2016 FORD ESCAPE Engine Problems

179 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2016 FORD ESCAPE

179 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 FORD ESCAPE. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.

179
Complaints
3
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11717323 |
Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle, the Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealership, where a diagnostic scan revealed fault code P0247. The dealership confirmed that the wastegate solenoid has failed. Safety Risk: The failure of the wastegate solenoid prevents the Engine Control Unit (ECU) from properly managing turbocharger boost levels. This results in "limp mode" or a significant reduction in acceleration and engine performance. Furthermore, improper boost regulation poses a long-term risk of catastrophic engine damage, which could lead to a stall or fire while the vehicle is in motion. Additional Information: DTC Code: P0247 (Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B) Symptoms: Check Engine Light, diminished throttle response. Repair Status: Confirmed by dealership diagnostic and completed.
#11713108 |
I have replaced the transmission due to the toque converter acting up and then failing. I have replaced now 3 coolant parts as well due to leaking and constant overheating and have replaced the block once as well.
#11712595 |
I have a 2016 Ford Escape SE with the Ecoboost engine. I have been experiencing the same issue with misfires in port 4 which also shows an open circuit every time as well for over the past year. The dealership has replaced everything underneath including but not limited to my spark plugs, wires, coils, and even my entire wiring harness. The issue is still happening and they do not know what is causing it. I think my vehicle may fall under the complaint failure FORD currently has on their 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 Ecoboost engines. It has been to the dealership for the same repairs over 8 different times. When is enough actually enough. I have lost power several times in traffic and it's like slamming on my brakes. This is how bad the misfire is. My check engine light has been flashing due to this issue as well as...
#11709843 |
Coolant intrusion into the ecosystem turbo. It is a known issue, but not disclosed and now the engine has to be replaced at a cost of what the vehicle is worth?!
#11708106 |
My car set a code , and the engine misfired. I took all the necessary steps, but the code reappeared. I have Car Shield, and they are saying its cracked block but refuse to replace the head gasket. My mechanic believes it's the head gasket, so a cracked block seems common in these cars, as does a bad head gasket. What should I do, and whom should I contact to fight Car Shield and Ford?
#11703276 |
Escape has developed water intrusion in cylinder #2 of the 2.0 ECOBOOST engine, with under 80,000 miles. continued driving of the car could cause overheating due to low coolant and potential motor seizing. check engine light has come on, with cylinder misfire but no low coolant warnings. Potential engine seizing will be a safety concern if the vehicle is in motion, causing loss of control and damage to passengers and other motorists. I have footage of the cylinder leak via inspection camera if needed.
#11701007 |
Car has been checked for coolant loss and pressure tested coolant system. Was told coolant is leaking internally. Car is at 120,000 miles.
#11700769 |
Water leaking into cylinder number 3, causing misfires and loss of coolant/ overheating
#11697397 |
The fuel injector and the one of the cylinders has gone bad and has been available for inspection. My safety has been put to rest due to engine overheating. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer police or any insurance representative. The check engine light did appear on November 1, 2025. The car started overheating on November 4, 2025. According to other owners that I have spoken to, this is a constant problem with this make and model. I believe it is a manufacturer defect since so many other owners are experiencing the same issue.
#11697279 |
Transmission failed at 62,000 miles with no prior issues or indication to this matter.
#11696807 |
After 104,000 miles Experienced Transmission issues. Been told this happens to several Ford Escapes' after 100k miles.
#11687256 |
Coolant leak into cylinder head. Upon start up a cloud of white smoke came from the exhaust.
#11683012 |
According to Cleburne Ford, my 2016 Ford Escape had a coolant leak that makes the engine malfunction and they quoted me a price for a new engine installation. My safety had been impacted because now I don’t know when my engine will stop working but I need a car to get to work. An independent mechanic I took it to told me he could not find a leak or see anything wrong with it, but of course he isn’t a Ford dealership employee. I had a check engine light to which then I contacted Cleburne Ford and they were able to diagnose it and give me the bad news.
