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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

Power Train complaints

320 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 25, 2022
Power Train

Transmition stopped working while driving. Metal parts found and fluid burnt.

NHTSA ODI #11498791

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2022
Power Train

On December 20, 2022, I was driving down a highway exit ramp when my car just stopped accelerating. I managed to exit but the car abruptly and without warning slowed to a crawl. I stepped on the accelerator but the car slowed and then suddenly lurched forward. At the time, traffic was extremely heavy and I could not pull over. I…

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On December 20, 2022, I was driving down a highway exit ramp when my car just stopped accelerating. I managed to exit but the car abruptly and without warning slowed to a crawl. I stepped on the accelerator but the car slowed and then suddenly lurched forward. At the time, traffic was extremely heavy and I could not pull over. It continued to violently lurch forward. Then for the first time the transmission light came on. I managed to park my car and call AAA. My car was towed to the Ford dealership where it was purchased for service. After diagnostic testing, the dealership informed me that the transmission seriously malfunctioned and it would cost $6,400 to repair. It would also take twelve weeks for them to get the parts to fix the car. The car only has approximately 109,000 miles and I drive it short distances 3 to 4 times a week. I did not receive a single advanced warning about my transmission until it failed.

NHTSA ODI #11498693

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2022
Power Train

2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11498549

99,000 miles · Dec 21, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the transmission. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #11498443

120,000 miles · Dec 12, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop on a bridge with the eng…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop on a bridge with the engine still running. The contact was informed by her daughter that the “Service Transmission" and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, and it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the transmission failed two more times and required replacement. 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 approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11497021

80,048 miles · Dec 6, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a grinding sound. The contact then stated that while shifting into drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then stalled. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a grinding sound. The contact then stated that while shifting into drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was previously notified of the failure, and the contact was provided and appointment date; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,048.

NHTSA ODI #11496273

88,000 miles · Dec 5, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11496077

77,000 miles · Dec 2, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking while shifting gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mech…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking while shifting gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the transmission was faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #11495842

112,000 miles · Dec 2, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, while her aunt was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly respond while shifted into gear. The contact stated that …

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, while her aunt was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly respond while shifted into gear. The contact stated that the following day the transmission fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was awaiting a response. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #11495799

93,000 miles · Nov 14, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the transmission started slipping. The contact coasted the vehicle to a flat surface where the failure was self-corrected temporarily; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact coasted the vehicle to a safe area where the transmission complet…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the transmission started slipping. The contact coasted the vehicle to a flat surface where the failure was self-corrected temporarily; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact coasted the vehicle to a safe area where the transmission completely failed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed due to metal shavings in the transmission filter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ODI #11493523

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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