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, Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when they turned on the vehicle, the steering assist fault warning message displayed. The power steering had failed and the vehicle was now operating with manual steering only. The contact had made an appointment with the dealer however the vehicle had not been seen as of yet. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer. The message Steering Default was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was rebuilt; however, the contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle, she shifted into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond and remained idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 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.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2022
I was driving and my car felt like it changed from drive to neutral without any physical prompt on my part. The for escape kept rolling away and I was able to bring it to a parking lot. I was able to turn the vehicle off and tried turning it back on again. It felt like it was changing gears without being touched. It kept trying to move forward and reversing when it was on park. I was scared so I turned the car off and put the emergency break because of the strange shifting between gears that was happening. I had to have the vehicle towed as it is now inoperable. It is at the shop and is currently untouched . A few days later I found found has recalled my vehicle for transmission issues. I am now careless with no help in sight.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2022
The ecm become disconnected driving down the road causing the car to loose complete power. 1 week later steering failure warning alert on info cluster immediately followed by complete steering failure alert on info cluster. Loss of steering and control of car. Towed to Asheville Ford & Lincoln in Asheville NC for inspection. Receipt from Asheville Ford & Lincoln provided. Confirmed steering failure. The vehicle was NOT in any accident since my purchase of the car. Prior to my purchase of this car, it was in an accident reported by previous owner and not disclosed by the dealership. I located insurance receipts in glovebox of car where a body shop had done repairs resulting from an accident. My car was under extended warranty at that time however my claim was denied because I used a zip tie to secure the ecm back to the car when it disconnected. I couldn’t get the car in the shop to have it repaired right away and while waiting for an appointment from Ford, the incedent with the steering failure happened. I have plenty of notes, receipts and documentation of this situation and previous repairs made to the car prior to me purchasing it. Please let me know if any further info is needed and I’ll be glad to provide it. Ford instead voided my warranty without any written or verbal notice to me about anything. Still haven’t received a reason my claim was denied in writing.
Steering, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a traffic light, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The warning message "Steering Wheel Default" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred after restarting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Steering, Jul 6, 2021
I received the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message as I was parking. Because the wheels became stiff I had to wait an hour to drive again. At the same time I received the 911 assist error. This was not the first time that it happened to me. Previously I took the car to the dealership and they did not fix it.
Steering, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed which made the vehicle harder to steer. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,096.
Steering, Apr 29, 2021
I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU AT MCDONALD'S AND I TURNED MY WHEEL TO PULL AROUND AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND HAS BEEN DOING THIS ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE.
Steering, Apr 28, 2021
STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. MADE LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE WHEEL. AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVABLE, IT HAD TO BE TOWED.
Steering, Feb 18, 2021
MY WIFE WAS RETURNING FROM THE STORE WHEN THE STEERING GOT STIFF. AS IF THE POWER-ASSISTED STEERING HAD FAILED. SHE MANAGED TO GET IT HOME SINCE SHE WAS ON OUR ROAD AND ONLY HAD TO TURN INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. I TOOK IT OUT AND THE STEERING WAS OK FOR ABOUT A MILE. THEN IT DID THE SAME FOR ME. FORD HAS HAD THIS ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OF THEIR VEHICLES FOR SOME TIME NOW. MANY HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND THIS ONE SHOULD BE. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS AND REVIEWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. IF THE STEERING FAILS AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME PEOPLE COULD BE KILLED.
Steering, Feb 13, 2021
WENT TO LEAVE MY HOUSE FOR WORK AND STARTED MY ESCAPE AND HAD NO STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FROZEN STUCK. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AS I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT FROZEN STEERING WHEELS IN THE ESCAPES AND THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. ONLY THING I CAN DO IS START THE CAR AND LET IT WARM UP FOR AN HOUR, OR UNTIL THE STEERING BOX GETS TO 42 DEGREES AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL UNFREEZE. THEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL TRIES TO LOCK UP AND NOT TURN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST!!!!!!!!!
Steering, Oct 9, 2020
THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING THAT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER PROPERLY. TO GET THE STEERING TO WORK AGAIN YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY (WHICH IS NOT EASY), MAKE A COMPLETE STOP, TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO GET THE STEERING TO WORK SAFELY AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 100 TIMES, INCLUDING FIVE TIMES THIS WEEK. IN LOOKING AT FACTORY RECALLS, MANY 1000S OF FORDS, OF MANY YEARS AND MODELS HAVE HAD FACTORY RECALLS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. BUT, NOT THIS SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER. I NEED TO GET A FACTORY RECALL WHICH INCLUDES THIS VIN NUMBER BEFORE THEIR IS A FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING THIS CAR.
Steering, Oct 1, 2020
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FAULTY SNESOR. THE VEHICLE HAD 23,907 MILES ON IT. *JS
Steering, Jul 13, 2020
POWER STEERING NOT WORKING AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED. ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL STEERING.
