2016 Ford Escape
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 1,116
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 1,116 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
29% · 325 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Back over prevention
19% · 208 reportsMost commonly citing rearview system braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
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 several occasions, the rear-view camera screen was black and blue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-11
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention).
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera became inoperable and crashed into an unknown Pontiac. The bumper was damaged, and there was no insurance coverage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-12-17
Engine
18% · 200 reportsElectrical system
8% · 94 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
Steering
7% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and power steering fluid.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-08-08Air bags17V398000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles.
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.
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R
2022-10-27Power train22V413000 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.
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.
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R
2026-01-02Back over prevention25V695000 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.
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.
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R
Date not on fileEquipment26V011000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 325 reports on file for this year.
- Back over prevention: 208 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 200 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V011000 · Equipment
- Recall 17V398000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V413000 · Power train
- Recall 25V695000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Ford Escape reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ford Escape is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.