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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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Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2025
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemPower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that t…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the camera. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was purchased, the liftgate failed to function as intended. The liftgate occasionally opened and closed independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had the transmission fluid changed. However, the message was displayed again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11700093

60,000 miles · Nov 7, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Fault" was displayed once. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle dece…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Fault" was displayed once. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated and jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced; however, the vehicle hesitated to shift into gears while driving. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train), which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11698162

60,000 miles · Nov 7, 2025
Back Over PreventionPower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle and resuming driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and shifted back to drive(D), but the vehicle failed to res…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle and resuming driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and shifted back to drive(D), but the vehicle failed to respond and started rolling backwards on leveled road surface. The contact activated the hazard lights and continuously depressed the brake pedal while steering the vehicle on the busy road. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle made two abnormal loud popping sounds and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the transmission, and that the transmission could not be serviced. The vehicle was then towed to Autohub, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The auto warranty company was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera image was inverted and distorted while reversing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11698113

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2025
EnginePower Train

The fuel injector and the one of the cylinders has gone bad and has been available for inspection. My safety has been put to rest due to engine overheating. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer police or any insurance representative. The check engine light did appear on November 1, 2025. The car started overhea…

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The fuel injector and the one of the cylinders has gone bad and has been available for inspection. My safety has been put to rest due to engine overheating. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer police or any insurance representative. The check engine light did appear on November 1, 2025. The car started overheating on November 4, 2025. According to other owners that I have spoken to, this is a constant problem with this make and model. I believe it is a manufacturer defect since so many other owners are experiencing the same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11697397

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2025
Power Train

With no warnings the automatic transmission went into like limp mode. Shifted hard then no acceleration when pressing on gas. Faulty transmission light came on. I bought extended warranty when I purchased this car in 2020 from dealer. The warranty expired in August 2024. The transmission tore up in Oct. 2024. Took it to transmis…

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With no warnings the automatic transmission went into like limp mode. Shifted hard then no acceleration when pressing on gas. Faulty transmission light came on. I bought extended warranty when I purchased this car in 2020 from dealer. The warranty expired in August 2024. The transmission tore up in Oct. 2024. Took it to transmission guy who put it on code reader. 3 codes came up and he said it was bad. I bought the car at 55,000 miles and it tore up at 104,000 miles. Don't know if dealer ever changed fluid before I bought it but they never said anything to me about changing the transmission fluid. Transmission guy told me the filter was internal and couldn't be changed. The dealer said fluid should be changed around 50 to 60,000 miles and I guess they didn't do it. I went to them for 4 years for servicing and they never mentioned it to me. I lost my husband in 2021 so I was uneducated on things of that nature. I feel Ford should have to fix it or compensate for it.

NHTSA ODI #11697321

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2025
EnginePower Train

After 104,000 miles Experienced Transmission issues. Been told this happens to several Ford Escapes' after 100k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11696807

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2025
Power Train

The transmission failed at 88,000 miles with no warning. The transmission started whining, and suddenly started slipping, and ultimately gave out, leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. After contacting a transmission specialist, I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, and they had seen multiple of th…

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The transmission failed at 88,000 miles with no warning. The transmission started whining, and suddenly started slipping, and ultimately gave out, leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. After contacting a transmission specialist, I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, and they had seen multiple of the same model for the same issue, saying it was a manufacturer defect. I had to spend 6,000 dollars to have the transmission rebuilt. The check engine light came on after the transmission had completely failed.

NHTSA ODI #11693886

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2025
Power Train

Transmission abruptly failed on train tracks no warning nothing

NHTSA ODI #11684640

104,362 miles · Aug 29, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 4 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and eventually the engine seized. No war…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 4 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and eventually the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the engine seized again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to a recall that was performed on the vehicle in 2022. The vehicle was towed to the residence. In addition, the vehicle had been parked and inoperable since. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that in 2022, a recall notification for the power train was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that in 2022, when the initial failure occurred, a case was filed and then closed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact was advised to ask NHTSA about approving the unknown recall to be performed again because of the recurring failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,362.

NHTSA ODI #11683903

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Power Train

We were driving on the expressway in our 2016 Ford Escape in the far left lane (4 lanes) and when my husband pushed on the gas, it revved up. Then it seemed like we started to lose power. A red exclamation point error came up on the dashboard, but I couldn't tell what it said. My husband was somehow able to get us across the hig…

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We were driving on the expressway in our 2016 Ford Escape in the far left lane (4 lanes) and when my husband pushed on the gas, it revved up. Then it seemed like we started to lose power. A red exclamation point error came up on the dashboard, but I couldn't tell what it said. My husband was somehow able to get us across the highway (in busy traffic) to the right lane, where we wer able to get off the exit and pull into a parking lot. If the car has lost full power on the interstate, there's no telling what would have happened. Our car was towed to the shop and they're saying the transmission needs replacing ($7200). There is a known recall for 2013-2019 Ford Escapes concerning the power train / transmission. Our VIN is not listed, but I find it highly suspect because we had no warning messages or symptoms before hand.

NHTSA ODI #11683079

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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