Model-year record

2016 Ford Escape
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Complaints filed
1,044
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
25
EPA estimate
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (30% of 1,044 reports), followed by back over prevention (12%).
+ 16 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 1,044 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11480607, ODI 11480085, ODI 11479550, ODI 11477795, ODI 11472499.
Individual complaint reports(1,044)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsPower TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11751842Details +Close −
I was driving home on se stark to go to 60 uh then turn into burnside I was going 30 Mph per speed limit then all the sudden it jerked and slowed down very unsafe when the transmission just went slow and I had no warning or light never came on to say need transmission service. This was mind boggling then I had it towed to the shop and apparently I need a whole replacement for transmission and I’m at 165 k I do maintance and everything .. I know there was a recall abt the power train in 2022 however but I don’t know if it still active bec I am the second owner of this car
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11751844Details +Close −
The recall on my car has been active for over 6 months, however there is still not a remedy. My rear view camera failed on me today almost causing me to hit a child that I was unable to see.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11751670Details +Close −
The rear camera first started failing intermittently, and now occurs constantly. The camera goes black on the screen. I nearly backed into a child in a grocery store parking lot.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11751314Details +Close −
My 2016 Ford Escape is under a recall for the rear view camera. My rear view camera does not work. Ford issued the recall in October 2025 but has not made an effort to repair my vehicle. I have a bad neck and back, it is hard for me to turn and look behind me. I could really use the rear view camera working again.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11751063Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was occasionally inoperable. While reversing, the camera turned off without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Sep 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11751069Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera intermittently failed to display an image. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureJul 2026 · ODI 11751076Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for failures with the bearings and the rotors. The contact stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the bearings. The contact stated that the rotors were rusted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rotors. The contact believed that the vehicle was a flood-damaged vehicle due to the rust on the rotors, bearings, and underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2026 · ODI 11750815Details +Close −
unknown
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11750495Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. When functioning, the camera image was displayed upside down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11750559Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on approximately five separate occasions, the screen was inverted, and the proximity alert notification chime failed to alert the driver, and the vehicle nearly struck persons behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not repaired because parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11750356Details +Close −
There has been a recall, 25SA9, for over a year for the backup camera on this car. There is no date as to when it will be fixed and the camera is non functional now. This is my daughters car and It needs to be addressed quicker than a year.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11750383Details +Close −
My rear camera and therefore cross traffic and parking indications fail almost every time I turn my car on. Ford acknowledges that this is a problem and that there is a recalled part, but they do not have replacement parts and so I must continue to drive with faulty parts.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11750039Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera displayed a blank screen, and there was no image on display. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. A second dealer, Brad Deery Ford (1178 200th Ave, Maquoketa, IA 52060); was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was approximately 111,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11749602Details +Close −
While driving the car, the electronic power assist steering stopped working, making it extremely difficult to steer and drove straight into a curb. Was able to slowly back the car up then very carefully drove to the local shop. Thankfully, no pedestrians were walking on the sidewalk. Power assist unit failed which caused a very unsafe driving condition. It required two strong arms to muscle the steering carefully to drive the car to the shop.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11749231Details +Close −
I am extremely disappointed with the way Ford has handled the recall on the rearview camera for my 2016 Ford Escape. I received the recall notice about a year ago. Six months ago, I contacted Chapman Ford and was told the replacement parts were not yet available and that I would be notified when they came in. Now, a full year later, my backup camera still does not work. This is a safety issue--not a convenience feature. When I called Chapman Ford again today, I was told the part was still unavailable for the Escape and was only being supplied for Mustangs. They gave me Ford Corporate's customer service number. Ford Corporate assured me that they would resolve the issue. They contacted Chapman Ford, spoke with Valerie, and told me everything had been arranged. I was told my appointment was set, the repair would be completed at no charge, and the problem would be taken care of. About an hour later, Chapman Ford called me back and said they actually did not have the part after all, could not perform the repair, and there was nothing they could do. After waiting an entire year for a safety recall, this is simply unacceptable. Ford sent out a recall notice acknowledging there was a safety problem, yet they still cannot provide the parts needed to fix it. Owners are left driving vehicles with defective backup cameras and no clear timeline for when the repair will actually happen. Ford should be ashamed of the way this recall has been handled. If you're going to issue a safety recall, you should also have a plan to provide the parts necessary to fix the vehicles within a reasonable amount of time. Customers deserve better communication, better follow-through, and most importantly, a prompt resolution to safety-related defects.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11749413Details +Close −
Car started with loss of steering fault, then power steering completely failed and car was not driveable.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11749376Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera intermittently failed to display an image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11749093Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. Additionally, while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blue image, and the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11748704Details +Close −
