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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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75,000 miles · Jun 15, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle suddenly started rolling backwards rolled into a ditch. The vehicle was towed out the ditch. There were no injuries sustained. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle suddenly started rolling backwards rolled into a ditch. The vehicle was towed out the ditch. There were no injuries sustained. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11469383

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

We bought a 2016 Ford Escape on 25 June 2021, from Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, CO. for approx. $21,000. Mileage was 62,783k. In Aug and Sept 2021, we brought the car back to Phil Long and told them there was a transmission issue that intermittently occurred on highway speeds. When passing there was an extreme…

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We bought a 2016 Ford Escape on 25 June 2021, from Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, CO. for approx. $21,000. Mileage was 62,783k. In Aug and Sept 2021, we brought the car back to Phil Long and told them there was a transmission issue that intermittently occurred on highway speeds. When passing there was an extremely rough shift that felt like a car ran into the back of us. This created a safety issue when driving. Phil Long reluctantly test drove the car and said they couldn’t do anything as they didn’t experience the extremely rough shift. This rough shift continued to happen about once every couple of weeks. We brought the car to Transmission Clinic in CO Springs and they confirmed that we needed a new transmission. On 02 June 2022, we paid $4,992 and got the transmission replaced. Transmission Clinic stated they are seeing many issues with Ford transmissions on Ford cars with low mileage. I contend that Phil Long Ford knew this info and should have been willing to help us in Aug/ Sept 2021. I am requesting that Phil Long Ford reimburse us in full or part for the cost of this recent transmission replacement. I believe Ford Motor Company should issue a recall for these poor transmissions.

NHTSA ODI #11467394

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
EnginePower Train

Kept saying it was over heating shutting down the motor chugging not gaining speed. Had all spark plugs and coil packs changed ran for 5 days and started dining it all over again.

NHTSA ODI #11467039

104,000 miles · May 26, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 40 MPH, the vehicle shook and then stalled with the transmission fault warning message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was serviced for a defective fuel pump which …

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 40 MPH, the vehicle shook and then stalled with the transmission fault warning message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was serviced for a defective fuel pump which was covered under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the roadway. The contact called a friend who assisted her and she was able to drive the vehicle home driving 25 MPH. The dealer was notified of the failure where and the contact was provided an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle remained with the dealer for approximately two weeks and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #11466214

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2022
Power Train

While driving the 2016 Ford Escape, the torque converter failed and sent all sorts of metal parts into the transmission casing. At 102,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly, and without warning, lost momentum on the highway and I had to coast into a parking lot. The engine was running but the transmission would not engage so the vehic…

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While driving the 2016 Ford Escape, the torque converter failed and sent all sorts of metal parts into the transmission casing. At 102,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly, and without warning, lost momentum on the highway and I had to coast into a parking lot. The engine was running but the transmission would not engage so the vehicle could not move. The problem was confirmed by the dealer who repaired the transmission and torque converter for $4200.00. The loss of power on the highway in rush hour traffic caused a severe safety situation which I was able to avoid by coasting over to the right lane and fortunately into a parking lot. The check engine light appeared briefly than went out. This seems to be a serious manufacturer's defect that could certainly lead to catastrophic crashes. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11466059

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2022
Power Train

The transmission is shot at only 130,000 miles on a car with regular maintenance. The repair will be over $4000 to replace the transmission as it is not repairable. This is now a common problem with the 2016 ford escapes.

NHTSA ODI #11465354

100,150 miles · May 5, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, decelerated, and then stalled. The contact indicated that the vehicle would no longer drive forward or in reverse however, the engine was still running. The vehicle was towed to the local deal…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, decelerated, and then stalled. The contact indicated that the vehicle would no longer drive forward or in reverse however, the engine was still running. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,150.

NHTSA ODI #11463563

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2022
Power Train

Transmission failed while in motion; car slipped into reverse while at a light. Had to pull off and have car towed. It is now undrivable. Transmission must be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11463141

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2022
Power Train

Driving down the interstate and all of a sudden rims shot all the way up and loss power to the vehicle. As If it slipped into neutral. Made it over to the side of the road. Turned vehicle off amd back on and it worked fine for about 100 feet. Made it to a empty park and ride where I'm currently awaiting a tow service. Now in any…

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Driving down the interstate and all of a sudden rims shot all the way up and loss power to the vehicle. As If it slipped into neutral. Made it over to the side of the road. Turned vehicle off amd back on and it worked fine for about 100 feet. Made it to a empty park and ride where I'm currently awaiting a tow service. Now in any gear while vehicle is on there appears to be a whine coming from the top of the transmissions bell housing. Car will not move now. Seems as though the transmission went out on it. Looked around online and it appears to be very common with this specific ford vehicle. One website even mentioned a class action lawsuit about it but didn't give specifics.

NHTSA ODI #11462870

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2022
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE

NHTSA ODI #11462709

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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