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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

What owners actually said

1,115 reports
17,000 miles · Aug 15, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when they turned on the vehicle, the steering assist fault warning message displayed. The power steering had failed and the vehicle was now operating with manual steering only. The contact had made an appointment with the dealer however the vehicle had not been seen as…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when they turned on the vehicle, the steering assist fault warning message displayed. The power steering had failed and the vehicle was now operating with manual steering only. The contact had made an appointment with the dealer however the vehicle had not been seen as of yet. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

NHTSA ODI #11479308

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2022
Power Train

While driving on the highway transmission suffered a sudden complete failure, with no warning signs. Leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway had to have police block off road to get me to a safe place.

NHTSA ODI #11479211

104,577 miles · Aug 11, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact stated that he was seated in the front passenger seat of a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving thru a stop sign at approximately 5 mph, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that none of the air bags were deployed. The contact stat…

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The contact stated that he was seated in the front passenger seat of a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving thru a stop sign at approximately 5 mph, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that none of the air bags were deployed. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The contact stated that the driver did not sustain any injuries but was suffering from mental issues from the crash. The passenger sustained injuries to his left toe and ankle as well as lower back which required medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact stated that he was awaiting an official inspection from the insurance company. The contact stated that photos were sent to the insurance company and they deemed it a possible total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 104,577.

NHTSA ODI #11478791

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2022
Power Train

2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.

NHTSA ODI #11478743

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train

I pulled into a walkway access and a passenger got out and closed the door. I shifted the gear shift to reverse and backed up so I could proceed to my left and shifted the gear shift to Drive but, the vehicle went backward. Sitting there with my foot on the brake I turned the key off. I was unable to put it in Park until push…

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I pulled into a walkway access and a passenger got out and closed the door. I shifted the gear shift to reverse and backed up so I could proceed to my left and shifted the gear shift to Drive but, the vehicle went backward. Sitting there with my foot on the brake I turned the key off. I was unable to put it in Park until pushing it to a better position and removing power to the fuse box rather than searching for the fuse that got it. While in Park the reverse lights were on, so I was not able to start; I had it towed to a mechanic because it was stuck in reverse. The next day I learned the mechanic was unable to get information from the modules and it needed to be transported to the local dealership. I have now missed 2 nights of work and the Dealership estimates the 23rd for completion but is not providing a rental nor loner; so poor manufacturing on good faith purchase is complaint here. Additional info - I did hear clicking on the interstate from forward in the vehicle and a brake light bulb went out between receiving the safety notice and the breakdown. I'm not sure I recall the rear video for backing was on or off. I recall an incident last winter while sliding on ice and a semi was in a slide toward me that with the wheels locked in breaking it died when shifting to reverse; it's safer if it does shift because cars can spin on ice into oncoming traffic and I've kept the oncoming traffic lane free before.

NHTSA ODI #11477977

57,000 miles · Aug 5, 2022
Power TrainCrashInjury

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 not yet available. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter to Reverse(R) out of a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently drove forward over two c…

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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 not yet available. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter to Reverse(R) out of a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently drove forward over two curves before crashing into two vehicles and then rolled backward and crashed into a third vehicle. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. The air bags were not deployed upon impact. The contact sustained back pain from the collision; however, no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the dealer was contacted but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11477795

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Transmission light coming on (service now). First started 7/29/2022 this was the first time a diagnostic was done 8/4/2022 by a certified transmission shop was advised this is a pre-warning of greater problem. Was told that this issue occurs in Ford Escapes, Fusion etc.

NHTSA ODI #11477614

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Power Train

2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE COSNUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 22S43/ 22V413.

NHTSA ODI #11477378

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer. The message Steering Default was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the …

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer. The message Steering Default was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was rebuilt; however, the contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle, she shifted into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to respond and remained idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11476915

115,700 miles · Aug 1, 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.…

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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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The approximate failure mileage was 115,700. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11476836

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