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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
48,500 miles · Jan 24, 2019
Electrical SystemFire

MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE ON 12/24/2018. THE CAR WAS SITTING IN AN OPEN PARKING SPACE AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE AFTERNOON THE DAY BEFORE. NOTE THE ENGINE WAS COLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON ON 12/24/2018, MY HUSBAND WAS WALKING OUT TO OUR FORD ESCAPE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT O…

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MY 2016 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE ON 12/24/2018. THE CAR WAS SITTING IN AN OPEN PARKING SPACE AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE AFTERNOON THE DAY BEFORE. NOTE THE ENGINE WAS COLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON ON 12/24/2018, MY HUSBAND WAS WALKING OUT TO OUR FORD ESCAPE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE ESCAPE. WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE CAR, WITNESSES SAID THE ESCAPE HAD STARTED SMOKING ON ITS OWN AND THEY HAD HEARD NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. ACCORDING TO THE FIRE REPORT COMPLETED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRICAL. WE OF COURSE SPOKE TO THE KEN GRODY FORD WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TOLD US BECAUSE THIS WAS A FIRE, IT HAS TO GO THROUGH THE FORD GENERAL COUNSEL. WE FILE THE CLAIM WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF FORD. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE GENERAL COUNSEL WOULD RESPOND WITHIN 15 DAYS. THAT TIME FRAME HAS COME AND GONE. WE HAVE COMPLAINT MANY TIMES TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE. HOWEVER, FORD HAS FAILED TO RESPOND TO US. AAA HAS TOWED THE CAR TO A SECURE SITE AS THE CAR WAS A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE WHERE IT WAS SITTING. AAA HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET FORD TO COME AND INSPECT THE CAR SO THAT THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE FIRE CAN BE DETERMINED. BUT FORD WILL NOT RESPOND TO THEM EITHER. WHAT IS MOST DISTURBING TO ME AND SHOULD BE DISTURBING TO EVERYONE, IS FORD'S LACK OF CONCERN AS TO WHAT CAUSED THIS FIRE. HAD THE FIRE STARTED FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR. NOT ONLY WOULD MY FAMILY HAD BEEN IN HARMS WAY BUT SO WOULD OF THE OTHERS AROUND US. THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE PARKED IN A GARAGE. FORD NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11171925

66,000 miles · Jan 19, 2019
Engine

PRIOR FORD RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE MY MODEL AND YEAR BUT EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES AS NOTED IN RECALL #16S46 AND DEALER WILL NOT COVER EXPENSES. THE TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY LINES MAY NOT BE BRAZED PROPERLY, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE OIL LEAK. OIL SUPPLY LINES TO THE TURBOCHARGER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY LEAK ENGINE OIL. THIS CO…

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PRIOR FORD RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE MY MODEL AND YEAR BUT EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES AS NOTED IN RECALL #16S46 AND DEALER WILL NOT COVER EXPENSES. THE TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY LINES MAY NOT BE BRAZED PROPERLY, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE OIL LEAK. OIL SUPPLY LINES TO THE TURBOCHARGER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY LEAK ENGINE OIL. THIS COULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. OUR RECENT OIL CHANGE, NOT AT FORD, INDICATED THAT THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED AN OIL LEAK THAT IS COMING FROM THE TURBO LINE.

NHTSA ODI #11170946

85,000 miles · Jan 11, 2019
Power Train

USED 2016 FORD ESCAPE BOUGHT IN 2016 WITH 85000 WHILE DRIVING JUST STOP MOVING. GEARS WERE MOVING BUT NO MOVEMENT IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AT THE DEALER IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAULT. WITH ONLY 85000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 YEARS OLD, TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT'S NORMAL OR A SEMI NEW VEHICLE, I BEL…

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USED 2016 FORD ESCAPE BOUGHT IN 2016 WITH 85000 WHILE DRIVING JUST STOP MOVING. GEARS WERE MOVING BUT NO MOVEMENT IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AT THE DEALER IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAULT. WITH ONLY 85000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 YEARS OLD, TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT'S NORMAL OR A SEMI NEW VEHICLE, I BELIEVE FORD VEHICLES ARE BEEN BUILT WITH FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS THAT DON'T LAST LONG.

