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.
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
The driver owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact called on behalf of the wife, who drove into the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the gear was put into the park; however, the vehicle inadvertently reversed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle stopped in the yard and was not diagnosed or repaired. The driver notified the manufacturer and was informed of a recall that would be coming out soon; however, they provided no more details or timeframe. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that immediately after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to rev causing the vehicle to lunge forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle was stopped and then towed back to the independent mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,002.
Power train, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Fault' was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the dealer repaired the transmission with used parts as the parts needed were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, no failure was found. The dealer also informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact later became aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Air bags, Structure, Jun 17, 2022
The roof rack leaks every time it rains or gets wet car wash etc. Underneath that roof rack mounting hole is the curtain airbag which is soaked every time that happens. The airbag is rusting/staining my headliner and I think based on that tachata recall this would be under the same scrutiny. Concerned about whether or not the airbag will deploy of if it's corroding away each time it rains. I reached out to Ford when the unit was under warranty and no assistance from them. I then tried to take things into my own hands and silicone it but it still leaks. I have no idea how or where anymore. Still assuming the roof rack though
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
Coming home from a 300 mile trip vehicle would not go into the highest gear (6th) on the highway. Next day, while coming into driveway the wheels locked up. The vehicle would not go into gear. Engine would spin but like it was in neutral. Called tow truck and the vehicle had to be dragged onto the tow truck with front wheels locked. Dealership informed me that I needed new transmission. $6000 repair. Also the engine light was on and the dealer told me it was a was a turbo wastegate solenoid not related to the transmission.
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.
Parking brake, Jun 15, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in the park position on top of a hill and after they returned approximately a short time later they returned finding the vehicle rolled down the hill and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The dealer was not informed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer after a taillight replacement, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who provided the same diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
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.
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.
Electrical system, May 31, 2022
While driving the engine stopped. Coasted to side of road. Towed. Code read camshaft position sensor
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2022
FORD 04/29/22: Brought my 2016 Ford Escape Titanium to dealership in Bremerton, WA when engine light was on and engine began shuddering on a cold start. Mechanic found P034 for a #4 engine miss. Removed #4 plug & found some buildup on coil boot. Replaced plugs  coil boot. Installed SP550 spark plug, CB5Z 124402 A boot, ignition wire prot, replaced spark plugs and 2 worn coil boots. Completed fuel induction service & installed 201 fuel injection cleaner. Total: $1,097.31 05/13/22: Return to dealership to report engine light on again & intermittent shudder on cold start. Mechanic found P304 present. Passed relative compression test. After cold starting vehicle for a few days, mechanic verified reported concern. Pressure tested cooling system, removed #4 spark plug. Using bore scope, found coolant seeping into cylinder. Recommended engine replacement due to coolant intrusion into cylinder. Dealership submitting to Ford for good will. Awaiting response. Mileage: 51,158 Service manager informed me my car was “safe to drive”
Air bags, May 29, 2022
Check codes found B00C0, B00A0, U0455. Passenger seat occupant classification airbag sensor faulty. Affects both airbag passenger and drivers side airbag systems. Dealer service center recommends replacing failed airbag sensor harness system and system reset (approximate repair cost $2700).
Wheels, May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that they could not perform the tire rotation due to the lug nuts being swollen. The dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 42,985. The contact has stated that the lug nuts were replaced at their own expense.
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.
Engine, May 20, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood to the windshield. The contact pulled over and there were flames entering the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away since it was not driveable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,681.
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.
Service brakes, May 16, 2022
abs, hill assist, in and out of smart 4WD, does not brake correctly
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