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, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle suddenly started rolling backwards rolled into a ditch. The vehicle was towed out the ditch. There were no injuries sustained. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2022
We bought a 2016 Ford Escape on 25 June 2021, from Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, CO. for approx. $21,000. Mileage was 62,783k. In Aug and Sept 2021, we brought the car back to Phil Long and told them there was a transmission issue that intermittently occurred on highway speeds. When passing there was an extremely rough shift that felt like a car ran into the back of us. This created a safety issue when driving. Phil Long reluctantly test drove the car and said they couldn’t do anything as they didn’t experience the extremely rough shift. This rough shift continued to happen about once every couple of weeks. We brought the car to Transmission Clinic in CO Springs and they confirmed that we needed a new transmission. On 02 June 2022, we paid $4,992 and got the transmission replaced. Transmission Clinic stated they are seeing many issues with Ford transmissions on Ford cars with low mileage. I contend that Phil Long Ford knew this info and should have been willing to help us in Aug/ Sept 2021. I am requesting that Phil Long Ford reimburse us in full or part for the cost of this recent transmission replacement. I believe Ford Motor Company should issue a recall for these poor transmissions.
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.
Power train, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 40 MPH, the vehicle shook and then stalled with the transmission fault warning message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was serviced for a defective fuel pump which was covered under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the roadway. The contact called a friend who assisted her and she was able to drive the vehicle home driving 25 MPH. The dealer was notified of the failure where and the contact was provided an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle remained with the dealer for approximately two weeks and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Power train, May 25, 2022
While driving the 2016 Ford Escape, the torque converter failed and sent all sorts of metal parts into the transmission casing. At 102,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly, and without warning, lost momentum on the highway and I had to coast into a parking lot. The engine was running but the transmission would not engage so the vehicle could not move. The problem was confirmed by the dealer who repaired the transmission and torque converter for $4200.00. The loss of power on the highway in rush hour traffic caused a severe safety situation which I was able to avoid by coasting over to the right lane and fortunately into a parking lot. The check engine light appeared briefly than went out. This seems to be a serious manufacturer's defect that could certainly lead to catastrophic crashes. Thank you.
Power train, May 19, 2022
The transmission is shot at only 130,000 miles on a car with regular maintenance. The repair will be over $4000 to replace the transmission as it is not repairable. This is now a common problem with the 2016 ford escapes.
Power train, May 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, decelerated, and then stalled. The contact indicated that the vehicle would no longer drive forward or in reverse however, the engine was still running. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,150.
Power train, May 2, 2022
Transmission failed while in motion; car slipped into reverse while at a light. Had to pull off and have car towed. It is now undrivable. Transmission must be replaced.
Power train, Apr 30, 2022
Driving down the interstate and all of a sudden rims shot all the way up and loss power to the vehicle. As If it slipped into neutral. Made it over to the side of the road. Turned vehicle off amd back on and it worked fine for about 100 feet. Made it to a empty park and ride where I'm currently awaiting a tow service. Now in any gear while vehicle is on there appears to be a whine coming from the top of the transmissions bell housing. Car will not move now. Seems as though the transmission went out on it. Looked around online and it appears to be very common with this specific ford vehicle. One website even mentioned a class action lawsuit about it but didn't give specifics.
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
TRANSMISSION FAILURE
Power train, Apr 28, 2022
While operating vehicle, it suddenly made a noise, almost like a bang. Then engine then revved to 8000 rpm. Immediately following that I could no longer advance forward while pressing the gas pedal. I had to get to the side of the road as best I could. I was in a dangerous situation. Once at the side of the road, the vehicle would not advance forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated on the console. I looked under the hood and did not see anything leaking or out of the ordinary. My vehicle had to be towed. I towed it to my usual mechanic who evaluated it and said the transmission was no longer functional and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. He checked the transmission fluid and stated it was at the appropriate level and the appropriate color/clarity. He checked for recalls and stated there were none, but saw there were many other complaints of this same issue.
Power train, Apr 22, 2022
I had no warning signs nor lights on dashboard; pulled to a stop and went to leave and put it in drive and heard a major clunking noise inwhich I thought I hit a rock, the car would not go in any of the gears. If I had been driving while the transmission went out or dropped I could have caused an accident or even worse killed someone or myself. The car is being towed to dealership now. I just spent $1100 replacing arms and outer tie rods ends yesterday at the dealership. I am extremely upset and I know there are over 350 complaints about the 2016 Ford escape transmission problems!
Power train, Engine, Apr 17, 2022
The Ford Escape has been a problem since I bought it the tranny went out at 110,000 and the head gasket blew at 140,000 still paying on the car with major problems
Power train, Mar 23, 2022
I was heading home when my vehicle stopped accelerating or kicking into gear. Fortunately, I was in the neighborhood when this happened, but there were no warning lights when the incident occurred. If this had happened on the interstate, I am sure I would not have been able to safely maneuver the car to the side of the road. I had to completely stop and restart my car for it to kick into gear again. I cannot go more than a quarter mile without it failing. It only has 113,000 miles on it, and the first fluid change was not required until 150,000 miles. I've been told by a mechanic that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. I have been waiting since January 1, and the part is STILL on back-order.