NHTSA ODI #11166489

90,000 miles · Jan 6, 2019
Power Train

WHEN BOUGHT CAR HEARD HUMMING SOUND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. LOOKED IT UP AND A LOT OF SAME REPORTS ONLINE BUT MIXED CAUSES. BUT NOW THE POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED BEFORE IT BREAKS COMPLETELY. I CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION WITH MY FEET ON THE FLOORBOARD. NOW IT'S REALLY LOUD AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT 5 MONTHS. IF I CONTINUE TO D…

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WHEN BOUGHT CAR HEARD HUMMING SOUND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. LOOKED IT UP AND A LOT OF SAME REPORTS ONLINE BUT MIXED CAUSES. BUT NOW THE POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED BEFORE IT BREAKS COMPLETELY. I CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION WITH MY FEET ON THE FLOORBOARD. NOW IT'S REALLY LOUD AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT 5 MONTHS. IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITHOUT FIXING THE CAR ITSELF WILL FAIL. POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I STILL HAVE 13000 PLUS TO PAY ON A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. NOT INCLUDING THE PHENOMENAL COST TO REPLACE. THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. CAN PROVIDE ESTIMATEDS FOR REPAIR. NOT EVEN SURE IT'S WORTH KEEPING. THERE WILL BE A CRAS IF I DON'T FIX IT OR CONTINUE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11165495

88,000 miles · Dec 6, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FWY MI CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING I PULLED OVER AND MY CAR TURNED OFF. I HAD A QUARTER TANK OF GAS LEFT ONCE I TRIED TO TURN IT ON IT WOULD NOT LET ME. I HAD TO CALL A TOW. I NOW HAD A CHECK ENGINE SIGN ON. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW PURGE CANISTER VALVE. BUT THAT DOESNT EXPLAIN WHY…

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AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FWY MI CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING I PULLED OVER AND MY CAR TURNED OFF. I HAD A QUARTER TANK OF GAS LEFT ONCE I TRIED TO TURN IT ON IT WOULD NOT LET ME. I HAD TO CALL A TOW. I NOW HAD A CHECK ENGINE SIGN ON. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW PURGE CANISTER VALVE. BUT THAT DOESNT EXPLAIN WHY IT DID NOT WARN ME ON THE FWY THAT I NEEDED GAS .

NHTSA ODI #11156491

32,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
Engine

I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD ON 11-24-18, ON MY WAY HOME WHEN I HEAR A VIBRATING NOISE. I THINK IT IS MY PHONE, BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STALLS. THANKFULLY I HAD NO CARS BEHIND ME SO I POWER IT DOWN AND THEN TUNE IT BACK ON AND IT GIVES A LITTLE ISSUE TURNING BACK ON BUT DOES. I MAKE IT HOME. IT WORKS FINE THE NEXT FEW…

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I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD ON 11-24-18, ON MY WAY HOME WHEN I HEAR A VIBRATING NOISE. I THINK IT IS MY PHONE, BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STALLS. THANKFULLY I HAD NO CARS BEHIND ME SO I POWER IT DOWN AND THEN TUNE IT BACK ON AND IT GIVES A LITTLE ISSUE TURNING BACK ON BUT DOES. I MAKE IT HOME. IT WORKS FINE THE NEXT FEW DAYS. ON 11-27-18 AFTER ONLY DRIVING LOCALLY IN BETWEEN I TAKE MY FORD ON THE HIGHWAY TO GO TO THE AIRPORT 30 MINS AWAY AND ALL IS FINE UNTIL THE RIDE BACK HOME ON THE HIGHWAY. I HEAR THE VIBRATING NOISE AGAIN AS IF I WAS GOING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS ON 95. THE CAR GOES ON A LITTLE LONGER AND THEN SHUTS DOWN AGAIN. POWER REMAINS ON BUT THE CAR STALLS. I AM TAKING IT IN TODAY. I HOPE TO GET THIS RESOLVED AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR FOR A REASON. RELIABILITY AND NOW I AM JUST ANNOYED THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WITH ONLY 32K MILES ON THE 2016 ESCAPE.

