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: other or unspecified
151 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2022
Speed is slow when Pressing gas and it makes a roaring sound they stops driving
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2022
Ford Sync 3 system malfunctions randomly. GPS will show inaccurate location and inaccurate directions leading to misguiding down wrong street or wrong ways. Additionally, backup camera may not display on the screen which is a safety hazard when backing up. Problem may be related to the APIM which is a known issue in many of their other vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated when attempting to park, the steering wheel locked and the engine accelerated independently fast. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb, over a snow-bank, down the ditch, and came to a stop crashing into a tree. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021, fire
Vehicle caught fire while sitting in my driveway after being driven 30-45 minutes prior. No prior issues with the vehicle. No warning lights or messages while driving vehicle home. Drive home from work was approximately 1 hour drive time. I heard car horn blowing and looked outside to find car engulfed in flames. Local fire dept and police responded. Claim filed with insurance company who towed vehicle to salvage lot the next day. Car deemed a total loss.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2021
My vehicle stopped shifting as I was on the highway. I had to pull over to the side. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership where I bought it and I've been told the transmission needs a total rebuild. The is a 2016 Ford Escape with under 100,000 miles. There was no warning prior to this happening. Once the transmission stopped working I finally received a warning to have the vehicle checked.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
Yesterday we experienced a complete engine fail in our 2016 Ford Escape because coolant leakage caused a hole in engine block. We have about 80000 miles in our vehicle and regularly maintain it. Going to cost about 6,000 to replace entire engine.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2021
Rear door on drivers side will not open from the inside after it has been locked and unlocked unless it has been opened already. It something is wrong with the child lock. This is a major safety issue. Someone on the outside has to open the door to let the person out. If there was an accident or some type of incident and the person needed to get out quickly they would not be able to.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2021
According to the dealership the throttle body is putting the vehicle in Limp mode and the car dies out because of it. Ford has had a recall on vehicles with the same issue. However, the dealership wants yo charge 469.04 for the repair.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2021
Only had for a week, and vehicle has trouble at 40mph when shifting, slips or hesitates/misfires when driving at lower speeds, but drives ok past 55mph. Not sure if it is engine or transmission and was recently bought from dealership that said they checked it over, and now after a week I have to take it back in because I do not want it to be anything fuel related ever since it is Ecoboost engine and do not want it to catch fire while driving. Also the trunk will open with remote and only occasionally close with remote, does not work.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2021
While driving approximately 1-5 mph the vehicle shuts off and and will not move when the gas peddle is pressed. The vehicle engine light comes on. Vehicle operator has to press the power button in order to shut off the car, put the car in park, and press the power button to turn the car back on. Vehicle then works as intended.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2021, crash
HAD THE CAR IN TO GET THE FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGER BLINKER LIGHT AND THE BLACK PANEL REPLACED. UPON THE BODY SHOP GETTING THE PARTS PREPPED AND GETTING THE CAR STRIPPED DOWN THEY FOUND THE ISSUE WITH THE CROSS MEMBER CONNECTIONS BEING RUSTED THROUGH. HE CALLED ME TO COME LOOK THINGS OVER BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THE WORK.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2021, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 8 MPH, THE BALL JOINT FRACTURED CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO DETACH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED A VEHICLE ON THE STREET. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE BALL JOINT AND CV AXYL NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE'S NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2020
THE TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK IS SHOWING AND WHAT HAPPENS IS MY CAR TENDS TO GO FORWARD IF I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND GO IN REVERSE WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE BUT IT ALSO GO FORWARD WHENEVER I FIRST TURN MY CAR ON THAT ALL HAPPENS WHEN I CHANGE GEARS TO PROCEED TO DRIVE. MY CAR ALSO STAYS IN 3RD AND 4TH YEAR WHEN I DRIVE THE RPM GOES UP REALLY HIGH EVEN IF I'M JUST GOING 20MPH. IF I DO DRIVE MY CAR AT TIMES IT WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN SLOW DOWN AND STOP MOVING SO I HAVE TO PULL OVER TURN OFF MY CAR WAIT A BIT AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND THEN IT'S GOOD TO GO FOR A FEW MILES AND MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY WILL MOVE FOR EXAMPLE I WILL BE IN PARK ABOUT TO CHANGE GEARS INTO REVERSE AND MY CAR WILL GO FORWARD I HAVE TO SLAM ON BREAKS SO I DON'T CRASH IT DOES THIS EVEN IF I AM PARKED AND I PUT MY CAR INTO DRIVE MY CAR WILL GO INTO REVERSE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS AT THE GROCERY STORE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2020
THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND THE 2ND ONE JUST WENT OUT. HAVE TO PUT ANOTHER ONE IN. HOW LONG WILL IT LAST. WHY HAS FORD NOT DONE A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSION'S,
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2020