I am the owner of a 2016 Ford Escape. In October 2025, I received a safety recall notice regarding the rearview camera. The notice explained that the camera could fail, display a blank or distorted image, and increase the risk of a crash. Since receiving the recall notice, I have repeatedly contacted Ford dealerships to schedule the repair. However, I have been told that the replacement part is not available or that there is still no remedy available. As of today, many months have passed, and my vehicle has not been repaired. The rearview camera is an important safety feature, especially when backing up in parking lots or areas where pedestrians or children may be present. Driving without a properly functioning rearview camera exposes me and others to an unnecessary safety risk. I believe Ford has failed to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this delay and require Ford to make the necessary repair available as soon as possible. This delay has been unreasonable. More than eight months have passed since I received the recall notice, yet Ford has been unable to provide the required repair. A safety recall should be resolved within a reasonable time, and I am asking NHTSA to take appropriate action to ensure that Ford complies with its obligations and protects vehicle owners. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2026 · ODI 11748799Details +Close −
The electrical radio backup camera does not work it's all malfunctioned.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11748741Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11748537Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera persistently flickered and displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11747874Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The rearview camera was turning on and off, but the vehicle became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were only available for Ford Mustang vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer but was unable to navigate the prompts to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11747889Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. While the contact's wife was reversing out of a driveway at approximately 1-3 MPH, the rearview camera displayed a white image and failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle almost struck a child riding a bicycle behind the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer where the contact was informed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced; however, the parts was not available. The contact declined to pay out of pocket for a replacement rearview camera and was waiting for the part to become available. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2026 · ODI 11747911Details +Close −
The contact’s parents owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that shortly after starting the vehicle there was white smoke coming from the vehicle for approximately 5 seconds. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there coolant was leaking intrusion into cylinder #2, and an issue with the engine block. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced; however, the contact was informed that the replacement engine was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJul 2026 · ODI 11748041Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a black screen. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2026 · ODI 11747130Details +Close −
Back up camera has failed.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2026 · ODI 11746936Details +Close −
There is an active safety recall on the vehicle and FORD wants to charge to diagnose the recall. When I first inquired about the recall they said they didn’t have the part to fix that recall but wanted me to bring it into the shop to diagnose it and that would cost money. They said that even if I did bring it into to diagnose they could not do anything but let me know if they get the part but that the company no longer makes the part so it won’t get fixed anyways.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11746646Details +Close −
The infotainment system does not relay any sound now both for radio listening or alerts such as backup interference. The camera glitches on and off and sometimes is blank. I have had this issue for about a month now. There is still no remedy and it has gotten worse.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11746690Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image displayed a blank image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11746520Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while in reverse, the camera image failed to display. The failure mileage was 32,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11746259Details +Close −
Coolant has leaked into the engine cylinder which apparently is a well known issue that Ford is refusing to rectify. Ford dealership confirmed this diagnosis and says I have to pay $12k for a new engine.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11746156Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that failure was experienced while reversing, the rearview camera was flashing or there was no image displayed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11746199Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11745885Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to operate. The image displayed previously was inverted. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was being performed on Ford Mustang vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745490Details +Close −
While driving my car home, my transmission completely gave out. I was trying to get up a hill, and out of nowhere, my car was just revving and was not going anywhere. I tried to turn the car off and back on, but it did nothing. We towed my car to a mechanic and they gave me the unfortunate news that my transmission needed completely replaced or rebuilt. I towed it to a transmission specialist, and they had to rebuild my entire transmission. I was without a car for an entire month and found out from them that this is a major known issue with these car's transmissions and that Ford had known about this issue for a long time and did not do anything. I am out a lot of money and wish I had known about this issue before. I had a few instances of the "bucking" a few years ago but got everything checked and had a clean bill of health at that time. I also have had my check engine light on for 6 years, due to an emissions issue that happens in this car because of the flap on the gas tank instead of a cap. They said the flap isn't always secure and can let out emissions. They said it's expensive to fix and not worth it.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Apr 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745045Details +Close −
