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, Apr 28, 2022
While operating vehicle, it suddenly made a noise, almost like a bang. Then engine then revved to 8000 rpm. Immediately following that I could no longer advance forward while pressing the gas pedal. I had to get to the side of the road as best I could. I was in a dangerous situation. Once at the side of the road, the vehicle would not advance forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated on the console. I looked under the hood and did not see anything leaking or out of the ordinary. My vehicle had to be towed. I towed it to my usual mechanic who evaluated it and said the transmission was no longer functional and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. He checked the transmission fluid and stated it was at the appropriate level and the appropriate color/clarity. He checked for recalls and stated there were none, but saw there were many other complaints of this same issue.
Engine, Apr 22, 2022
Engine failed while traveling on state highway Had to coast to a safe parking area Vehicle started after several minutes Engine lights visible before engine failure as engine ran rough Incident occurred twice before returning home. Informed by service mechanic that vehicle needed a purge valve which the local Ford dealer has several valves on back order with no replacement date. Vehicle cannot be driven as losing engine power would be a disaster if I was on a heavily traveled highway. This vehicle has less than 30,000 miles.4
Power train, Apr 22, 2022
I had no warning signs nor lights on dashboard; pulled to a stop and went to leave and put it in drive and heard a major clunking noise inwhich I thought I hit a rock, the car would not go in any of the gears. If I had been driving while the transmission went out or dropped I could have caused an accident or even worse killed someone or myself. The car is being towed to dealership now. I just spent $1100 replacing arms and outer tie rods ends yesterday at the dealership. I am extremely upset and I know there are over 350 complaints about the 2016 Ford escape transmission problems!
Power train, Engine, Apr 17, 2022
The Ford Escape has been a problem since I bought it the tranny went out at 110,000 and the head gasket blew at 140,000 still paying on the car with major problems
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2022
2016 Ford Focus SE check engine light code P1450 Malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve / Fuel Tank Vacuum. This error is common and known. This causes the engine to not start after fueling. And engine to buck / stall while in Motion / driving. Yet no recall notice on file for vin.
Engine, Apr 6, 2022
Turbocharger failed, leaking exhaust fumes directly into the car cabin. Turbocharger flange warped on the high heat exhaust side due to two of the three support bolts shearing off. Bolts failed because they were a dissimilar metal to the part they were threaded into, and the chemical process between the dissimilar metals weakened the overall strength of the bolts. Once the bolts sheared off, the flange face warped, allowing exhaust fumes to leak into the cabin. The exhaust fumes into the cabin were quite excessive, especially noticeable while parked, and caused headaches and lightheadedness for the occupants. This is a clear manufacturing defect, as any engineer knows not to mix metals in this fashion, and the result was very dangerous to the occupants.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was misfiring. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinder #2 and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where cylinder #2 was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #2 and the engine needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that it was a manufactured defect. The vehicle was being taken to a third independent mechanic for engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were aware of the failure; however, they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Air bags, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty driver's side air bag. The dealer informed the contact that the driver's side air bag 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 the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 78,972.
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.
Back over prevention, Mar 28, 2022
APIM is currently inoperative - no rear camera view. No power to the unit.
Wheels, Mar 28, 2022
I had service at Corwin Ford and inspection showed my lug nuts were in bad need of replacements. We were told there was a defect that was causing them to swell and become unsafe. No recall yet, but we were told add your name to the complaint list so they know how frequent this was a problem.
Power train, Mar 23, 2022
I was heading home when my vehicle stopped accelerating or kicking into gear. Fortunately, I was in the neighborhood when this happened, but there were no warning lights when the incident occurred. If this had happened on the interstate, I am sure I would not have been able to safely maneuver the car to the side of the road. I had to completely stop and restart my car for it to kick into gear again. I cannot go more than a quarter mile without it failing. It only has 113,000 miles on it, and the first fluid change was not required until 150,000 miles. I've been told by a mechanic that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. I have been waiting since January 1, and the part is STILL on back-order.
Wheels, Mar 3, 2022
Vehicle tire became flat after striking an object in the road. Using the Ford provided equipment in the vehicle I was unable to use the lug nut wrench to remove the original Ford lug nuts from the wheel. It appears the lug nuts had become swollen/deformed and would no longer fit into the provided wrench thereby not allowing me to safely remove the affected tire and install the temporary spare. The vehicle was brought to a Ford dealership for repair. The dealer stated this is a known issue. The lug nuts are at the dealership for inspection if needed. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to remove the flat tire and install the emergency spare. A complaint was filed with Ford Motor Company as well.
Power train, Feb 18, 2022
Was with my children leaving a parking lot. Merged onto a busy highway and while trying to accelerate, the car wouldn’t move and RPM’s revved up. Cars were approaching the back of my car very quickly and we were almost rear ended at a high speed. I was able to pull off to the side and call for a tow truck. My very well maintained, 2016 Ford Escape had a transmission failure requiring a replacement with no warning! No warning lights illuminated and the car was not acting up before the failure.
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
Transmission failure transmission just quit pulling motor accelerated but transmission was like it was in neutral then started making a winning noise had to have vehicle towed home can’t drive it to have it checked calling Ford motor company tomorrow but according to other complaints about this issue probably not going to do anything about it unless somebody makes them recall it sure glad my wife wasn’t on the interstate could have caused a terrible accident so many complaints on the vehicles vehicle did give transmission fault but then went off
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.
Power train, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving the vehicle was shaking and failed to accelerate above 3 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additional while, driving the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the bulb was touching a wire. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact noticed that there was a burn mark and a bubble in the front driver’s side fog light. The contact stated that heat from the bulb melted the cover. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Back over prevention, Jan 18, 2022
APIM MODULE SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING CAUSING GPS, RADIO, BACK UP CAMERA AND REST OF DASH TO GO BLACK
Engine, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started jerking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he released the accelerator pedal and the failure stopped. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving uphill and while passing other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in an unknown engine recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2022
Car gets stuck in overdrive. I was told by someone it has something to do with the turbo boost
Wheels, Jan 3, 2022
Had to change the front parking lamp. To do this it was necessary to remove the front wheel. Due to swollen lug nuts I could not remove the tire. Tried the wrench on all remaining nuts and found it would not fit on any of them. It is impossible to change a flat tire. Faulty design/manufacturing. I had to replace all 20 lug nuts.
Engine, Dec 22, 2021
Blown head gasket. Class action lawsuit pending against current issue I am having due to setup of motor and allowing water to sit and deteriorate gaskets. Caused vehicle to overheat while driving. Confirmed by mechanic shop.
Air bags, Dec 21, 2021
The airbag icon came on and I did not have an accident. I did not bump into anything. I took it to the dealership and they nothing about it. I also had problems with my transmission. The icon never came on about my transmission. I was driving home and the car stop shifting gears. My vehicle is only 5 years old and it should not have a transmission problem. I have only taken my car to the dealership. No other person or mechanic has ever worked on my car. Ford is selling cars that are not operable and safe for the consumer. Ford knows about this problem and they want to charge me over $6,000 for transmission fix. This 2016 Ford Escape should be recalled.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2021
My car has 25000.00 miles on it. This started last year. It is a 2016 escape. Runs fine until I put gas in it. The car will not start after I fill up. I thought I was crazy, as that is the only time it does this. Once I get it started it is fine until I fill up again. I look online to see if anyone else had this problem and found out it is common with this car. I spent 257.00 for new purge valve and it fixed the problem. The car never showed a check engine or code. This is a comon problem and should be recalled!