice, got the door open, but by that time, it was too close to the pole. I let go to avoid injury and the driver side door hit dead center of the light pole. The car is not drivable now. The door was smashed forward, hinges were busted, and door was flat against left front fender.
Power train, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle would jerk while in motion. The contact then stated that upon placing the vehicle into drive(D), the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V413000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified and she was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that immediately after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to rev causing the vehicle to lunge forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle was stopped and then towed back to the independent mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,002.
Power train, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Fault' was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the dealer repaired the transmission with used parts as the parts needed were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, no failure was found. The dealer also informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact later became aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
Coming home from a 300 mile trip vehicle would not go into the highest gear (6th) on the highway. Next day, while coming into driveway the wheels locked up. The vehicle would not go into gear. Engine would spin but like it was in neutral. Called tow truck and the vehicle had to be dragged onto the tow truck with front wheels locked. Dealership informed me that I needed new transmission. $6000 repair. Also the engine light was on and the dealer told me it was a was a turbo wastegate solenoid not related to the transmission.