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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1972 |
| 2009 | 1691 |
| 2010 | 2067 |
| 2011 | 1312 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2739 |
| 2014 | 2067 |
| 2015 | 1027 |
| 2016 | 1028 |
| 2017 | 2620 |
| 2018 | 1724 |
| 2019 | 557 |
| 2020 | 1546 |
| 2021 | 323 |
| 2022 | 219 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
30% of complaints: power train — 304 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: engine — 193 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: back over prevention — 120 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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, 20251217
8% of complaints: electrical system — 82 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY7% of complaints: steering — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V398000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V695000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V011000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (304 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (193 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for back over prevention issues (120 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V398000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V695000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.