#11682577 |
I was driving the car and I was having issues with it shutting off when I was driving the car it shut off in the middle of me driving and it just wouldn't move after that until a tow truck driver came and gave me a jumpstart that happened a number of times, but in the middle of traffic was the worst and very dangerous when my kids are in the car
#11674565 |
The engine light came on so we took it to a mechanic. The diagnostic said "coolant leaking in cylander 1". We were told the engine was allowing coolant to leak into it (because of a design flaw known to Ford) and the only option was to completly replace it. That engine is no longer being manufactured and Ford won't help me in any way. My car has less than 70,000 miles on it and is undriveable. Total engine failure due to head gasket leak.
#11670037 |
We have 2016 Ford Escape Ecoboost 1.6L that has the very same issues as in the recall for the car but our vin number was not included in the recall. This car was taken to the Ford dealership for all services, recommend services, oil changes. I have all the receipts for this. In August of 2023 I took the car in for oil change and they said everything passed inspection. Copy of record to follow. Then in October of 2023 the transmission had error code and had to be towed to dealership. Was told transmission had to be replaced. Fords cost took to another transmission shop they verified transmission needed to be replaced. Paid 4,000 for it to be done. Then in December of 2023 another light came on in the car...check engine light...car again had to be towed to Ford dealership...this time engine needed to be replace at the...
#11669959 |
Eco boost failure recommended replacement referred to a Ford dealership for service 1500.00 to 2000.00 for replacement
#11669449 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was turning on and off continuously while driving. The contact stated that the failure was causing a distraction while driving. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable while reversing. Additionally, the infotainment system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
#11667579 |
a couple of years ago my car started having problems when accelerating, it would not accelerate or almost get to stall without warning, a couple times I got the message " engine fault - service now" . I took my car to the dealership and they could not find the root cause because the message would disappear when turning the car off and on again, therefore they could not reproduce the issue but my car had this same episode 3 times over the past 8 years without resolution from the dealership. finally a few days ago the issue came back but this time the message is not going away after turning off the car, I used a code reader and the error code reads: P0236. I am trying to get an appointment at the dealership to have my car looked at and finally have the repair done. but I believe...
#11660318 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
#11658766 |
Coolant was found in cylinders causing engine failure and needing to be replaced.
#11656280 |
Head gasket failure, coolant is leaking into the engine causing combustion and potential fire
#11656418 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle became hard to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve, valve cover, oil pan gasket, engine, and turbo needed to be replaced. The contact had received an unknown recall notification for the transmission. The contact authorized the canister purge valve to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 119,500.
#11653975 |
Engine 1.6l needs replaced with less than 100k miles because of coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire, only fix is a new engine for 8k! Serviced every 3000k miles by the local ford dealer
#11652990 |
The coolant leaked into the engine causing it to seize up while on the highway. The engine is completely shot and needs to be replaced. I have since found out this is an ongoing and known issue with the Ford ecoboost engines. Ford refuses to address this issue. I was told it was my spark plugs and water pump, which i had both replaced.
#11651611 |
While diving the vehicle hesitates. I have had it checked and it seems that the turbo is bad. After speaking to others this seems to be an issue with this vehicle. With the electrical issues, my back up camera, radio, speakers, navigation all do not work. Also while driving my flashers will randomly flash and my speedometer as well as my RPM gage will go crazy. While driving down the road my speakers blared white noise so loud that it almost caused me to wreck because it scared me so badly. I had to have the fuse taken it in order to get it to stop.
