2016 Ford Escape recalls and problems
The 2016 Ford Escape has 4 safety recalls and 1,194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Ford Escape recalls
Recall 26V-011: Equipment
Problem: 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.
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. 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.
Recall 25V-695: Back Over Prevention
Problem: 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.
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. 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.
Recall 22V-413: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-398: Air Bags
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. 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."
Risk: 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. 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.
2016 Ford Escape problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 328 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 274 | |
| Engine | 202 | |
| Unknown or Other | 161 | |
| Electrical System | 95 | |
| Steering | 73 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 63 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 57 | |
| Wheels | 35 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 | |
| Air Bags | 25 | |
| Structure | 21 |
Most reported parts
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 18
- Structure › Body — 14
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 13
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 12
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 7
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,972 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Escape years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Ford Escape: 26V-011 (equipment), 25V-695 (back over prevention), 22V-413 (power train), 17V-398 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Ford Escape?
Owners report power train problems most often (328 reports), followed by back over prevention (274). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,972 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.