2016 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Escape years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Ford Escape has a Complaint Index of 47 and ranks 9th worst out of 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Escape years. NHTSA lists 1,123 complaints, 4 recalls, and 36 crashes, with transmission and powertrain issues topping the list at 320 complaints.
- Complaints
- 1,123
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 36 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 29 hwy
Top 2016 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain320 (28%)
- Engine263 (23%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras214 (19%)
- Other153 (14%)
- Electrical System96 (9%)
- Steering73 (7%)
- Fuel System70 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires41 (4%)
- Brakes29 (3%)
- Airbags24 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds while parking, resulting in collisions with vehicles or storefronts.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving at highway speed, leading to loss of control.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed collisions, and seat belts failed to lock or retract properly in some crashes.
- Steering wheel locked up mid-turn at low speed for one owner, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway.
- An engine compartment fire occurred while the vehicle was parked and unattended in a parking lot.
2016 Ford Escape recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V011000Jan 15, 2026Other116,672 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 25V695000Oct 13, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,448,655 vehicles
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 driverâs 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.
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
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.
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.
2016 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford Escape reliable?
- Relative to other Escape model years, the 2016 is rated 'Good' with a Complaint Index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 years tracked by NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues lead with 320 complaints (28% share), followed by Engine issues at 263 complaints (23%) and Collision Avoidance & Camera problems at 214 complaints (19%).
- Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Escape, covering airbags, collision avoidance camera systems, engine block heater cracking, and a transmission shift cable bushing issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 Escape compare to other bad years like 2013 or 2017?
- The 2016 Escape's Complaint Index of 47 is much lower than the 2013 (100) and 2017 (93) model years, which are both rated 'Avoid,' making 2016 a comparatively better choice.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2016 Escape?
- NHTSA data shows an overall median mileage at failure of 78,000 miles, with Transmission & Powertrain complaints occurring at a median of 88,000 miles.