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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
45,000 miles · Jul 29, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's side door had severe rust that was causing the skin of the vehicle to weld onto the outer panel of the door. In other areas of the vehicle, there was severe rust causing the paint to begin to bubble to the point that it was welded to the outer p…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's side door had severe rust that was causing the skin of the vehicle to weld onto the outer panel of the door. In other areas of the vehicle, there was severe rust causing the paint to begin to bubble to the point that it was welded to the outer panel of the door. The dealer was not able to repair the rust on the body of the vehicle due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11476503

56,538 miles · Jul 28, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough starting. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that coolant was present inside engine cylinders #3 and #4. Addit…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough starting. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that coolant was present inside engine cylinders #3 and #4. Additionally, the head gasket was blown. The engine gasket was replaced however, later the failure recurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 56,538.

NHTSA ODI #11476380

100,000 miles · Jul 28, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11476339

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2022
Unknown Or Other

The transmission begin to go out. It would not drive even though the car was running when we stopped at a stop light. Also an transmission fault error came on.

NHTSA ODI #11475827

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2022
Unknown Or Other

My shift control cable broke in someone’s driveway when I was picking up something for free by road. I was stuck in reverse and had to call a tow truck and with everything, cost me more than $700 with fixing my car and towing. Please help me get reimbursed! My email is [XXX]. Just a girl trying to pay off school and then a newly…

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My shift control cable broke in someone’s driveway when I was picking up something for free by road. I was stuck in reverse and had to call a tow truck and with everything, cost me more than $700 with fixing my car and towing. Please help me get reimbursed! My email is [XXX]. Just a girl trying to pay off school and then a newly recalled part on my car broke back in April. I called Ford when it happened and there was not a recall then. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11475782

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 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 after reversing out of a driveway, the gear shifter seized in park(P), impeding oncoming traffic. Due to the failure, the cont…

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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 after reversing out of a driveway, the gear shifter seized in park(P), impeding oncoming traffic. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home and was unable to remove the key out of the ignition. The dealer was notified about the failure and confirmed that parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact was then informed that the vehicle had to be repaired out of pocket; however, she might be reimbursed by the manufacturer once parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11475637

100,100 miles · Jul 22, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into Reverse(R), the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift into the int…

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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 attempting to shift the gear shifter into Reverse(R), the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty transmission shifter cable bushing. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11475329

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift to the intended gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an i…

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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 the gear shifter seized and was unable to shift to the intended gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11475263

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ODI #11474927

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2022
Wheels

Right rear differential - 2016 AWD Ford Escape - Titanium Version - 2L engine Long story short: I had the rear brakes replaced in November 2021 at Fox Ford in Traverse City, Michigan. After having the rear brakes replaced, my husband noticed fluid leaking from around the right rear wheel. I returned the vehicle x 3 to Fox Fo…

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Right rear differential - 2016 AWD Ford Escape - Titanium Version - 2L engine Long story short: I had the rear brakes replaced in November 2021 at Fox Ford in Traverse City, Michigan. After having the rear brakes replaced, my husband noticed fluid leaking from around the right rear wheel. I returned the vehicle x 3 to Fox Ford; told it was the vent tube. Service advisor unable to find any reason for the right rear vent tube to be leaking. Since then, I have had my Silver Bullet looked at by my local, independent mechanic. He confirms the right rear vent tube is leaking. He noted during one of the visits the rear differential fluid was very low. Subsequent to re-filling the differential fluid, the vent tube continues to leak. Short of tearing into the rear differential, the cause is unknown, but a reported problem with Fords. I am requesting 1) additional information on this issue, and 2) a request FORD fix this issue in my beloved Silver Bullet (paying homage to fellow Michigander Pete Seeger and The Silver Bullet Band).

NHTSA ODI #11474825

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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