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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
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2022
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE

NHTSA ODI #11462709

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2022
Power Train

While operating vehicle, it suddenly made a noise, almost like a bang. Then engine then revved to 8000 rpm. Immediately following that I could no longer advance forward while pressing the gas pedal. I had to get to the side of the road as best I could. I was in a dangerous situation. Once at the side of the road, the vehicl…

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While operating vehicle, it suddenly made a noise, almost like a bang. Then engine then revved to 8000 rpm. Immediately following that I could no longer advance forward while pressing the gas pedal. I had to get to the side of the road as best I could. I was in a dangerous situation. Once at the side of the road, the vehicle would not advance forward or backward. There were no warning lights illuminated on the console. I looked under the hood and did not see anything leaking or out of the ordinary. My vehicle had to be towed. I towed it to my usual mechanic who evaluated it and said the transmission was no longer functional and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. He checked the transmission fluid and stated it was at the appropriate level and the appropriate color/clarity. He checked for recalls and stated there were none, but saw there were many other complaints of this same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11462572

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2022
Engine

Engine failed while traveling on state highway Had to coast to a safe parking area Vehicle started after several minutes Engine lights visible before engine failure as engine ran rough Incident occurred twice before returning home. Informed by service mechanic that vehicle needed a purge valve which the local Ford deale…

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Engine failed while traveling on state highway Had to coast to a safe parking area Vehicle started after several minutes Engine lights visible before engine failure as engine ran rough Incident occurred twice before returning home. Informed by service mechanic that vehicle needed a purge valve which the local Ford dealer has several valves on back order with no replacement date. Vehicle cannot be driven as losing engine power would be a disaster if I was on a heavily traveled highway. This vehicle has less than 30,000 miles.4

NHTSA ODI #11461853

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2022
Power Train

I had no warning signs nor lights on dashboard; pulled to a stop and went to leave and put it in drive and heard a major clunking noise inwhich I thought I hit a rock, the car would not go in any of the gears. If I had been driving while the transmission went out or dropped I could have caused an accident or even worse killed so…

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I had no warning signs nor lights on dashboard; pulled to a stop and went to leave and put it in drive and heard a major clunking noise inwhich I thought I hit a rock, the car would not go in any of the gears. If I had been driving while the transmission went out or dropped I could have caused an accident or even worse killed someone or myself. The car is being towed to dealership now. I just spent $1100 replacing arms and outer tie rods ends yesterday at the dealership. I am extremely upset and I know there are over 350 complaints about the 2016 Ford escape transmission problems!

NHTSA ODI #11461780

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2022
EnginePower Train

The Ford Escape has been a problem since I bought it the tranny went out at 110,000 and the head gasket blew at 140,000 still paying on the car with major problems

NHTSA ODI #11461085

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

2016 Ford Focus SE check engine light code P1450 Malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve / Fuel Tank Vacuum. This error is common and known. This causes the engine to not start after fueling. And engine to buck / stall while in Motion / driving. Yet no recall notice on file for vin.

NHTSA ODI #11460212

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2022
Engine

Turbocharger failed, leaking exhaust fumes directly into the car cabin. Turbocharger flange warped on the high heat exhaust side due to two of the three support bolts shearing off. Bolts failed because they were a dissimilar metal to the part they were threaded into, and the chemical process between the dissimilar metals weakene…

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Turbocharger failed, leaking exhaust fumes directly into the car cabin. Turbocharger flange warped on the high heat exhaust side due to two of the three support bolts shearing off. Bolts failed because they were a dissimilar metal to the part they were threaded into, and the chemical process between the dissimilar metals weakened the overall strength of the bolts. Once the bolts sheared off, the flange face warped, allowing exhaust fumes to leak into the cabin. The exhaust fumes into the cabin were quite excessive, especially noticeable while parked, and caused headaches and lightheadedness for the occupants. This is a clear manufacturing defect, as any engineer knows not to mix metals in this fashion, and the result was very dangerous to the occupants.

NHTSA ODI #11459881

61,000 miles · Apr 6, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was misfiring. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinder #2 and the spark plugs needed to be rep…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was misfiring. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinder #2 and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where cylinder #2 was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #2 and the engine needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that it was a manufactured defect. The vehicle was being taken to a third independent mechanic for engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were aware of the failure; however, they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11459822

78,972 miles · Apr 4, 2022
Air Bags

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty driver's side air bag. The dealer informed the contact that the driver's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty driver's side air bag. The dealer informed the contact that the driver's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 78,972.

NHTSA ODI #11459507

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Ford Sync 3 system malfunctions randomly. GPS will show inaccurate location and inaccurate directions leading to misguiding down wrong street or wrong ways. Additionally, backup camera may not display on the screen which is a safety hazard when backing up. Problem may be related to the APIM which is a known issue in many of thei…

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Ford Sync 3 system malfunctions randomly. GPS will show inaccurate location and inaccurate directions leading to misguiding down wrong street or wrong ways. Additionally, backup camera may not display on the screen which is a safety hazard when backing up. Problem may be related to the APIM which is a known issue in many of their other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11459234

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