HEAD GASKET WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF EXHAUST KEEP LOSING ANTI FREEZE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2020
VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY HAS STARTED TO SEND OFF THE AUDIBLE ANTI-THEFT ALARM AND LIGHTS AT ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN EXPLANATION. THE CAR GETS DROVE 1-2 TIMES A WEEK (~100 MILES). JUST HIT 80,000. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE AUDIBLE ALARM/ LIGHTS GOING OFF FOR NO REASON! THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS JUNE 19, 2020 AT 8:00PM...NEXT WAS JUNE 20 AT 7PM, 1:30AM, 4:30AM. I LEFT THE CAR UNLOCKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND IT WAS QUIET UNTIL I LOCKED IT. IT WENT OFF ON JUNE 28, 2020 AT 3:18AM. I HAVE CHECKED THE BATTERY TERMINALS FOR CORROSION. VERY CLEAN. I RESET THE COMPUTER BY PULLING THE POSITIVE TERMINAL OFF THE BATTERY, INSERTING KEY TO ON POSITION, REPLACING POSITIVE TERMINAL. CONSULTED A REPUTABLE MECHANIC. HELP
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2020, fire
I BELIEVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH PREVIOUS MODELS OF FORD ESCAPES AND OTHER MODELS WITH THE RECALL BASED ON THE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSING BURNING AND FIRES IS STILL A RELEVANT ISSUE IN MODELS FURTHER. I BOUGHT MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE A YEAR AGO FROM CARMAX WITH 61K MILES. WITHIN ONE MONTH AND CONSTANT SERVICE THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP BURNING COOLANT. NO LEAKS OR ANYTHING I PAID TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS BECAUSE ALL OF THEM TOLD ME THERE HAD TO BE A LEAK. CARMAX STATES THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THEY CAN NOT COVER. BUT IT SEEMS TO NOT BE ANY PERSON AT FAULT. THERE ARE NO LEAKS I'VE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED. IT'S STILL RUNS A YEAR LATER, BUT CATCHES ON FIRE IF LEFT RUNNING IN PARK OR IDLE FOR MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES. SMOKES A TON FIRST THEN SOMETHING IGNITES. EVERY TIME YOU START IT THOUGH THERE'S A CLOUD OF THICK WHITE SMOKE WHICH EVENTUALLY CLEARS WHILE I'M DRIVING. DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THIS SO I HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING IT LIKE THIS. FORD HAS HAD THIS ISSUE ALREADY IN THE PREVIOUS MODELS. I'VE ATTACHED THE CUTOUT FROM THE PRIOR RECALL ON PREVIOUS MODELS. I APPRECIATE AND THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME. I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE APART OF HELPING THE BIGGER PICTURE.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2020
I HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR 4. BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. I ATTACHED A COPY OF WHAT THEY SAID IS WRONG WITH IT. IT DID NOT SET OFF ANY SENSORS. IT WOULD NOT REVERSE IR DRIVE. THEN A SENSOR WENT ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THIS IS SOME SORT OF DEFECT. A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE IT WENT OUT IT WAS CHUGGING IN LIW GEAR. LIKE IT KEPT SLIPPING. ONCE AGAIN NO LIGHTS CAME ON. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THINKING IT WAS JUST BECAUSE IT WAS IN LOW GEAR. THEN THE DAY IT WENT OUT. I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT GO. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT WORKED. AT THIS POINT I JUST WANTED TO GET IT HOME BUT DID NOT MAKE IT. HAD TO GET IT TOWED. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $8000 TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE WHOLE TIME. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2020
OVER THE PAST YEAR (PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/30/2019), I'VE EXPERIENCED STALLING AT DIFFERENT INSTANCES. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST YEAR, I'VE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 2 OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN 2019, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON. HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT IN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT FORDS INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED THE CO2 SENSOR REPLACED. I PAID THEM $500 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON MY WAY HOME FROM FORDS. I CALLED THEM AS SOON AS GOT HOME TO INFORM THEM THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. AGAIN, I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO THEM ON 4/27. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2017 OF AUGUST, RECALL # 17C11 (AIR BAG ISSUE). ACCORDING TO THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THIS HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED/REPAIRED/REPLACED.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN MARYLAND ON 1/29/20 WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND REALIZED MY SUNROOF HAD EITHER EXPLODED OR IMPLODED. AS I DROVE I COULD HEAR THE GLASS SLIDING ON THE HEADLINER WHICH FORTUNATELY WAS CLOSED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO WHERE I WAS STAYING AS I WAS WORKING OUT OF STATE (I LIVE IN WELLINGTON, FL) , COVERED MY CAR ROOF WITH A TARP AND THEN TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS. THE DAY IT HAPPENED THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY, NOT VERY HOT AND THERE WERE NO OBJECTS THAT HIT THE ROOF OF MY CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2020
THE APIM IN THE TOUCH SCREEN THAT CONTROLS GPS, RADIO, BLU TOOTH, IS FAULTY SO NAVIGATION WILL STOP WORKING, CALLS ON BLU TOOTH WILL DROP, AND YOU CAN'T CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. MY BACKUP CAMERA WILL ALSO GET STUCK ON THE SCREEN EVEN WHEN I'M IN DRIVE. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ALL TIMES, BUT USUALLY WILL START OUT WORKING THEN
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2019
MY VEHICLE LEAKS IN WATER AT MULTIPLE SPOTS BUT ONE THAT IS EXTREMELY VISIBLE. THIS HAPPENS DURING HEAVY RAIN AS WELL AS DURING A CAR WASH. THIS HAPPENING IS RUINING MY HEAD LINER AND ALSMOST CERTAIN RUSTING MY VEHICLE.THER ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE THAT IS NOT GETTING ADDRESSED FROM FORD I FILL I HAVE GOTTEN A LEMON OF A VEHICLE WITH IN TURN WOULD ALLOW (LEMON LAW TO TAKE AFFECT).