2016 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Ford Escape a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,156 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and backup camera.
1,156 complaints 4 recalls, 1 fire risk 10th worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2016 Ford Escape problems
Transmission problems
320 complaints (28%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and differential unit.
Engine problems
247 complaints (21%) name the engine, most often the hoses / lines / piping / fittings and hoses / plumbing.
Backup camera problems
239 complaints (21%) name the backup camera, most often the rearview system braking and camera.
Electrical problems
95 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (626 of 1,156). The amber line is the middle value, about 79,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Ford Escape recalls
Engine block heater
Fire risk0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. 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.
Recall 26V011000 · Jan 2026Camera
The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. 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.
Recall 25V695000 · Oct 2025Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. 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. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022.
Recall 22V413000 · Jun 2022Knee bolster
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." 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.
Recall 17V398000 · Jun 2017Get an email when your 2016 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Escape years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,156 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and backup camera.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, backup camera and electrical system. 320 complaints (28%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and differential unit.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 69,000–107,000 miles, with a middle value near 88,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
4. Engine block heater (26V011000); Camera (25V695000); Gear position indication (PRNDL), Shift linkage / cable / rod (22V413000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.