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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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110,000 miles · Jul 11, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH while attempting to accelerate. The contact was able to get to her destination; however, the vehicle became difficult to move forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle w…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH while attempting to accelerate. The contact was able to get to her destination; however, the vehicle became difficult to move forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11473347

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2022
Power Train

Over a month ago, the transmission on my vehicle blew while I was driving the car. There were no warning signs or lamps prior to this issue. I have been made aware of the recall and I am not sure if the transmission failure is due to this recall. A mechanic has looked at it and has confirmed that a new transmission is needed.

NHTSA ODI #11473306

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2022
Power Train

We have maintained this vehicle per manufacturer instructions including flushing the transmission system. While on vacation 2 states away a transmission fault light came on. There were no indications like hard shifting or the transmission slipping. It Said to hit the OK button so we did. Then the indicator went away. It came rig…

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We have maintained this vehicle per manufacturer instructions including flushing the transmission system. While on vacation 2 states away a transmission fault light came on. There were no indications like hard shifting or the transmission slipping. It Said to hit the OK button so we did. Then the indicator went away. It came right back on and then the engine fault light came on. The car shuddered and then the transmission quit. I have never had a car do this before. This is an expensive fix for a car that has been properly maintained and had only 111,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11473245

124,440 miles · Jul 8, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from park while reversing. The vehicle continued to roll. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The contact stated t…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from park while reversing. The vehicle continued to roll. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,440.

NHTSA ODI #11472945

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2022
Power Train

This vehicle has less than 45K miles on it. It's begun to jerk shift between 2 and 3 gears. There is a transmission recall with no remedy as yet, but it is more related to parking issues. Problem was reproduced at Superior Brookdale Ford, they performed an adaptive relearn but it was doing the same thing on the way home. I've r…

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This vehicle has less than 45K miles on it. It's begun to jerk shift between 2 and 3 gears. There is a transmission recall with no remedy as yet, but it is more related to parking issues. Problem was reproduced at Superior Brookdale Ford, they performed an adaptive relearn but it was doing the same thing on the way home. I've read from others with the same model that it could cease functioning altogether and that could lead to an accident. No warning messages appear, and it is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11472579

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2022
Power TrainCrashInjury

Cranked car to leave, left running to run back in my home for a forgotten item. As I’m walking toward my home, my car started rolling backwards. I ran try and stop it as it was only moving 1-2mph. Hit my mailbox and started veering right towards a light pole and utility box in neighbors yard. I was able to get to it after fallin…

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Cranked car to leave, left running to run back in my home for a forgotten item. As I’m walking toward my home, my car started rolling backwards. I ran try and stop it as it was only moving 1-2mph. Hit my mailbox and started veering right towards a light pole and utility box in neighbors yard. I was able to get to it after falling twice, got the door open, but by that time, it was too close to the pole. I let go to avoid injury and the driver side door hit dead center of the light pole. The car is not drivable now. The door was smashed forward, hinges were busted, and door was flat against left front fender.

NHTSA ODI #11472499

119,000 miles · Jun 30, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle would jerk while in motion. The contact then stated that upon placing the vehicle into drive(D), the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the veh…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle would jerk while in motion. The contact then stated that upon placing the vehicle into drive(D), the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V413000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified and she was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI #11471691

140,002 miles · Jun 22, 2022
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that immediately after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic was able to start the vehicle. The contact stat…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that immediately after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to rev causing the vehicle to lunge forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle was stopped and then towed back to the independent mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,002.

NHTSA ODI #11470393

84,000 miles · Jun 17, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to drive to her residence…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Fault' was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the dealer repaired the transmission with used parts as the parts needed were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, no failure was found. The dealer also informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact later became aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) which she associated with the failure however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11469764

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2022
Power Train

Coming home from a 300 mile trip vehicle would not go into the highest gear (6th) on the highway. Next day, while coming into driveway the wheels locked up. The vehicle would not go into gear. Engine would spin but like it was in neutral. Called tow truck and the vehicle had to be dragged onto the tow truck with front wheel…

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Coming home from a 300 mile trip vehicle would not go into the highest gear (6th) on the highway. Next day, while coming into driveway the wheels locked up. The vehicle would not go into gear. Engine would spin but like it was in neutral. Called tow truck and the vehicle had to be dragged onto the tow truck with front wheels locked. Dealership informed me that I needed new transmission. $6000 repair. Also the engine light was on and the dealer told me it was a was a turbo wastegate solenoid not related to the transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11469494

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.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems