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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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40,000 miles · Dec 12, 2019
Structure

THE TAILGATE IS NOT CLOSING OR OPENING PROPERLY. IT TOOK ME OVER 1.5 HRS TO GET THE DOOR COMPLETELY SHUT. I HAS HAPPENED A FEW OTHER TIMES AND I KNOW AM SCARED TO USE IT. I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK WITH THE DOOR UNABLE TO SHUT, RESULTING IN MY BATTERY BEING DRAINED & GETTING STUCK SOMEWHERE BECAUSE THE TAILGATE WON'T SHUT. I LOOKE…

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THE TAILGATE IS NOT CLOSING OR OPENING PROPERLY. IT TOOK ME OVER 1.5 HRS TO GET THE DOOR COMPLETELY SHUT. I HAS HAPPENED A FEW OTHER TIMES AND I KNOW AM SCARED TO USE IT. I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK WITH THE DOOR UNABLE TO SHUT, RESULTING IN MY BATTERY BEING DRAINED & GETTING STUCK SOMEWHERE BECAUSE THE TAILGATE WON'T SHUT. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IT SEEMS I AM NOT AT ALL THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS HAD THIS ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI #11288709

29,902 miles · Nov 9, 2019
StructureUnknown Or Other

MY VEHICLE LEAKS IN WATER AT MULTIPLE SPOTS BUT ONE THAT IS EXTREMELY VISIBLE. THIS HAPPENS DURING HEAVY RAIN AS WELL AS DURING A CAR WASH. THIS HAPPENING IS RUINING MY HEAD LINER AND ALSMOST CERTAIN RUSTING MY VEHICLE.THER ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE THAT IS NOT GETTING ADDRESSED FROM FORD I FILL I HAVE GOTTEN A LEMON…

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MY VEHICLE LEAKS IN WATER AT MULTIPLE SPOTS BUT ONE THAT IS EXTREMELY VISIBLE. THIS HAPPENS DURING HEAVY RAIN AS WELL AS DURING A CAR WASH. THIS HAPPENING IS RUINING MY HEAD LINER AND ALSMOST CERTAIN RUSTING MY VEHICLE.THER ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE THAT IS NOT GETTING ADDRESSED FROM FORD I FILL I HAVE GOTTEN A LEMON OF A VEHICLE WITH IN TURN WOULD ALLOW (LEMON LAW TO TAKE AFFECT).

NHTSA ODI #11279125

10,256 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Structure

LEAKS IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD,LETTING LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER INTO THE VEHICLE OVER THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE TO FRONT DOORS CAUSING STAINS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE NOTE RETURTNED THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THREE TIME BEFORE THE PROBLE WAS FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11084815

12,000 miles · Mar 23, 2018
StructureVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR MORE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A 3/8 GAP BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND PLASTIC TRIM. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CROSSROADS FORD OF INDI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR MORE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A 3/8 GAP BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND PLASTIC TRIM. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CROSSROADS FORD OF INDIAN TRAIL, 88 DALE JARRETT BLVD, INDIAN TRAIL, NC 28079) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: PAF-14252656-R9Y2C0. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #11081045

16,000 miles · Jan 4, 2018
Structure

CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE ON A VERY COLD DAY. CAME OUTSIDE TO FIND THAT THE REAR WINDOW HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO A WINDOW SERVICE EARLIER IN THE FALL FOR A MINOR MAINTENANCE ISSUE AS WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THAT THIS WAS A REPLACEMENT WINDOW. I AM ONLY REPORTING THIS IN THAT THIS VEHICLE IS ONL…

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CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE ON A VERY COLD DAY. CAME OUTSIDE TO FIND THAT THE REAR WINDOW HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO A WINDOW SERVICE EARLIER IN THE FALL FOR A MINOR MAINTENANCE ISSUE AS WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THAT THIS WAS A REPLACEMENT WINDOW. I AM ONLY REPORTING THIS IN THAT THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2016, YET THE REAR WINDOW HAS BROKEN OUT 2X SINCE ITS TIME ON THE ROAD. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH, THERE HAS BEEN PAST REPORTS OF THE FORD ESCAPE REAR WINDOW BREAKING OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

NHTSA ODI #11058533

14,790 miles · Oct 18, 2017
Structure

PASSENGER FRONT DOOR POPPED OPEN AND HIT A GAS POLE

NHTSA ODI #11034252

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2017
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility

2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE THE VEHICLE THAT WAS AGREED UPON. BUT, PROVIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE CONSUMER'S MEDICAL OR PERSONAL REQUESTS. U…

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2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE THE VEHICLE THAT WAS AGREED UPON. BUT, PROVIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE CONSUMER'S MEDICAL OR PERSONAL REQUESTS. UPDATED 10/2/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10838238

8,648 miles · Mar 23, 2017
Structure

THE LIFTGATE GOES DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE KEY FOB WAS NOT IN MY HAND NOR IN MY POCKET. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE THE FOOT WAVING OPTION TO OPEN OR CLOSE THE LIFTGATE. I HAVE BEEN HIT ON THE HEAD AND AM CONSIDERING A DOCTOR VISIT.

NHTSA ODI #10968231

26,000 miles · Mar 15, 2017
StructureInjury

VEHICLE STATISTICS: STATIONARY, NOT IN MOTION, IN PARKING LOT. FAULT/PROBLEM: UNANTICIPATED, UNINTENTIONAL, ERRATIC AND ERRANT CLOSURE OF AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE. CAUSE OF SAFETY RISK: POORLY POSITIONED/CALIBRATED SENSOR WHICH TRIGGERS AUTOMATIC CLOSURE OF REAR LIFTGATE IN SPITE OF FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS. THIS FEATURE I…

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VEHICLE STATISTICS: STATIONARY, NOT IN MOTION, IN PARKING LOT. FAULT/PROBLEM: UNANTICIPATED, UNINTENTIONAL, ERRATIC AND ERRANT CLOSURE OF AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE. CAUSE OF SAFETY RISK: POORLY POSITIONED/CALIBRATED SENSOR WHICH TRIGGERS AUTOMATIC CLOSURE OF REAR LIFTGATE IN SPITE OF FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS. THIS FEATURE IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE ACTIVATED WHEN MAKING A FORWARD AND BACK KICKING MOTION OF THE FOOT UNDER THE REAR BUMPER. SUMMARY: WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO BACK OF VEHICLE AT LOCAL WAL-MART EVENING OF 03/14/17 APPROX. 6:30 P.M. CST. I HAD LEANED OVER PLACING BAGS INTO CARGO AREA OF VEHICLE, FEET WERE TOGETHER ON GROUND BEHIND REAR BUMPER, I STRAIGHTENED AND SMASHED MY HEAD INTO THE METAL FLAT EDGE OF THE LIFTGATE WHICH WAS COMING DOWN ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ME PRESSING BUTTONS OR MAKING GESTURE TO INITIATE AUTOCLOSE FEATURE. AUDIBLE NOTICE OF CLOSURE WASN'T HEARD DUE TO AMBIENT NOISE - WIND, ETC (THE NOTICE NOISE IS EXTREMELY QUIET). I HIT THE TAILGATE HARD ENOUGH THAT I NEARLY KNOCKED MYSELF OUT, AND MY WIFE WHO HAD ALREADY GOTTEN INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT FELT THE VEHICLE MOVE AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM MY HEAD MAKING CONTACT WITH THE LIFTGATE. I COLLECTED MYSELF, FINISHED LOADING THE GROCERIES AND WENT HOME. PAIN IN MY HEAD INCREASED, NECK PAIN PRESENTED AND INCREASED IN INTENSITY, NAUSEA AND SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT. WIFE RECOMMENDED AND TRANSPORTED ME TO ER. ER VISIT INITIATED APPROXIMATELY 8:30 P.M. AT TIME OF TRIAGE, I WAS DRY HEAVING AND WAS GIVEN AN ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION. THE ER DOCTOR ORDERED A CT OF MY HEAD BASED ON SYMPTOMS PRESENT WHICH CAME BACK OK, BUT IT WAS DETERMINED I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AND WAS PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS APPROPRIATELY. HEADACHE AND NECK PAIN/STIFFNESS ARE PERSISTENT TODAY 03/15/16. WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AS INSTRUCTED WITHIN 48-72 HOURS. BEFORE MAKING THIS INFO PUBLIC, PLEASE REMOVE ATTACHMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10966032

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED WHILE IN USE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED WHILE IN USE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10926723

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