My head gasket blew on the escape with only 104,000 miles on it. It cost me $3500 to fix. 5 months later it blew again and I’m being told my engine block is cracked. I’m now being quoted another $3500 to put another engine in it with 90,000 miles on it.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11744437Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen displayed an upside-down image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear-view camera failure. The contact was informed that the rear-view camera display needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11744132Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11744139Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11744220Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing into the garage to park the vehicle, the back over prevention sensor failed to alert the driver of the proximity to the wall and the vehicle almost struck the wall. The contact stated that dealer was contacted about the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2026 · ODI 11743973Details +Close −
For about 2 years now my 2016 Escape would periodically show a distorted image in the camera when reversing. It was infrequent and would often correct itself before I was done reversing or if I just stopped and put it into park and then reversed again. I received the recall notification when it came out and have been waiting for the update on when parts are available. For about 5 months now the issue has become more frequent and days ago it has stopped working multiple times, not even giving the display error and keeping the radio screen on and playing music. I just hit 88k miles and take very good care of my car. I haven’t called the dealership because everything I can find when I look says the parts are still not available, even my auto insurance login knows there isn’t a fix. For such an important safety issue this is taking too long for them to do something.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11743854Details +Close −
My car overheated repeatedly and it was diagnosed by Liberty Ford Aurora Ohio to be caused by Coolant Intrusion. I was quoted a price of more than $11,000.00 to replace the engine
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11743829Details +Close −
My Ford escape recently has been experiencing what I believe to be a coolant issue. There was a stained spot on the driveway a couple of times in May 2026 and technicians had said my coolant fluid was on the low side so they topped it up while I was getting the car serviced for an oil change. The car was seemingly running fine though until we started the car on 6/4/26 and waiting for the AC to kick in before driving when we realized the air wasn't getting cold after a couple minutes, which was abnormal and something we hadn't experienced before. Shortly after inspecting our AC settings to make sure they were set correctly, the dashboard issued an overheating warning. We immediately turned the car off and let it cool down for a while before turning the ignition on again. After restarting the car and letting it idle in the parking lot, everything appeared to be working as normal again. Luckily we were able to safely drive the car back home and will have to get it looked at. In the mean time, I have read that many 2016 Ford Escape owners have experienced serious coolant intrusion failures, which align with our recent experience, and pose a dangerous driving hazard. We will have to get an inspection to know for sure, but I'm fearful that this is a larger issue among these Ford models and we will both have to rely on our other car until we know if the car is safe to drive or not. The Ford Escape only has a little over 87,000 miles on it currently and a serious coolant issue could require a very expensive engine repair and be a large financial burden to justify and comprise the value of our vehicle. The high number of reports and complaints of so many others experiencing similar mechanical failures is very concerning and I believe my car is in the early stages of showing the same problem. A widespread issue like this should have a recall issued or compensation returned to vehicle owners for repair costs and damages associated with any manufacturing faults of Ford.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11743190Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable approximately 90% of the time, reducing the driver's ability to safely reverse. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted to schedule the recall repair appointment; however, the dealer advised the contact that the parts were only available for Ford Mustang vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11742891Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the rearview camera displayed a blank image with the message "Camera Not Available", requiring the contact to continuously push a button for the rearview image to be displayed as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be traded-in due to the recall. The contact received a recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the remedy was currently available only for Ford Mustang vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that a second notification would be sent once the parts became available. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11742643Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2026 · ODI 11742555Details +Close −
Rear view camera delays or not available for reverse driving.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionJun 2026 · ODI 11742117Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall in which the rear backup camera had failed to operate while driving in reverse. The failure mileage was 28,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11742168Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a clanging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle then started to work as intended before coming to a complete stop at the second traffic light. The contact stated that once the traffic light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact was informed by her husband to shift the gear shifter into park(P). The husband jumped into the driver’s seat and shifted the gear shifter to low and driven to a safe place and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was turned off for thirty minutes then restarted and operated as intended. The transmission shifter failure warning light was illuminated while her husband was driving. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(4)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainOct 2022 · 22V413000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air Bags · 17V398000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Back Over Prevention · 25V695000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Equipment · 26V011000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2016 Ford Escape SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2016 Ford Escape SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| Escape AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 29 | 25 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 28 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2016 Ford Escape: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Ford Escape?
Owners filed 1,044 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Ford Escape. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (30% of complaints) and back over prevention (12%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2016 Ford Escape, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Escape get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Escape between 23 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.