2016 Ford Escape: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Ford Escape: 4 recalls, 1148 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V398000 · 2017 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V695000 · 2025 · 1,448,655 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera May display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Equipment Vehicle recall #26V011000 · 2026 · 116,672 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 19 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (320): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (144), warning light on (103), stalls / loses power (40).
- Backup camera (233): the most common themes are warning light on (29), stalls / loses power (8).
- Engine (200): the most common themes are warning light on (76), leaks (56), stalls / loses power (47).
- Other / unknown (154): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (17), warning light on (13).
The 2016 Ford Escape has 1148 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 27 Escape model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 1016). Complaints peaked in 2026 (259 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (1111 complaints, 9 recalls), 2017 (2694 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Ford Escape.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Escape problems?
Owners have filed 1148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (320), backup camera (233), engine (200).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Ford Escape repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.