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2016 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

612 reports with mileage · 503 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 320 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Back Over Prevention. Review the 206 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 199 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports10 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine complaints

199 reports
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109,000 miles · Nov 2, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she notified a tow truck to jumpstart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys however, the failure could not…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she notified a tow truck to jumpstart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ODI #11491869

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2022
EngineSteeringSuspensionCrash

INGINE LIGHT/SUSPENSION LIGHTS WENT ON. CAR JERKS AND SHAKES ON THE ROAD AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT

NHTSA ODI #11491459

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2022
Engine

2016 FORD ESCAPE. CPONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

NHTSA ODI #11487982

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

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 m…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11481258

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrash

Jerking, unwanted jolting, locked up steering

NHTSA ODI #11480532

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2022
Engine

Sice 2016 I've had numerous issues with this vehicle yet no one had told me about your website. Although some of the repairs on this vehicle were under safety bulletins I was never informed. The latest is that my engine light going off and on. I was told it was misfiring, had an appointment set up for repair and it overheated. T…

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Sice 2016 I've had numerous issues with this vehicle yet no one had told me about your website. Although some of the repairs on this vehicle were under safety bulletins I was never informed. The latest is that my engine light going off and on. I was told it was misfiring, had an appointment set up for repair and it overheated. The mechanic told me to get it to the dealership immediately so it was towed over. Only to find I needed an engine and that there are many Escapes this way. Another issue was the catalytic converters were bad there were there was only approximately 40 to 50,000 on the car at that time and the dealership refused to put it under the extended warranty saying it wasn't covered. However I believe the manager did it and was fired for it. Another issue what's the gas cap area, I was told because there's not an actual cap that that flap on there will eventually allow fumes to escape and cause an issue so I had to pay over $400 for that, again nothing's covered. And I bought the extended warranty. What a joke. Right after I had bought the car the roof was leaking and again was told it was not covered under a warranty and I had to take it to a repair shop. I also cannot get my GPS to update correctly and other smaller issues. This vehicle has been a lemon from day one and I wish I would have sued under it sooner.

NHTSA ODI #11479631

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

On April 10, 2022, I received the check engine light indicator on my 2016 Ford Escape. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic to be inspected on April 15, 2022. I was informed after a diagnostic that my Vapor Canister Purge Valve was malfunctioning. I was told that the part could be ordered, but it was on backorder in excess of …

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On April 10, 2022, I received the check engine light indicator on my 2016 Ford Escape. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic to be inspected on April 15, 2022. I was informed after a diagnostic that my Vapor Canister Purge Valve was malfunctioning. I was told that the part could be ordered, but it was on backorder in excess of 4,000 orders. I have had the following problems that continue to put myself and other motorist in danger: I am unable to accelerate past 50MPH due to air build up in my engine causing engine stall outs on major roadways and intersections with the inability to restart the vehicle, as well as the inability to safely refuel my vehicle due to restart problems. My car has stalled out on major state highways and interstates, creating unsafe situations for myself and other motorists. Over the past 4 months I have continued to call my mechanic and Ford, with Ford offering no ETA on the production of the needed part.

NHTSA ODI #11473193

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2022
Engine

I had replaced my transmission at 100,000 mile mark. I have never had that happen in an older veichle. And when mine went it did the same thing with not going into park all the way. I paid out of pocket for it. And have kept up with oil changes and Maintance on my veichle, and now I am having problem with misfire and it is the h…

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I had replaced my transmission at 100,000 mile mark. I have never had that happen in an older veichle. And when mine went it did the same thing with not going into park all the way. I paid out of pocket for it. And have kept up with oil changes and Maintance on my veichle, and now I am having problem with misfire and it is the head gasket and they garage put a camera down in it and the motor is cracked. I have had nothing but bad luck with this escape. I owe a lot of money on it still and cannot afford to put new motor in it. I’ve googled on the issue and I see other reviews of people having the same issue. I have receipts when I did the transmission and would like reimbursement for that and I would like to give my veichle back and not have to finish off the loan , so I can ne able to go get another veichle.

NHTSA ODI #11471034

80,000 miles · Jun 24, 2022
Engine

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 not…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11470838

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
EnginePower Train

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.

NHTSA ODI #11467039

Official recalls

4

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

25V695000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V398000 · Air Bags:knee Bolster

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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