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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

What owners actually said

1,115 reports
73,000 miles · Apr 18, 2025
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, he noticed the instrument panel displayed a blank image. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, he noticed the instrument panel displayed a blank image. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with the recall number. The contact was relating to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #11655448

156,000 miles · Apr 15, 2025
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact's wife owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 45 MPH on the right lane and merging into the left lane, another vehicle violently crossed several lanes, causing the front of the vehicle to crash into the front driver's side of the other vehicle. The collision was …

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The contact's wife owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 45 MPH on the right lane and merging into the left lane, another vehicle violently crossed several lanes, causing the front of the vehicle to crash into the front driver's side of the other vehicle. The collision was mentioned to be a severe front-end impact, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact's wife sustained head, knee, stomach, chest, and neck injuries that required medical attention. The other vehicle's occupant received medical attention as well via the emergency room, but the injuries sustained were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a garage and then taken to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ODI #11654729

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2025
Engine

Engine 1.6l needs replaced with less than 100k miles because of coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire, only fix is a new engine for 8k! Serviced every 3000k miles by the local ford dealer

NHTSA ODI #11653975

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
Engine

The coolant leaked into the engine causing it to seize up while on the highway. The engine is completely shot and needs to be replaced. I have since found out this is an ongoing and known issue with the Ford ecoboost engines. Ford refuses to address this issue. I was told it was my spark plugs and water pump, which i had both …

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The coolant leaked into the engine causing it to seize up while on the highway. The engine is completely shot and needs to be replaced. I have since found out this is an ongoing and known issue with the Ford ecoboost engines. Ford refuses to address this issue. I was told it was my spark plugs and water pump, which i had both replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11652990

60,000 miles · Apr 4, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated after reversing at 5 MPH and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as intended and continued to reverse. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic tes…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated after reversing at 5 MPH and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as intended and continued to reverse. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer attempted to convince the contact to trade-in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11652828

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2025
Power Train

On march 13th I was coming home and my transmission stopped working I had to have it towed and now it’s being replaced

NHTSA ODI #11652178

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2025
Power Train

Transmission failure. Had to have the transmission repaired at 132,000 miles. Had idle issues and inconsistent speed while driving on the road, constant jerking causing me to lose speed while driving. Check engine light illumination was on but this is not always a tell-tell sign of the transmission failure in these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11652073

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Service engine warning came on/ tester indicated low pressure fuel system. On 02282025 the lower pressure fuel senor(Part#BU5Z*9F972*B was replaced at Landers Ford/Collierville, TN. On [XXX] Service engine warning came on. I contacted the dealership, and was advised to bring it in to get checked. Tester indicated that cylinder …

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Service engine warning came on/ tester indicated low pressure fuel system. On 02282025 the lower pressure fuel senor(Part#BU5Z*9F972*B was replaced at Landers Ford/Collierville, TN. On [XXX] Service engine warning came on. I contacted the dealership, and was advised to bring it in to get checked. Tester indicated that cylinder #4 was not working. So part# BM5Z*12029B (NS COIL A) and Part# CYFS*13Y*RCX(100 SPARK) were both ordered and replaced. When I went to pickup Mr car on [XXX], it was missing very bad. I was told that Anti-freeze was shooting into the motor, and that the motor was not repairable, and that I could replace it or trade my car in. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11651614

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

While diving the vehicle hesitates. I have had it checked and it seems that the turbo is bad. After speaking to others this seems to be an issue with this vehicle. With the electrical issues, my back up camera, radio, speakers, navigation all do not work. Also while driving my flashers will randomly flash and my speedometer …

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While diving the vehicle hesitates. I have had it checked and it seems that the turbo is bad. After speaking to others this seems to be an issue with this vehicle. With the electrical issues, my back up camera, radio, speakers, navigation all do not work. Also while driving my flashers will randomly flash and my speedometer as well as my RPM gage will go crazy. While driving down the road my speakers blared white noise so loud that it almost caused me to wreck because it scared me so badly. I had to have the fuse taken it in order to get it to stop.

NHTSA ODI #11651611

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
EngineService BrakesWheels

On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January …

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On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to Stowasser shop because it was again running poorly. This time, they had to install a new motor. At that time, my mileage was 49,000, but when the vehicle was returned to me, it had 75,000 miles on it. I asked why the mileage had increased so significantly, but they kept changing the subject and never provided an answer. When I went to pick up my vehicle, the salesperson who sold me the vehicle whispered to me that my vehicle needed new tires badly. I feel this was something the dealer should have addressed. I had not put many miles on my vehicle for the tires to be so worn. On January 18, 2023, I had to put new tires on this vehicle, which cost me $756.00. It was difficult for me to come up with this money, but I had no choice if I needed reliable transportation. I had traded in my older vehicle because I needed transportation, I could count on in my retirement years. On October 2, 2024, I needed new brakes, which were badly worn down. This expense cost me $900.00. The mechanic told me the oil level was very low and asked if a red light had come on to warn me. I said, "No, there was no sensor light." If it had not been for the thoroughness of my mechanic, I would have driven off with no oil in the engine. Right now, my car is parked because another senor light came on and I was told that it is the catalytic converter. I am distraught because I trusted Stowasser that they would take care of me because they knew I was retired and needed a reliable vehicle. I have lost my job, exhausted my unemployment benefits, and now live on Social Security. I cannot afford to fix this lemon of a car I was sold.

NHTSA ODI #11650477

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