NHTSA ODI #11154196

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2018
Engine

ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW MESSAGE APPEARS ON DASH WHILE DRIVING, AND NO HILL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE, TOOK IT HAVE SERVICE WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG, BROUGHT CAR IN 2016 WITH AN 150 MILES ON IT, NOW HAVE 18,553 MILES AS OF TODAY.

NHTSA ODI #11150800

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2018
Engine

ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW MESSAGE REPEATEDLY SHOW UP WHILE DRIVING, TOOK IT TO HAVE SERVICED, WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND THE MESSAGE NO HILL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE SHOWS UP AS WELL, BOUGHT CAR IN 2016, HAS 18,553, MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11150798

30,000 miles · Oct 25, 2018
Engine

I PURCHASED A 2016 FORD ESCAPE IN LATE 2015 AND IN 2018 WITH 30000 MILES THE ENGINE LET GO, REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. ADDITIONAL, ISSUES DEVELOPED AS THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DELAYED FOR A MONTH AND WAS DRIVEN BY AN UNDERAGE DRIVER. THUS NO ONE WOULD PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR HER TO LEAVE THE STATE. THE ONLY OPTION GIVEN WAS T…

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I PURCHASED A 2016 FORD ESCAPE IN LATE 2015 AND IN 2018 WITH 30000 MILES THE ENGINE LET GO, REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. ADDITIONAL, ISSUES DEVELOPED AS THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DELAYED FOR A MONTH AND WAS DRIVEN BY AN UNDERAGE DRIVER. THUS NO ONE WOULD PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR HER TO LEAVE THE STATE. THE ONLY OPTION GIVEN WAS TO TRADE A VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY BACK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. DURING THIS PROCESS WE LEARNED THAT THE STATE WOULD REQUIRE TITLE CHANGES REQUIRING BRANDING FOR INCORRECT MILEAGE. WE HAVE SINCE IDENTIFIED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND SOLD FOR MORE THAN FORD ALLOWED ON THE TRADE. SECONDARILY IT DOES NOT APPEAR THE TITLE WAS PROPERLY BRANDED. WHEN CONTACTING FORD EXECUTIVES IN WRITING (CERTIFIED MAIL) I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS FOR RESOLUTION. UPON CALLING THEIR COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OPEN CASE WHEN ASKED IF ONE COULD BE OPENED, I WAS TOLD "YOU ARE THE OWNER AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU". WITH MUCH PERSEVERANCE AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CURRENT RECALLS; FOR THE VERY PROBLEM WE EXPERIENCED A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED; BUT WOULD NOT GRANT A TIMELINE FOR FUTURE EXPECTATIONS. THIS THE SAME ENGINE AS IN THE FORD FOCUS WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER A MASSIVE RECALL. THE VEHICLE SOUNDS STARTED WHILE IN MOTION, BUT THE ENGINE BLEW UP WHILE IN THE SHOP UNDER A DEFINED DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT FORD WAS RUNNING PER THERE RECALL PROGRAM BULLETIN.

NHTSA ODI #11142755

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2018
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITH A LOUD NOISE. GLASS ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE GLASS WAS REMOVED FROM THE SUN ROOF AREA BY A GLASS REPAIR FACILITY WHO ORDERED THE REPLACEMENT GLASS. THE DEAL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITH A LOUD NOISE. GLASS ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE GLASS WAS REMOVED FROM THE SUN ROOF AREA BY A GLASS REPAIR FACILITY WHO ORDERED THE REPLACEMENT GLASS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE SUN ROOF REPLACEMENT PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11141110

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