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: steering
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jul 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated normally. Later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering message returned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 236,000.
Steering, Jul 10, 2026
While driving the car, the electronic power assist steering stopped working, making it extremely difficult to steer and drove straight into a curb. Was able to slowly back the car up then very carefully drove to the local shop. Thankfully, no pedestrians were walking on the sidewalk. Power assist unit failed which caused a very unsafe driving condition. It required two strong arms to muscle the steering carefully to drive the car to the shop.
Steering, Jul 9, 2026
Car started with loss of steering fault, then power steering completely failed and car was not driveable.
Steering, Back over prevention, Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. Also, while operating the vehicle the steering wheel had experience severe jerking making the vehicle difficult to steer and control. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2026
rear camera doesn't work--also theres a problem with the rack and pinion
Steering, Jan 28, 2026
Steering went out suddenly and i was unable to move my steering wheel in the middle of driving. I had no warning lights or other symptoms before losing steering.
Steering, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly, which required the driver to increase the efforts to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had been recurring while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall that did not include the year of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Steering, Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed to function as intended, and the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had progressively worsened, and it was difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering system had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, AutoNation Ford Panama City (730 W 15th St, Panama City, FL 32401); who confirmed the diagnosis from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Aug 5, 2025
My steering wheel became loose on my 2016 Ford Escape while driving the car. I went home due to this safety hazard so not to cause a major accident. I went online to see if there was a recall on my car for this safety item. I found out my car had no recalls however, the 2014-2018 Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ were recall for steering wheels detachments. I went to Coggin Ford (Jacksonville, FL) to inspect my car. Ford did not find a recalls on my car and found the steering wheel bolt that holds the steering wheel to the steering column was loose. They removed the bolt and installed lock-tight just like in the recall of the other vehicles. I have a video of the loose steering wheel prior to delivering the car to Ford, Ford sent a video on the required service to fix the loose steering wheel, and I have invoice showing Ford repaired the loose steering wheel. I scanned the invoiced into the system. Ford service video is in an MP4 format and unable to change, if you give me an email address, I can forward the service request video to you to view. I took a video of the loose steering wheel with my cell phone however, the video is too large to forward in this document. If I could get a cell number, I could forward this video to you.
Steering, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon reversing out of the driveway, the power steering assist failed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and instructed the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering angle sensor module was defective. The mechanic replaced the part and then discovered that the steering was not operating as needed. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer about the issue and the contact was informed that the gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact reached out to the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Steering, Jan 20, 2025
Driving for about two weeks with a "sticky" steering wheel. Driving down the road one night, received Steering Fault, Service Now message. Power Steering was barely responsive. Parked car overnight, came out to car in morning, received Steering Loss, Stop Safely message. Power Steering was not functioning in the vehicle at all. Complete loss of power steering is a safety hazard while driving down the road. The problem was reproduced at the dealer and an independent shop. Recommendation to replace steering rack and outer tie rods.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2024
The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locked and would not move to steer or release. I had to get it towed. This is a huge safety issue concern because it stopped in the middle of the road while I was driving putting my life and others at risk. It's available for inspection upon request.The problem was confirmed by a mechanic in which he said there was a recall at some point on the transmission for my vehicle but he was unsure if it was still active. There were no warning lamps or signs and there still isn't present on my dash. Thus making there being no warning signs at all a safety issues for myself and others.
Steering, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle to attempt to reset the power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering functionality failed to return to normal functionality. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Steering, Jun 27, 2024
I am having the same problems with the 2016 Ford Escape that is listed in Recall Campaign/NHTSA#15518/15V340 with a loss of electrical power that controls the steering with the steering wheel; turning to the right or left. Loss indication from steering assist. The exact same problems listed under this recall. Vehicle is not safe to drive because cannot control the steering wheel. I need it repaired because it is my only transportation back and forth to physician offices and hospital. Being elderly, it is a danger to me.
Steering, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. In addition, the power steering wheel was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 28, 2024
Problem: The steering loss stop safety light came on as I was on the highway with a total loss of steering. (Steering locked up). Traffic of said highway was going from 4 lane to two lane with two northbound semi’s as I was headed southbound. Steering locked up and pulled me into northbound lane. How the semi’s missed me was a higher power looking out for me. I’m trying to figure out how to get it home as we speak. I haven’t tried to have any professionals look at the car nor did I seek a police officer as I made around the semi’s and they kept going. This is a terrible situation to be put in no matter if a malfunction happens it SHOULD NOT prevent me from or have the potential to completely loose control of the vehicle. I would expect Ford to help me with this situation at THEIR cost asap prior to seeking legal options. Yes warning light and bells for steering loss stop safety. No prior warning.
Steering, Oct 8, 2023
The car has a clicking noise and recently I lost power steering. I didn’t see any codes but was not looking as I was terrified I couldn’t get home.
Steering, Sep 27, 2023
The power steering control module (PSCM) that replaced my original PSCM failed while I was driving with my 4 year old in the car and I lost power steering completely. We have been told it was reproduced by the dealership service center at 1hour 32 minutes of the car running. The car is at the dealership for the 3rd time for this issue and the warning light that came on was Steering Assist Fault Service Required.
Steering, Sep 27, 2023
The Power Steering Control Module failed as I was driving with my children in the car and I lost all power steering abilities. The car was taken to the dealership service department and reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. This part was replaced and it happened again 5 days after receiving the vehicle back. The Light that comes on states "Power Steering Assist Failure." this light began to happen when driving in very congested conditions and intermittently. After the repair and when the light came back on I was driving with my 4 year old in the car and completely lost power steering.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 22, 2022, crash
I crashed car because is park according with transmission and car still moved and hit fence, I contact ford for this incident and still waiting someone contact me. So I decide lawsuits against Ford
Steering, Nov 11, 2022
As I was turning onto a street the power steering assist fault light briefly flashed and the car lost all power steering causing me to nearly hit oncoming vehicles. It was impossible to steer the car. After stopping and waiting several minutes the power steering returned. This is the second incident I have had like this with this car.
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
Steering, Sep 16, 2022
While driving my 2016 Ford Escape my steering became hard to turn and a steering fault light came on the dash. I was able to make it home but the car is very hard to turn which is very scary and unsafe. The car only has a little over 100,000 miles on it and we have already replaced a transmission at around 90,000. I don't think buying another Ford is in our future due to all the issue we have experienced and at our cost. I called the dealer to address the issue and they are 3 months out so how do I get out and back to work with the issues that I am facing?
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2022, crash
Jerking, unwanted jolting, locked up steering
Steering, Aug 20, 2022
While sitting at a stop light the electric power assist warning light came on and I lost all power steering. I tried turning the car off and on several times to reset system but had no effect. It is extremely hard for me to steer and impossible for my wife If this had happened while the car was in motion an accident could have occurred. This car is a 2016 with approx. 50,000 miles and has been immaculately maintained and in like new condition. This is a known error with fords electric steering assist on many models and a recall needs to be implemented on this year and model. This a quite an expensive burden placed on owners of an almost new vehicle.