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
1,124 reports, newest first.
Power train, Oct 11, 2022
It had a recal on transmission bushing.We never had problems till they did th recall while driving we felt like a chain type thing snap pulled in to Walmart and had no gears.So we had it towed to Varney Ford they did a diagnostic and never got paper work ex ept that everything was good example,tires oil etc and said it was the transmission. They wanted 7 grand to fix it we had it towed to a garage in Canaan. I called Ford 4 times they said it was not under warranty and could not help. They also said tow it to a Ford place that would have been the 3rd. place towed. There was never any information light to check motor no signs and symptoms of any trouble. When I called Darlings they said I Have to take it to a Ford Garage before they would even know if they could help. I do not know how they diagnosed it if it was through a plug in or trans oil check etc.2 Tows and no help lucky no one got hurt or dead. Since all people are having problems why are they not fixing their problem? It only has 113 thousands miles and is well taken care of. I have talk to a few Ford Garages that said I should have had a light or signs which We had zero. Then one asked did we check the transmission oil. Hello dude its encased and you cannot check it .Like what's going on with this supposed mechanic? Beyond this AlI I get is the run around and told by the Ford people its not a recall on the transmission of the Ford Escapes 2016.
Power train, Oct 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact shifted through all the gears. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Several days later the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CPONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Power train, Oct 4, 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 while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message “Transmission Fault - Service Now” was displayed. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over hover, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Power train, Oct 3, 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and lost motive power with the transmission warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission failed to recognize the intended gear and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the engine started to sputter and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stopped and placed the vehicle into park (P). The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent at first but gradually became constant. Additionally, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into an engine cylinder. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired by their local dealer but within two to three weeks, the transmission went out again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for an oil leak caused by the repair.
Power train, Sep 28, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2022
I received the recall on my car for the transmission shifter cable in July. When I went to get my oil changed in August I had asked about getting it fixed. However they just highlighted the portion that said parts aren’t available until 4th quarter. Moving forward on Sept 21, my shifter cable broke. I didn’t know that was the problem and brought it to the closest car mechanic due to safety. I never received any mail or notification that the parts were in stock yet but surprisingly Ford had it in stock to ship to the Expert Car Care my care was at. If I had known I could have fixed it this issue would have been avoided. I’m requesting a reimbursement for the amount I paid to get it fixed. I have a copy of the receipt. Thank you.
Power train, Sep 26, 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 while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that she was able to coast safely off the highway. The contact stated that she had not noticed any warning lights. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and had not been diagnosed or repaired. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 21, 2022
Transmission has or is going out. For a few months now I have noticed on and off how difficult it is to shift gears and for a while now, when my car is in Park, I absolutely have to use my emergency brake or it will roll out of my driveway and has almost taken me and my granddaughter with it a few times. Then 3 days ago, all these warning lights pop up on my dash when going down the interstate and my vehicle will no longer run over 50mph. My car has already been inspected by Adesa Auto techs today. Then my daughter discovered this new safety recall for the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Damaged or Missing, and the description of issues caused by this was almost spot on to what mines been doing. I am in a bad way without my vehicle currently as I commute about 1 1/2 hrs one way for work.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and felt as if the vehicle was braking intermittently, although the contact had not depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated that the "Service Transmission" warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast off the highway even though the vehicle was not responding to the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the coolant level was low every week and that coolant had to be added frequently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and he stated that there was leak in the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis, and they stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
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?
Power train, Sep 14, 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 after parking the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away. The contact applied the parking brake and was able to stop the vehicle from rolling. Additionally, the doors would inadvertently lock and unlock. 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 111,345. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 68-70 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate abruptly. The contact did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and continued to decelerate. The contact stated that as she switched to the right lane, the vehicle began to surge while depressing the accelerator pedal and resumed speed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who was not able to duplicate the failure. The contact later received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that on numerous occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the issue. VIN tool confirms part not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Sep 7, 2022
Transmission just stopped working without any notice. Won’t move anymore
Power train, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was jerking while steering the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to get home safety. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall on the transmission. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Power train, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced jerking and hesitation while accelerating. Additionally, while on an incline, the vehicle would roll backwards. Eventually the vehicle stalled and 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 VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Sep 1, 2022
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP PRIOR TO BEING NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CONSUMER'S REQUESTED DUE TO IT NOT BEING REPAIRED AT A DEALER.
Power train, Aug 26, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle independently shifted to a higher gear and the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "transmission fault, repair immediately" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to move while in reverse(R). The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2022
My coolant leaked into the cylinders of my engine causing a complete engine failure. When this occurred, there was no warning lights, indicators or check engine notices to notify me that there was a problem with my engine. I was driving down the street & white smoke started billowing out of the back of my car. I was able to make it home but had to have it towed to the dealership. This is a known issue with Ford, with a current lawsuit pending, due to the design of the engine. I have been advised that there are technical bulletins distributed within Ford and the dealer acknowledged there was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. My engine was already replaced due to the same defect when it had 34,000 miles on it. This was covered under warranty and the engine was replaced at a Ford dealership. The first time this happened, I was traveling on the freeway and my lights and power completely shut down while I was driving at night and my engine almost started on fire. I also had no warning lights, overheating or check engine notices when that happened. It now has 94,500 miles. This means I have needed 2 engine replacements for the same defect in less than 100,000 miles. The Price Ford dealership in Turlock, CA has quoted me $10,600 to replace the engine, which I am responsible to pay, and advised me to call corporate when I told them of the lawsuit. Ford's Corporate Office advised me that there isn't anything they can do because there isn't a recall issued yet, even though this a known documented issue of their defected engine design.
Power train, Aug 25, 2022
The transmission has started to jerk/skip while driving. Sometimes it jumps and lurches forward suddenly as if suddenly catching the next gear
Power train, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, she shifted the gear shifter into drive(D) to move forward however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and instead rolled backwards. The vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,252.
Power train, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the gear shifter failed to shift out of the park(P) with the "Transmission Default, Service Now" message appeared on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.