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 12, 2021
Engine block crack at 88,000 miles. Now deemed totaled and inoperable.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 5, 2021
Cooling fan failure.. resulting in $1300 in repairs not needed and is now in shop for more money… to reapir
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.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 9, 2021
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL FIX ON 4-8-2021 AT KELLER MOTORS HANFORD CA DROVE THE FOLLOWING DAY TO A GAS STATION WENT TO ENTER A GAS PUMP AND LOSS OF BREAKS AT A LOW SPEED ALMOST BUMPING INTO A CAR HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP MY TRUCK.
Engine, Apr 9, 2021
JANUARY 5, 2021 WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE AFTER 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR STARTED TO SHUDDER AND JERK AND HESITATE. AND THIS HAPPENED AT 50 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE COULD SMELL WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS EXHAUST IN THE CAR. THEY USED THE DIAGNOSTICS AND DETERMINED THE NUMBER TWO IGNITION COIL AS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SPARK PLUG WAS ALSO REPLACED. ALSO WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DIAGNOSED THE BATTERY DIED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. COST $484. ***WE WERE BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 8TH WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS TIME THEY INFORMED US THAT THE NUMBER 2 AND 3 CYLINDERS WERE MISFIRING AND THAT THERE WAS THERE WAS COOLANT INTRUSION IN THE ENGINE. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST ABOUT $900 JUST TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT AND DO FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS AND THAT THE ENGINE MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ONLY OFFERED $375 TOWARD THE EXPENSES. AFTER SEEING ALL THE REMARKS ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THE FORD ECO BOOST ENGINE, I HOPE THEY WILL DO A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.
Engine, Apr 9, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ON A ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HOT TEMPERATURE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CORWIN FORD SALES INC (5107 US-250, MANNINGTON, WV 26582, (304) 986-1111) AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
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.
Power train, Mar 28, 2021
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SWITCHED INTO REVERSE AT 75 MPH I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I LET THE CAR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BUT WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOING ON REVERSE CAR SHIFTER WOULD GO INTO PARK BUT DASH SAID IT WAS IN REVERSE AND WANTED TO GO IN REVERSE, I CUT OFF THE IGNITION BUT COULD NOT START BACK DUE TO IT BEING IN REVERSE AND NOT ABLE TO GO INTO PARK , FORD SHOWS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE IN 2014 FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
Power train, Mar 27, 2021
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR SHUCK AND THE TRANSMISSION MADE A WHINNING SOUND AND THE CAR ROLLED TO A STOP BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD;NT SHIFT.I BARELY MADE IT HOME..PARKED IT IN GARAGE AND NOW LOOKING FOR ANSWERS TO WHAT HAPPENED. THE TRANSMISSION COST FROM $1500.00 TO $4000.00
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH BAY FORD LOCATED AT 5100 ROSECRANS AVENUEHAWTHORNE, CA 90250 WHEN THE CENTER CONSOLE PHONE CHARGER SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE DESTROYING THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Power train, Mar 9, 2021
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 70,000 MILES, WILL NOT GO IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, ALL OF A SUDDEN
Power train, Mar 6, 2021
DRIVING HOME FROM TOWN AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. NO WARNING OF ANY KIND. JUST DRIVING THROUGH TOWN AND IT QUIT MOVING AND WAS LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBOCHARGER WAS LEAKING AND THEY NEEDED TO REPLACED THE TURBOCHARGER, FUEL LINE AND FUEL GASKET. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,805.
Engine, Feb 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER VAN BORTEL FORD, INC. (71 MARSH RD, EAST ROCHESTER, NY 14445, (585)586-4415) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE COIL FOR CYLINDER NUMBER 3 TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
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.
Power train, Feb 15, 2021
WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ESCAPE LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR STAY ABOVE 1000 RPM. PULLED OFF ROAD, TURNED VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTARTED VEHICLE, TRIED TO DRIVE IT, HEARD A "CLUNK" NOISE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. VEHICLE COULD MOVE AND CHANGE GEARS, BUT NOT ACCELERATE TO DRIVE, TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR A MORE THOROUGH DIAGNOSIS AND POSSIBLE REPAIR. VEHICLE HAD 104,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT.
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!!!!!!!!!
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2021
STARTING BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 2020 MY CAR WOULD NOT START, LIKE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE, ALWAYS STATIONARY. I HAD REPLACED THE BATTERY IN JUL OF 2019. I'VE TAKEN IT TO 3 MECHANICS TESTING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AT $300 AND ALSO TESTING THE BATTERY AT THE OTHER MECHANICS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THE FOB TALKS TO THE CAR EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT ON OR WHEN THE FOB IS NOT NEAR THE CAR. A COUPLE MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED A TRICKLE CHARGER WHICH I USED FOR A MONTH OR SO UNTIL I STARTED TO PUT THE FOB IN A FARADAY CAGE TO BLOCK THE SIGNAL FROM THE FOB TO THE CAR. THIS SEEMED TO HELP FOR A WHILE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN I COULD NOT START MY CAR. AGAIN, ACTING LIKE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I'VE ALSO PURCHASED A JUMP STARTER WHICH WAS WORKING WHEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST WEEK AS I'VE HAD TO JUMP IT SEVERAL TIMES. I'M REALLY AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO NEXT OTHER THAN SELL THE CAR.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2021, fire
WHEN PURCHASE 2016 FORD ESCAPE WITHIN A MONTH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON YOU CAN SMELL COOLANT SOMETINES SMOKE SMELL TOOK VEHICLE IN THEY TOLD IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, FROM 2016 TO 2021 I HAD TO PURCHASE COOLANT OVER TEN TIMES IT WAS ALWAYS LOW THE SMELL CONTINUE TOO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON STAYS ON HOWEVER TOOK IT IN THREE TIMES WITH THE SAME ANSWER NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT IS FINE. I WROTE LETTERS TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS REPORTING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONCERNS THAT NEEDS REPAIRING.-REPORTING MY EYES AND BREATHING WAS AFFECTED WHEN INSIDE THE FORD ESCAPE-SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OFF THERE WAS ALSO AN ODOR OF SMOKE AND COOLANT THESE ISSUES CONTINUE DAILY. EVIDENTLY FORD DIDN'T CARE BUT IT WAS REPORTED TO THEM. I ALSO WROTE TO YOUR DEPARTMENT HOWEVER I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK THEREFORE I AM DOING THIS ONLINE COMPLAINT, PLEASE NOTE I WANT TO SEND PHOTOS HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT LET ME DOWNLOAD CAN YOU SEND ME YOUR EMAIL TO SEND THIEM TO YOU IITS VERY IMPORTANT EVIDENCE THANK YOU. I
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2021
VEHICLE AT VARIOUS TIMES ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL, TENDS TO ALMOST STALL, SEEMS TO BE WHEN MAKING START FROM BEING STOPPED THEN MOVING FORWARD AND SOMETIMES WHEN MAKING LEFT TURN AT LIGHT, OCCASIONALLY ON RIGHT .
Power train, Jan 23, 2021
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I NOTICED I WASN'T ACCELERATING; AS I TRIED TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SPEED UP. I PULLED OFF THE TO A SIDE ROAD, STOPPED THE CAR, PUT IT IN PARK AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE AND HAD NO CHANGE IN ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED TURNING IT OFF AND BACK ON. AS I THEN TRIED TO GET THE CAR BACK HOME (THANKFULLY I WASN'T FAR) I HAD TO PUT IT IN LOW GEAR AND COULD ONLY GO 10-15 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE LIGHT CAME UP AT THIS POINT. AFTER TRYING TO LET THE VEHICLE COOL DOWN, THERE WAS NO CHANGE. I HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP; COSTING $4,100; THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC COULDN'T TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT WENT WRONG OTHER THAN IT HAD OVERHEATED IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THERE WAS A LOT OF INTERNAL DAMAGE. I AM STILL STRUGGLING WITH ISSUES WITH ACCELERATING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN IT IS COLD. THE MECHANIC IS LOOKING INTO IT AGAIN.
Structure, Jan 4, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND TURNED A CORNER ON A LOCAL ROAD AND MY REAR LEFT DOOR SWUNG OPEN. THERE HAD BEEN NO INDICATION IT WASN'T CLOSED. THEN, AFTER STOPPING, I TRIED TO CLOSE IT AND IT WOULDN'T LATCH--IT JUST BOUNCED BACK OPEN. THE FOLLOWING LINK IS VIDEO SOMEONE ELSE POSTED THAT SHOWS THE EXACT ISSUE I HAD: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=_EIOZPH8_XG IT'S A DIFFERENT MAKE AND MODEL FROM FORD, BUT THE ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO WHAT I AM DEALING WITH NOW.