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.
Back over prevention, Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image. The local dealer was contacted. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Back over prevention, Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was upside down, and then the screen went black. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred a short while later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Back over prevention, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera was black or displayed an upside-down image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware 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 60,000.
Seat belts, Engine, Back over prevention, Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the vision of the driver, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera Unavailable" was displayed on the screen. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that after unbuckling the seat belt buckle, the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and there was an abnormal fuel-burning odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was refueled, and the contact checked the oil dip stick, and the oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be 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 failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 23, 2026
The end of February was driving and I noticed white smoke blowing from my exaust, then my car lost power.
Back over prevention, Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 rear-view camera failed to display properly and was blank or displayed a distorted image. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2026
rear camera doesn't work--also theres a problem with the rack and pinion
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2026
Transmission went out at 101k miles - transmission needed to be rebuilt which I had done at a large cost. There was no warning, the trans went out while driving. Purge valve for gas (EVAP) also went out without any warning and when I would put gas in the car, the car would not start.
Back over prevention, Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2026
My car moves when pushed or pulled and the vehicle is off and in park. Additionally, my car does not accelerate over 5 miles per hour and makes a whining noise when trying to drive
Back over prevention, Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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.
Back over prevention, Mar 16, 2026
I received Ford's Safety Recall notice dated October 2025 regarding SRN 25SA9 / NHTSA Recall 25V695. It has been 6 months since this recall issue and Ford hasn't made any progress in resolving the issue??? I find that extremely hard to believe!!! Apparently Ford does not consider "saftey" a priority for their customers!!! Has Ford received any kind of penalty for not expediting the resolution for this issue??? Facing a STIFF penalty is the only way a company will take notice and force them to resolve the issue BEFORE someone gets hurt, or worse, dies!!!
Back over prevention, Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio displayed a black screen. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2026
Rear main seal leak and transaxle leak. I see there was a recall in the 2000s but my 2016 is having the same issues. Would this issue still fall under the newer vehicle recall since it i the same problem?
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2026
Rear back up camera shows up distorted, upside down and sometimes not at all.
Back over prevention, Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable, and there was no image on the screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the manufacturer only distributed parts for Mustang vehicles associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.
Back over prevention, Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse(R), the rearview camera image displayed was not clear on the screen. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Mar 11, 2026
I bought the 2016 Ford Escape and 2 weeks after the purchase the check engine light came on. I took it to Auto Zone and they said it was a spark plug. I had a full tune up done 2 days after the purchase so I called the garage and they replaced the spark plug. The light came back on a few hours later so I then took it to the Ford dealership and paid over 500.00 to have it fixed, along with the camera glitching. The day I picked up my car the check engine light came back on so I immediately took it back. They re-evaluated it and said that it is a manufacturing defect and that there is nothing they can do unless I want to replace the engine and that there was no guarantee that the new engine would not have the same issue. Apparently there are holes all throughout the engine and the antifreeze is mixing with the oil. I only drove it a total of 6 months before it completely died. Because I bought it from a buy here pay here lot he wouldn’t take it back even though I only had it 2weeks. My extended warranty would not cover the engine because it’s a manufacturing defect and I was stuck with a car note plus full coverage insurance on a car I could not drive. Ford never reimbursed me for the camera glitch that I paid for that is still not fixed and when I called Ford to see if there was anything that they could do to help me they said unfortunately they are in a lawsuit in California over the same issues I was having so no help is available at the time. The craziest part is the clerk at the Ford dealership told me to hurry up and trade it in at a different dealership that’s not Ford owned because I have a “Ford Pass” all Ford dealership can see the history of the car. And let it be someone else’s problem.
Back over prevention, Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable or displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, while reversing after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was not completed because the part to do the recall repair was not yet available; however, an unknown, unrelated recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2026
There is already a recall on the Ford Fusion for this very same issue, they have identical engines, fuel systems etc, but code is P1450 and at times, randomly the sound of a struggling fuel pump happens, and the solution is to have the Fuel Canister Purge valve replaced, this is a known and recalled issue on the Ford Fusion but apparently not on the 2016 Ford Escape SE that the majority of those vehicles do have both issues and failures with. Ford knows about this since they already have recalled the Ford Fusion for the very same thing happening. I have a "Forever Warranty" through Ford, which they explained 100% of all moving parts having to do with the Drive Train was covered, however they know about this issue, and yet no recall is happening I told them what the code is they still insist on charging $189 to tell me what my OBDII computer already has a few times at this point. Prestige Ford in Mt Dora, FL is the dealership that I will never deal with again for anything other than to maintain the warranty I was railroaded into that they don't seem to even want to honor making me pay out $189 for a known issue with the engines that are the same engines as in the Ford Fusion. The largest issue is the car can stall at any point in time causing a severely dangerous situation for anyone inside the vehicle when it stalls in middle of a intersection or turn. And of course I have learned it can cause the fuel tank to crack as well, and become deformed also causing a dangerous situation for whoever is operating the vehicle and other people on the road driving. My son is [XXX] and just learning to drive, it's the only car we have and we really have no other choice but to try to drive as safely as we can until a recall is also put out on the 2016 Ford Escape SE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back over prevention, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen intermittently while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in a drive-through and attempting to shift into drive to move forward, the transmission remained in neutral, causing the vehicle to jerk. The contact was able to roll into a nearby parking space, and the vehicle came to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that if the transmission was repaired, it would have a lifespan of 3 years. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2026
Transmission suddenly stopped working. Vehicle would not move. Now it’s making a terrible squealing sound and will barely move
Back over prevention, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Back over prevention, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the vehicle was in reverse(R), the back-over prevention camera displayed a blank screen or completely lost power. The image in the rear of the vehicle was displayed on the screen, then shortly afterwards, the screen went black. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.