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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

Structure complaints

21 reports
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113,000 miles · Jul 17, 2026
EngineStructure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unabl…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for failures with the bearings and the rotors. The contact stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the bearings. The contact stated that the rotors were rusted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rotors. The contact believed that the vehicle was a flood-damaged vehicle due to the rust on the rotors, bearings, and underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #11751076

80,000 miles · Nov 12, 2025
Electrical SystemStructure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon opening the liftgate, the liftgate started closing unintendedly and struck the contact on the head. There was no injury sustained. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagn…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon opening the liftgate, the liftgate started closing unintendedly and struck the contact on the head. There was no injury sustained. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11698956

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
Structure

I have a sunroof and water leaks in and gets the headliner wet on both sides on the area vertically between windshield and front windows. I have had my front windshield replaced to ensure it wasn’t a windshield leak from a seal issue. It don’t fix the problem. I had my sunroof replaced in case it was that and it didn’t fix the i…

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I have a sunroof and water leaks in and gets the headliner wet on both sides on the area vertically between windshield and front windows. I have had my front windshield replaced to ensure it wasn’t a windshield leak from a seal issue. It don’t fix the problem. I had my sunroof replaced in case it was that and it didn’t fix the issue either. I had the drain tubes for the sunroof flushed multiple times and it didn’t fix the issue either. This has been inspected/looked at by multiple auto places and it can not be located to the source of how water keeps getting in. Every time it rains it gets the headliner wet. There is no warning lamp indicating an issue. It is available for inspection should anyone else need to inspect it to try to find the source of why water gets in. It leaves water stains in my headliner. This is a safety issue if water gets into the car and the water can damage other components of the car. This issue has been ongoing for the last year approximately and I have brought the car in multiple times to address this but no one can locate the source so far.

NHTSA ODI #11593356

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was a leak coming through the sunroof around the trim. The contact stated that the water leaked onto the doors and trunk, and there was mold and mold odor inside the vehicle. The contact and passenger were coughing while riding in the vehicle. The contact's spous…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was a leak coming through the sunroof around the trim. The contact stated that the water leaked onto the doors and trunk, and there was mold and mold odor inside the vehicle. The contact and passenger were coughing while riding in the vehicle. The contact's spouse used silicone to close the gaps in the sunroof. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11582410

50,000 miles · Jul 19, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, an abnormally loud sound was coming from the front undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact steered to the side of the road where it was observed that the undercarriage cover was detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer wher…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, an abnormally loud sound was coming from the front undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact steered to the side of the road where it was observed that the undercarriage cover was detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the undercarriage cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11533296

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2023
EngineStructureWheels

Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad …

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Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad with only approximately 50,000 miles. Ford would not talk to me and the dealership stated it is not covered under the extended warranty. Somehow I paid minimal repairs but during that time their best mechanic was fired. Next the Continental tires pealed. I had the tire warranty and the dealership would not cover. I called Continental they stated that they knew these tires were bad but yet they were still sold on vehicles! After much complaining and stress all but $400 was covered by Continental. The dealership did very little. At approximately 65,000 the engine blew. I found out by a local repair shop that Ford had an Escape safety issue on their site about the engines. After speaking with Ford twice they refused to speak to me any longer and only the dealership if I wanted the engine replaced. I did and was given numerous different amounts it would cost me. Since this was Ford's manufacturing issue I should have paid nothing. It took over 4 months to repair my vehicle. I had to complain to Ford and the dealership to get a loaner. I am a 66 year old single women who depended on the quality of Ford. I had tried to email Ford representatives and call with no reply ever. Each of these issues had no warnings lights nor were there any problems prior to the issues occurring. These issues could have caused major accident by the engine quitting in traffic or blowing, and the tires pealing. Ford motor needs to pay for all these issues. There needs to be a class action suit.

NHTSA ODI #11502587

45,000 miles · Jul 29, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's side door had severe rust that was causing the skin of the vehicle to weld onto the outer panel of the door. In other areas of the vehicle, there was severe rust causing the paint to begin to bubble to the point that it was welded to the outer p…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's side door had severe rust that was causing the skin of the vehicle to weld onto the outer panel of the door. In other areas of the vehicle, there was severe rust causing the paint to begin to bubble to the point that it was welded to the outer panel of the door. The dealer was not able to repair the rust on the body of the vehicle due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11476503

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2022
Air BagsStructure

The roof rack leaks every time it rains or gets wet car wash etc. Underneath that roof rack mounting hole is the curtain airbag which is soaked every time that happens. The airbag is rusting/staining my headliner and I think based on that tachata recall this would be under the same scrutiny. Concerned about whether or not the ai…

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The roof rack leaks every time it rains or gets wet car wash etc. Underneath that roof rack mounting hole is the curtain airbag which is soaked every time that happens. The airbag is rusting/staining my headliner and I think based on that tachata recall this would be under the same scrutiny. Concerned about whether or not the airbag will deploy of if it's corroding away each time it rains. I reached out to Ford when the unit was under warranty and no assistance from them. I then tried to take things into my own hands and silicone it but it still leaks. I have no idea how or where anymore. Still assuming the roof rack though

NHTSA ODI #11469763

49,000 miles · Jan 4, 2021
Structure

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/W…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11386450

53,032 miles · Sep 21, 2020
Structure

2016 FORD ESCAPE DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE LIGHT ALERTED ME THAT THE REAR DRIVERS DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED, I GOT OUT AND CLOSED IT AGAIN BUT IT WILL NOT STAYED CLOSED. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE LATCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OF 2013-2015 FORD ESCAPES WITH…

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2016 FORD ESCAPE DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE LIGHT ALERTED ME THAT THE REAR DRIVERS DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED, I GOT OUT AND CLOSED IT AGAIN BUT IT WILL NOT STAYED CLOSED. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE LATCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OF 2013-2015 FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME LATCH DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #11360257

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