Steering, Jun 1, 2020
2016 FORD ESCAPE W/ONLY 64K MILES. I DROVE TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER IN CHICAGO ABOUT 2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME WITH ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF PROBLEMS. ON THE WAY BACK, I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION, ON THE OASIS, AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP (JUST A FEW MINUTES LATER) THE WARNING POPPED UP ON THE DASH AND IT BECAME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE... DROVE STRAIGHT (LITERALLY) TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPT & $2030 LATER (CUZ OF COURSE WARRANTY IS DEPLETED), I CAN STEER AGAIN. I SERIOUSLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO PAY SUCH A HEFTY CHARGE JUST BECAUSE FORD MOTOR DIDN'T LEARN FROM THEIR 'POWER STEERING ASSIST' RECALL BACK IN 2014 AND ACTUALLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Feb 17, 2020
CAR STARTED NORMALLY WHEN LEAVING THE HOME WITH AUTOSTARTER. DROVE TO A GAS STATION, PARKED, WENT INSIDE, CAME BACK OUT AND THE CAR PROMPTED WITH A "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" ERROR. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE, NO POWER STEERING. TURNED OFF CAR, RESTARTED AND ISSUE REMAINED. UPON GETTING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, REPORTED FULL POWER STEERING FAILURE REQUIRING FULL REPLACEMENT OF POWER STEERING RACK AND PIN.
Steering, Dec 6, 2019
STEERING MADE CREAKING NOISE. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAC AND PINION STEERING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS 46,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NEARLY 200 REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE.
Steering, Nov 17, 2019
WAS DRIVING 55MPH IN CORNER MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE AND STEERING ASSIST FAILURE CAME UP ON DASH AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING TO THE CAR AND ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT
Steering, Oct 11, 2019
DIFFICULTY WITH TURNING STEERING WHEEL. CLANKY NOISE WHEN TURNING. CHECKED AND SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO DRIVE 2016 FORD ESCAPES ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM EVEN WORSE. SOME PEOPLE COMPLETELY NOT ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME BEFORE WITH THIS ESCAPE AND HAD ISSUE REPAIRED BUT SEEMS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND IT IS QUITE DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY
Steering, Sep 16, 2019
STEERING ASSIST FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TRIED RESETTING IT LIKE THE MANUAL SAID BUT IT ONLY WORKED FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND CAME ON AGAIN. IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER
Steering, Aug 7, 2019
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. ON JULY 25, I STARTED MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MANUEVER OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I TURNED OFF IGNITION, PLACED IN PARK TO EXIT VEHICLE TO INSPECT TIRES, AS I THOUGHT I PERHAPS HAD A FLAT TIRE, AFFECTING THE STEERING. I THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND ON THE DASH INFORMATION RECEIVED A MESSAGE TO THE EFFECT OF "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". I CHECKED THE OWNER MANUAL AND IT SAID THIS WAS A FAULT OF THE STEERING AND TO TAKE CAR FOR SERVICE. SINCE THE CAR WAS UNMANEUVERABLE AND UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN, I CALLED FOR TOW SERVICE TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME IT WOULD BE A $2200 REPAIR, BUT THAT THEY WOULD CALL FORD TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. THEY THEN CAME BACK WITH A $1200 QUOTE FOR REPAIR. SINCE I NEEDED VEHICLE, I AGREED AND THE FINAL INVOICE WAS $1000. I ASKED SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS WAS INVOLVING A SAFETY RECALL WITH FORD AND SHE SAID AT THIS TIME IT WAS NOT, BUT TO HOLD ON TO MY RECEIPTS IN CASE FORD MADE ONE. FORD/LINCOLN HAS HAD RECALLS ON OTHER VEHICLES IN THEIR FLEET FROM OTHER YEARS, SO THEY SHOULD BE AWARE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES.
Steering, Jul 12, 2019
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH IN MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE. SUDDENLY THE CAR FLASHED "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" AND IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. THE STEERIMG WHEEL FELT LIKE IT LOCKED, AND BECAME SUPER DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. WE CAME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A MAJOR ACCIDENT, AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RESPONDING NORMALLY. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING COMPLETELY WELL BEFORE THIS. IT HAS JUST 60,000 MILES ON IT. WE ARE WAITING ON THE MECHANIC'S CALL, BUT HE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR AS THE VISUAL INSPECTION DIDN'T TURN UP ANY PROBLEMS. WHAT A DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING IN A 2 AND A HALF YEAR OLD CAR.
Steering, Jul 11, 2019
POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE POPPED UP WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE AND WE LOST POWER STEERING. WE WERE FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SHOP 10 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME TO BE REPLACED. WE WILL BE MAKING THE 20 HOUR ROUND TRIP TO GET THE VEHICLE NEXT WEEK AS WE HAS TO RENT A VEHICLE TO GET HOME.
Steering, May 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS WERE TURNED, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE STEERING ABILITY BECAME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KOONS FORD/LINCOLN (2540 RIVA RD, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,109.