Power train, Feb 18, 2022
Was with my children leaving a parking lot. Merged onto a busy highway and while trying to accelerate, the car wouldn’t move and RPM’s revved up. Cars were approaching the back of my car very quickly and we were almost rear ended at a high speed. I was able to pull off to the side and call for a tow truck. My very well maintained, 2016 Ford Escape had a transmission failure requiring a replacement with no warning! No warning lights illuminated and the car was not acting up before the failure.
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
Transmission failure transmission just quit pulling motor accelerated but transmission was like it was in neutral then started making a winning noise had to have vehicle towed home can’t drive it to have it checked calling Ford motor company tomorrow but according to other complaints about this issue probably not going to do anything about it unless somebody makes them recall it sure glad my wife wasn’t on the interstate could have caused a terrible accident so many complaints on the vehicles vehicle did give transmission fault but then went off
Power train, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving the vehicle was shaking and failed to accelerate above 3 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additional while, driving the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the bulb was touching a wire. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Nov 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the transmission would not operate in the reverse position. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the shaft lock cable assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure in 2018. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
While driving the vehicle suddenly deccelerated. Pressing the gas peddle did nothing. It acted as if it was in neutral. Transmission fault light illuminated. This blocked all traffic as there was no shoulder and no time or place to get off the road. It was an extremely dangerous situation on the curve of a road. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Dealer verified abundant metal particles in transmission and recommended replacement ($6,247.69). Regular maintenance was done and mileage is only 61,537 so only recently out of the 60,000 mile warranty. There was never a warning or symptoms. Light came on later during the incident.
Power train, Sep 11, 2021
Car suddenly would not shift and engine revved without moving in the middle of driving. This is an extreme hazard as my 2 year old son and I were pulling out into traffic. Had to turn the car off and back on and was able to get off the road. The transmission died without warning and the car is only at 55k miles.
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
I had driven my vehicle normally until one day I put the car into Park and it continued to roll forward. The shifter was stuck in park and would not move, but my dash indicated the vehicle was in Nuetral. The cable between the shifter and the transmission was damaged. Prior to this the sun roof has stopped working and my backup camera started malfunctioning as well. This is after I had to get the fuel injector replaced and the turbo replaced before that.
Power train, Aug 25, 2021
"transmission fault - repair now" light came on. Engine went to high RPM but very little forward movement. Was able to limp short distance back to home. Transmission then would not shift into reverse. Had car towed to dealer on 8/24/2021 for repair. Dealer indicated total transmission failure had occurred and would need to be completely replaced. Cost quoted at $5500.00. Transmission is a sealed unit with no way to check fluids and is recommended for service at 150000 miles. This car is at 90000 miles, way before the 150000 service call. There was no forewarning or symptoms of complete failure prior to incident.
Power train, Aug 23, 2021
A few months ago, out of nowhere and with no warning my 2016 Ford Escape flashed a transmission failure and car immediately started having acceleration issues. I was on a 8 lane highway (4 lanes each direction), in the far left lane as I was approaching my left hand turn lane. I had to pull over on this 8 lane highway on the far left lane causing a major safety hazard, not only for myself, but for all the cars in the south bound direction. Once traffic had a break, I started my car back up and was able to make the next left hand turn (which was actually the turn lane I needed to take) to get off an extremely 8 lane highway. This left hand turn also could have caused a safety issue as I wasn't able to accelerate at a normal rate and had to coast across this highway going around 5mph. I immediately pulled over after that turn and got the car towed to the nearest Ford dealership. The tow truck driver wished I had pulled over a little further up since he would have to stop traffic to get the car on the tow bed, obviously something I couldn't do since I was unable to accelerate. When the car was turned back on no transmission warning was on. Ford did replace the battery and confirmed multiple internal transmission component failures with the diagnosis and the transmission would have to be replaced. I did get a second opinion and they also confirmed the failures that the Ford dealership told me. The car is only 5 years old, gave me no indication that there was anything wrong until it happened, there was zero warning, zero noise, zero reasoning given as how/why a car only 5 years old would have multiple internal failing transmission components! I was also told by the mechanic that this is not an uncommon occurrence for Fords to have early transmission failures and that my 2016 Ford Escape was the 6th Ford that month!!! In total, I have had to pay over $6,100 worth of work/service/equipment in a 2016 car I purchased on 2/25/19! Official explanation would be great!!!
Power train, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle abruptly came to a sudden stop. The contact indicated that the incident occurred without warning and nearly caused a collision while driving on a busy freeway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Jun 26, 2021
TRANSMISSION FAILURE warning came up on dash. I saw the RPMs go up to over 120. I had no previous problems with the car before this incident. CAR RAPIDLY LOST ACCELERATION while driving 60MPH on State Road 80 in Labelle FL. Since the car lost acceleration so fast the car behind me had to pass quickly as to not hit me. Other cars behind had to continually pass until I could move from the left lane to the right, and then to the shoulder to safely pull off the road. I had to wait there with the car for over an hour before AAA came to tow it. Mechanic at AAMCO Transmission Total Care in Bonita Springs, FL identified a burned drum. He showed me grooves in it that should not have been there, it should have been smooth. Computer scan gave codes P0219 Engine Overspeed Condition, P0729 Incorrect Gear Ratio 6th, P07AA Trans Friction Element E. I have the drum and other parts that had to be replaced. The repair took 6 weeks as the torque converter was on backorder from FORD. This repair was $4047.00