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2016 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationAn average Escape year.
1,146 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Escape?The 2016 Ford Escape has 1146 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and back over prevention. Owners most often flag coolant intrusion into engine cylinders on 1.5l and 1.6l engines, causing engine destruction.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escape years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Escape?
Across the 27 Escape model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2000) to 4,834 (2008). With 1,146 complaints, the 2016 Escape sits about the same as the model's median of 1,110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Escape
air bags:knee bolster
Campaign 17V398000Ford 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."
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 22V413000Ford 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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 25V695000Ford 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.
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 26V011000Ford 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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation Escape
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive for owners who have had trouble-free experiences, with several reporting high mileage and strong satisfaction.
- Very frequentCoolant intrusion into engine cylinders on 1.5L and 1.6L engines, causing engine destruction
- Very frequentMyFord Touch infotainment system bugs, glitches, and poor navigation
- RecurrentTransmission failures, particularly on 2013 models, including bushing issues addressed by recall
- RecurrentSYNC system Bluetooth connectivity problems and audio dropouts
- RecurrentBattery dying prematurely, often around 50,000-60,000 miles
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Escape. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escape listings typically run $9,995–$20,378.
Other Escape model years
Compare every Escape year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escape against its rivals
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