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2016 Ford Escape problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Ford Escape has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 1,165owner complaints
- 39crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 18%fail the UK MOT
1,165 complaints, against an average of 1,040 for the other 14 Ford Escape model years.
Every Ford Escape model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Ford Escape?
The components named most often in the 1,165 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Ford Escape owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 1,165 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2016 Ford Escape?127 owners · 10.9% · Recall 25V695000
- Why does my 2016 Ford Escape stall, lose power or shut off while driving?118 owners · 10.1%
- Has the 2016 Ford Escape had transmission failures?101 owners · 8.7% · Recall 22V413000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Ford Escape?98 owners · 8.4%
- Why does my 2016 Ford Escape overheat?68 owners · 5.8% · Recall 26V011000
- Why does my 2016 Ford Escape idle rough, misfire or hesitate?65 owners · 5.6%
- Has the 2016 Ford Escape had engine failures?41 owners · 3.5%
- Why does my 2016 Ford Escape transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?37 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2016 Ford Escape been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater 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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Knee Bolster 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2016 Ford Escape recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAX-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.
UK DVSAVehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
Risk: A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
UK DVSAClutch pressure plate may fracture
Risk: Affected vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
UK DVSAOil sump may crack due to the engine overheating
Risk: The engine control module calibration may not adequately detect an overheat condition in certain 2.0L Duratorq Diesel engines. In extreme cases an overheated engine can result in a breach of the oil sump leading to loss of the engine oil.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download revised software for the control module calibration that improves overheat detection and provides an instrument cluster warning indicator to the driver and engine de-rate strategy.
UK DVSASide and/or knee airbag may fail to deploy in a collision
Risk: The airbag initiator may be defective and may prevent the side airbag(s) and/or knee airbag deploying in the event of an accident. In a collision the airbags not deploying could put the occupants at further risk.
Fix: Recall the 1943 vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the side and knee protection airbags complete with initiators.
EU Safety GateThe diesel particulate filter (DPF) may be cracked on 2.0 l EcoBlue Diesel and 1.5 l EcoBlue vehicles.This could cause the vehicles to fail the legally required roadworthiness test, as exhaust emissions of soot may be above the authorised limit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe engine control unit does not correctly detect overheating, which can allow the engine to overheat, leading to a leak of engine oil.Leaking oil can drop onto the road and create a risk of injuries to other road traffic participants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.This may result in reduced vehicle performance.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/12/2018
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, propulsion may be lost.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe airbag inflator may be defective which may prevent the side airbag(s) and/or knee airbag deploying in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Ford Escape fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Ford Escape owners report?
12 of the 1,165 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the part was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part was unavailable for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera screen display was black. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was then taken to Pacifico Ford(6701 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153) for a second opinion. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was…
Complete transmission failure while driving. Gears blew completely apart. Resulting in inability to safely maneuver vehicle out of roadway. Dealership replaced transmission at my expense. No warning or indication of imminent failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure returned within three days, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where visible leaks were found. The failure persisted, and the contact became aware of a coolant leak coming from the engine and called a mobile mechanic to the residence. The…
Ford had a recall for backup camera issues issued 10/13/2025. It’s been almost 1 year and no remedy. What is considered a reasonable timeline for this? Is there any way to expedite Fords process to get the parts in for the recall? Any information you can provide will be helpful. Thank you.
Vehicle check engine light appeared on screen. Appeared that coolant hose popped off. Dealer determined that system had multiple leaks. Replaced thermostat housing, coolant crossover and heater core hoses, replaced degas bottle hose.
Vehicle died on road going 25 mph in [XXX]. Drove it 1/2 mile to dealership. Dealer determined faulty fuel pump assembly and replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Recall under 25SA9 has not been remedied a whole year later. Not having my back up camera has caused safety incidents. And a few damages from things I could not see
On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “Transmission Fault – Service Now” warning. The exact failed component is currently UNKNOWN, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced abnormal symptoms including a rotational/squeaking noise from the front-right area and an air-leak/pressure-type noise from the right side. The pressure-type noise could also be heard while revving the vehicle at idle. The Check Engine Light also illuminated. I took the vehicle to an independent…
Bought car in 2023, one year later engine failure due to overheating from head gasket issue widespread with this vehicle. Replaced engine, and two years later facing identical issue with another engine failure. Unidentifiable coolant leak led to low oil pressure and car shaking on the highway. Will require yet another engine replacement.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated normally. Later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering message returned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted…
The end of February was driving and I noticed white smoke blowing from my exaust, then my car lost power.
2016 Ford Escape: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Ford Escape reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 1,165 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape; the most common categories were power train (321, 27.6%), back over prevention (247, 21.2%), engine (200, 17.2%). There are 4 safety recalls. 39 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 21 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
Across 1,165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (27.6% of complaints), back over prevention (21.2% of complaints), engine (17.2% of complaints), electrical system (8.2% of complaints), steering (6.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Ford Escape; the most recent (campaign 26V011000, 2026-01-15) concerns Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2016 Ford Escape?
127 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (10.9%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 25V695000 (back over prevention: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "There has been a recall on my vehicle for over an entire year for the rear back up camera. There still is no resolution to complete the recall. I have called Ford numerous times with no resolution." (NHTSA complaint 11770654, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Ford Escape stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
118 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (10.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Transmission failed at 83000 miles with no warning or prior issues. I was driving home from work and the vehicle completely stalled out in traffic." (NHTSA complaint 11719229, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2016 Ford Escape had transmission failures?
101 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (8.7%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 22V413000 (power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)). The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Complete transmission failure while driving. Gears blew completely apart. Resulting in inability to safely maneuver vehicle out of roadway. Dealership replaced transmission at my expense. No warning or indication of imminent failure." (NHTSA complaint 11771942, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Ford Escape?
98 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (8.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Vehicle displayed warning that it was overheating and automatically slowed to lower speed. Pulled over on the highway and turned off vehicle. Check engine light was on and could drive to a safe location and pull over driving at about 20 mph or less." (NHTSA complaint 11768763, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Ford Escape overheat?
68 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (5.8%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. A related recall exists: campaign 26V011000 (equipment: electrical: engine block heater). The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. One owner wrote: "Vehicle displayed warning that it was overheating and automatically slowed to lower speed. Pulled over on the highway and turned off vehicle. Check engine light was on and could drive to a safe location and pull over driving at about 20 mph or less." (NHTSA complaint 11768763, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Ford Escape idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
65 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (5.6%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "My car set a code , and the engine misfired. I took all the necessary steps, but the code reappeared. I have Car Shield, and they are saying its cracked block but refuse to replace the head gasket." (NHTSA complaint 11708106, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2016 Ford Escape had engine failures?
41 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (3.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Bought car in 2023, one year later engine failure due to overheating from head gasket issue widespread with this vehicle. Replaced engine, and two years later facing identical issue with another engine failure." (NHTSA complaint 11763110, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Ford Escape transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
37 of the 1,165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Escape (3.2%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "I recently purchased a 2016 Ford Escape with a 6f35 transmission in it. I have been experiencing hard shifts out of the transmission. This is a current on going problem with many users of this vehicle with this transmission." (NHTSA complaint 11601842, July 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Escape
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.