2016 Ford Escape problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,121 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Escape, filed between 2015-10-01 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the power train (320, 29%), back over prevention (214, 19%) and engine (199, 18%). Owners reported 36 crashes, 10 fires and 19 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Ford Escape complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 320 | 29% | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| Back over prevention | 214 | 19% | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 199 | 18% | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 151 | 13% | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 92 | 8% | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 71 | 6% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 61 | 5% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 56 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 32 | 3% | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Wheels | 32 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 24 | 2% | 12 | 0 | 9 |
| Structure | 21 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 14 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 9 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 320 complaints
- 320 complaints of 1,121 (29%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 32 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Escape; the recall, campaign 22V413000, says: “The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.”
Back over prevention: 214 complaints
- 214 complaints of 1,121 (19%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 14 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 6 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Escape; the recall, campaign 25V695000, says: “The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.”
Engine: 199 complaints
- 199 complaints of 1,121 (18%) name the engine.
- 32 of them also name the power train; owners reported 3 crashes, 6 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Escape covers this system.
Electrical system: 92 complaints
- 92 complaints of 1,121 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 18 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Escape covers this system.
Steering: 71 complaints
- 71 complaints of 1,121 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 4 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Escape covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 61 complaints
- 61 complaints of 1,121 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 21 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Escape covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 47 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 85 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 157 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 120 |
| 2025 | 145 |
| 2026 | 234 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ESCAPE, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Ford Escape recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Ford Escape's most common problem areas are the power train (320 of 1,121 complaints), back over prevention (214 of 1,121 complaints) and engine (199 of 1,121 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA has 1,121 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Escape, including 36 reported crashes and 10 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Escape's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Ford Escape; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.