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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.

About this comparison →

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

151 reports
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90,000 miles · May 5, 2020
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR 4. BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. I ATTACHED A COPY OF WHAT THEY SAID IS WRONG WITH IT. IT DID NOT SET OFF ANY SENSORS. IT WOULD NOT REVERSE IR DRIVE. THEN A SENSOR WENT ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THIS IS SOME SORT OF DEFECT. A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE IT WENT OUT IT WAS CHUGGING IN LIW GEA…

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I HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR 4. BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. I ATTACHED A COPY OF WHAT THEY SAID IS WRONG WITH IT. IT DID NOT SET OFF ANY SENSORS. IT WOULD NOT REVERSE IR DRIVE. THEN A SENSOR WENT ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THIS IS SOME SORT OF DEFECT. A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE IT WENT OUT IT WAS CHUGGING IN LIW GEAR. LIKE IT KEPT SLIPPING. ONCE AGAIN NO LIGHTS CAME ON. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THINKING IT WAS JUST BECAUSE IT WAS IN LOW GEAR. THEN THE DAY IT WENT OUT. I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT GO. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT WORKED. AT THIS POINT I JUST WANTED TO GET IT HOME BUT DID NOT MAKE IT. HAD TO GET IT TOWED. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $8000 TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE WHOLE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323343

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2020
Unknown Or Other

OVER THE PAST YEAR (PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/30/2019), I'VE EXPERIENCED STALLING AT DIFFERENT INSTANCES. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST YEAR, I'VE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 2 OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. THE FIRST TIME I…

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OVER THE PAST YEAR (PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/30/2019), I'VE EXPERIENCED STALLING AT DIFFERENT INSTANCES. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST YEAR, I'VE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 2 OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN 2019, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON. HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT IN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT FORDS INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED THE CO2 SENSOR REPLACED. I PAID THEM $500 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON MY WAY HOME FROM FORDS. I CALLED THEM AS SOON AS GOT HOME TO INFORM THEM THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. AGAIN, I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO THEM ON 4/27. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2017 OF AUGUST, RECALL # 17C11 (AIR BAG ISSUE). ACCORDING TO THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THIS HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED/REPAIRED/REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #11322319

95,000 miles · Feb 14, 2020
Unknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN MARYLAND ON 1/29/20 WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND REALIZED MY SUNROOF HAD EITHER EXPLODED OR IMPLODED. AS I DROVE I COULD HEAR THE GLASS SLIDING ON THE HEADLINER WHICH FORTUNATELY WAS CLOSED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO WHERE I WAS STAYING AS I WAS WORKING OUT OF STATE (I LIVE IN WELLINGTON, FL) , COVERED M…

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WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN MARYLAND ON 1/29/20 WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND REALIZED MY SUNROOF HAD EITHER EXPLODED OR IMPLODED. AS I DROVE I COULD HEAR THE GLASS SLIDING ON THE HEADLINER WHICH FORTUNATELY WAS CLOSED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO WHERE I WAS STAYING AS I WAS WORKING OUT OF STATE (I LIVE IN WELLINGTON, FL) , COVERED MY CAR ROOF WITH A TARP AND THEN TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS. THE DAY IT HAPPENED THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY, NOT VERY HOT AND THERE WERE NO OBJECTS THAT HIT THE ROOF OF MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11309105

65,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE APIM IN THE TOUCH SCREEN THAT CONTROLS GPS, RADIO, BLU TOOTH, IS FAULTY SO NAVIGATION WILL STOP WORKING, CALLS ON BLU TOOTH WILL DROP, AND YOU CAN'T CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. MY BACKUP CAMERA WILL ALSO GET STUCK ON THE SCREEN EVEN WHEN I'M IN DRIVE. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ALL TIMES, BUT USUALLY WILL START OUT WORKING THEN

NHTSA ODI #11300724

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

44,000 miles · Oct 29, 2019
Unknown Or Other

WIND NOISE COMING FROM WORE OUT MOLDING AROUND BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD. CAN HEAR WHEN GOING 60 MPH OR MORE.

NHTSA ODI #11271757

74,500 miles · Oct 2, 2019
Unknown Or Other

10/2/19 DRIVING 55 MPH, LARGE GUN LIKE EXPLOSION SOUND IN VEHICLE, GOT TO WORK, INSPECTED VEHICLE, PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED. NOTHING ABNORMAL HAPPENED TO CAUSE IT, NO BUMPS, NO TRUCKS, NO FLYING DEBRI, DRIVING BY MYSELF AND NOT ALONGSIDE ANY OTHER VEHICLE. DRIVING DOWN MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE IN RICHMOND, VA JUST CROSSED OVE…

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10/2/19 DRIVING 55 MPH, LARGE GUN LIKE EXPLOSION SOUND IN VEHICLE, GOT TO WORK, INSPECTED VEHICLE, PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED. NOTHING ABNORMAL HAPPENED TO CAUSE IT, NO BUMPS, NO TRUCKS, NO FLYING DEBRI, DRIVING BY MYSELF AND NOT ALONGSIDE ANY OTHER VEHICLE. DRIVING DOWN MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE IN RICHMOND, VA JUST CROSSED OVER LABURNUM ROAD AT 7:50AM 10/2/19

NHTSA ODI #11265623

73,000 miles · Sep 27, 2019
Unknown Or Other

SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING PART #DG9Z 7K340 A BUSHING BROKE/WHICH CAUSED CABLE TO POP OFF AND WOULD NOT ALLOW CUSTOMER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. CAR WAS FIXED AT APPLE FORD IN LYNCHBURG. PART WAS $5, LABOR WAS $75, TOWING $125. PREVIOUS ESCAPE'S HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE WAS A RECALL. MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED.

NHTSA ODI #11258612

48,000 miles · Sep 24, 2019
Unknown Or Other

REAR REVERSE CAMERA NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WILL ALWAYS BLUR AND WILL TURN UPSIDE DOWN WHEN BACKING UP, THUS MAKING IT DANGEROUS FOR ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11257877

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE, THE RADIO STARTED TO TURN OFF AND ON, THEN RANDOMLY STARTED CHANGING STATIONS ON ITS OWN. ALSO, WHEN THE BLUETOOTH IS IN USE, AFTER ENDING A CALL THE SCREEN WOULD FREEZE. I WOULD THEN NEED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO SORT OF RESET BUT NOW THAT DO…

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2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE, THE RADIO STARTED TO TURN OFF AND ON, THEN RANDOMLY STARTED CHANGING STATIONS ON ITS OWN. ALSO, WHEN THE BLUETOOTH IS IN USE, AFTER ENDING A CALL THE SCREEN WOULD FREEZE. I WOULD THEN NEED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO SORT OF RESET BUT NOW THAT DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE BC THE SCREEN IS BLACK AND THE RADIO ONLY WORKS. THE CAMERAS DO NOT WORK EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #11255543

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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