Worst 2016 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Ford Escape.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 300 | 5 | 1 | 85,262 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 183 | 3 | 6 | 65,889 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 80 | 1 | 3 | 40,321 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 79 | 1 | — | 88,603 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 67 | 4 | — | 52,507 mi | |
| Fuel System | 60 | 1 | 1 | 64,222 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 49 | — | — | 92,723 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 5 | — | 38,241 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 28 | 1 | — | 43,015 mi | |
| Airbags | 22 | 11 | — | 52,175 mi | |
| Brakes | 16 | 1 | — | 52,471 mi | |
| Body Structure | 14 | — | — | 26,603 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 12 | — | — | 83,774 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 12 | — | — | 154,172 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 11 | — | — | 36,832 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 8 | — | — | 38,917 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 7 | — | — | 77,881 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 2 | — | 43,709 mi | |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 7 | — | — | 44,708 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Ford Escape
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,491,298 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Other Ford Escape Years
2016 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Escape reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Escape?
How safe is the 2016 Ford Escape?
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Escape?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Ford Escape
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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