EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
2016 Ford Escape
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 1,079 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Ford Escape, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 176 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 5 | 341 |
| Oct 2021 | 2 | 343 |
| Nov 2021 | 6 | 349 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 352 |
| Jan 2022 | 5 | 357 |
| Feb 2022 | 4 | 361 |
| Mar 2022 | 4 | 365 |
| Apr 2022 | 11 | 376 |
| May 2022 | 11 | 387 |
| Jun 2022 | 15 | 402 |
| Jul 2022 | 23 | 425 |
| Aug 2022 | 29 | 454 |
| Sep 2022 | 15 | 469 |
| Oct 2022 | 14 | 483 |
| Nov 2022 | 11 | 494 |
| Dec 2022 | 15 | 509 |
| Jan 2023 | 13 | 522 |
| Feb 2023 | 10 | 532 |
| Mar 2023 | 4 | 536 |
| Apr 2023 | 6 | 542 |
| May 2023 | 13 | 555 |
| Jun 2023 | 6 | 561 |
| Jul 2023 | 12 | 573 |
| Aug 2023 | 13 | 586 |
| Sep 2023 | 8 | 594 |
| Oct 2023 | 13 | 607 |
| Nov 2023 | 10 | 617 |
| Dec 2023 | 5 | 622 |
| Jan 2024 | 8 | 630 |
| Feb 2024 | 5 | 635 |
| Mar 2024 | 8 | 643 |
| Apr 2024 | 13 | 656 |
| May 2024 | 5 | 661 |
| Jun 2024 | 11 | 672 |
| Jul 2024 | 9 | 681 |
| Aug 2024 | 10 | 691 |
| Sep 2024 | 14 | 705 |
| Oct 2024 | 10 | 715 |
| Nov 2024 | 18 | 733 |
| Dec 2024 | 11 | 744 |
| Jan 2025 | 15 | 759 |
| Feb 2025 | 7 | 766 |
| Mar 2025 | 12 | 778 |
| Apr 2025 | 10 | 788 |
| May 2025 | 13 | 801 |
| Jun 2025 | 11 | 812 |
| Jul 2025 | 13 | 825 |
| Aug 2025 | 7 | 832 |
| Sep 2025 | 23 | 855 |
| Oct 2025 | 4 | 859 |
| Nov 2025 | 19 | 878 |
| Dec 2025 | 11 | 889 |
| Jan 2026 | 23 | 912 |
| Feb 2026 | 14 | 926 |
| Mar 2026 | 26 | 952 |
| Apr 2026 | 21 | 973 |
| May 2026 | 20 | 993 |
| Jun 2026 | 27 | 1,020 |
| Jul 2026 | 44 | 1,064 |
| Aug 2026 | 15 | 1,079 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)30926.7%
- Engine24120.8%
- Driver assistance22019.0%
- Electrical887.6%
- Steering736.3%
- Fuel system706.1%
- Other / unspecified353.0%
- Airbags242.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced, but the part was u not yet available. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756180
- Incident
- Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera screen was black and blue. The contact stated that on one occasion while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera operated momentarily, but the screen then went black and blue, and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle driving by in the parking lot. The second vehicle sustained damage to the passenger’s side rear bumper. There were no injuries reported. A Police report was filed, but the information was not available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756131
- Incident
- Sep 15, 2025
I own a 2016 Ford Escape with an open safety recall involving the rear-view/backup camera. I contacted Ford and have an existing Ford customer service case regarding the recall (Case CXH-08846683-H2S6Z8 ) Ford/dealer has informed me that the required replacement part is currently unavailable, leaving the safety recall unrepaired. The backup camera is a safety feature that is important when reversing and avoiding pedestrians, children, and other vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review Ford’s ability to provide a timely and effective remedy for this safety recall. I would also like Ford to provide a reasonable repair solution or timeline for obtaining the required part. Ford case number: CXH-08846683-H2S6Z8 Recall number: 25SA9 Vehicle: 2016 Ford Escape Date I was informed the part was unavailable: been trying for 5 months Dealer: Ford
- NHTSA ID
- 11755965
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
I own a 2016 Ford Escape SE affected by NHTSA recall 25V695 / Ford recall 25SA9 (rearview camera inspection). The recall was reported on October 14, 2025, and the remedy was anticipated to become available in June 2026. I contacted a Ford dealership on August 10, 2026, and was told that the parts are not currently available and that I should wait for a remedy notification in the mail. The recall has now been outstanding for approximately 10 months. I would like NHTSA to review the status of the recall and whether Ford is taking an appropriate amount of time to make the remedy available to affected owners. I would also like to know whether Ford has provided NHTSA with an updated estimated remedy-availability date, since the original recall information indicated that the remedy was anticipated to become available in June 2026, and it is now August 2026. The safety of myself and others is at risk with an incomplete remedy: I live on a busy road, and one morning while backing out of my driveway to go to work, I almost hit a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk at the end of my driveway. He was in my blind spot when I looked both ways, and my rearview camera was not working.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755897
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera flashed on and off. The failure was persistent. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755266
- Incident
- Jan 8, 2026
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
Statement in uploaded files
- NHTSA ID
- 11755037
- Incident
- Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the message “Camera not Available” was displayed and the passenger’s side rear of the vehicle side-swiped a fire hydrant. There were no injuries sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the camera would be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755027
- Incident
- Sep 15, 2025
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
Got in a wreck so bad it be t the frame she hit head on a d had seatbelt on and smacked her head on the dash the other cars airbags deployed hers did not
- NHTSA ID
- 11754943
- Incident
- Aug 5, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
Some 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U2300 after the ABS module is replaced.
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 21 | 9 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2024 | 76 | 8 | 0 | 63.3 |
| 2023 | 94 | 11 | 0 | 60.3 |
| 2022 | 226 | 19 | 2 | 68.5 |
| 2021 | 332 | 19 | 2 | 67.9 |
| 2020 | 1,578 | 23 | 2 | 63.6 |
| 2019 | 571 | 3 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2018 | 1,765 | 4 | 0 | 60.3 |
| 2017 | 2,654 | 4 | 0 | 58.8 |
| 2016Viewing | 1,079 | 4 | 0 | 61.2 |
| 2015 | 1,056 | 9 | 2 | 68.0 |
| 2014 | 2,074 | 16 | 2 | 65.2 |
| 2013 | 2,743 | 18 | 3 | 61.4 |
| 2012 | 598 | 2 | 2 | 54.7 |
| 2011 | 1,313 | 3 | 4 | 56.2 |
| 2010 | 2,068 | 5 | 4 | 56.1 |
| 2009 | 1,691 | 3 | 3 | 55.2 |
| 2008 | 1,973 | 5 | 3 | 58.3 |
| 2007 | 254 | 4 | 2 | 54.8 |
| 2006 | 464 | 5 | 1 | 53.9 |
| 2005 | 1,394 | 5 | 2 | 55.3 |
| 2004 | 499 | 8 | 6 | 61.8 |
| 2003 | 558 | 9 | 8 | 65.2 |
| 2002 | 1,027 | 10 | 10 | 67.3 |
| 2001 | 996 | 15 | 11 | 66.3 |
| 2000 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.