#11651614 |
Service engine warning came on/ tester indicated low pressure fuel system. On 02282025 the lower pressure fuel senor(Part#BU5Z*9F972*B was replaced at Landers Ford/Collierville, TN. On [XXX] Service engine warning came on. I contacted the dealership, and was advised to bring it in to get checked. Tester indicated that cylinder #4 was not working. So part# BM5Z*12029B (NS COIL A) and Part# CYFS*13Y*RCX(100 SPARK) were both ordered and replaced. When I went to pickup Mr car on [XXX], it was missing very bad. I was told that Anti-freeze was shooting into the motor, and that the motor was not repairable, and that I could replace it or trade my car in. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11650465 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated with an abnormally loud whirring sound. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started working properly. On another occasion while driving into school parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact struck the curve and the vehicle drove onto the grass and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal gear failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage...
#11650477 |
On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to Stowasser shop because it was again running poorly. This time, they had to install a new motor. At that time, my mileage was 49,000, but when the vehicle was returned to me, it had 75,000 miles on it. I asked why the mileage had increased so significantly, but they kept changing the subject and never provided an answer. When I went to pick up my vehicle, the salesperson who sold me the vehicle whispered to me that my vehicle needed new...
#11649714 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11649826 |
Our 2016 Ford Escape had a check engine light come on and populated a code for a #4 cylinder misfire. I took it to the mechanics shop and he found that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and the engine would need to be replaced. He had knowledge of finding this issue in the past. The car only has 58000 miles on it and has had all of its regular maintenance. It seems Ford is aware of these issues yet doesn't do anything about it. absolutely terrible to not stand behind the equipment that they charge a premium for. This puts families at risk when these things die with such low mileage stranded them on highways or God knows where.
#11648572 |
While I was driving, suddenly check engine light pop up. After investigating and troubleshooting by mechanic it shows need to replace Evap canister purge valve. Vehicle has just 68000 miles and this component should not be failed this early in life cycle.
#11640964 |
Coolant leaked into my engine, causing engine failure and the need to be replaced at a cost of close to $10k. This is a known issue that the mechanic had seen several times, with a class action lawsuit ongoing and many cases know for the 2013-2019 Ford Escapes. It is not under recall or warranty. Only 70,000 miles on my car. Feel like I've been penalized even though I took good care of my car. This was Ford's fault as it was a defect in their car and yet I am the one that is out $10k. This should be under recall, I feel like I got taken advantage of by Ford. Please consider making Ford put a recall on this, so the consumer (me and many others) rightfully gets the value that they paid for. I am pretty angry, and think a right to be. The company (or person)...
#11637939 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a low-pressure fuel rail failure. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
#11635906 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was idling rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle received undisclosed repairs; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
#11633885 |
Antifreeze leaks in cylinder, Ford says need to replace engine only 75k on the engine.
#11632670 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a stop light, "The engine was overheating" warning message illuminated. The vehicle was taking an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,100.
#11632425 |
Coolant leaks into engine. Not repairable and requires full engine replacement.
#11630649 |
Coolant leaked into the heads and ruined engine.
#11630355 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex plate and Oxygen sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 113,918.
#11629228 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped on several occasions, the vehicle was idling rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that an undisclosed DTC code was reset however, approximately a week later the code reappeared. The engine then started overheating and coolant was added to the coolant reservoir was administered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
#11628073 |
The car is releasing large amounts of white smoke when starting the car in the morning, and shows declining levels of coolant (way below MIN when I checked). I suspect this is due to a leaking gasket.
#11628108 |
Has internal coolant leak
#11627770 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine block was cracked, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
#11626551 |
Transmission faulty
#11626409 |
Ford is aware of a design flaw with the 2.0 Ecoboost engines. It impacts Escapes, Fusions, Edges, and some Lincoln vehicles. They issued TSB # 22-2229 about this. According to Ford, the only fix is to replace the engine. The engine block has a design flaw that causes the head gasket to blow and cause severe coolant leakage into either cylinder 2 or 3. Ford says to replace the Long block. My vehicle had less than 70k miles on it and started having issues just a month or so after the warranty expired. An engine should last much longer than this. Now our vehicle may be worth $500 instead of about $9,000. Ford knows this is an issue and there is significant information on the Internet about this. Ford should have been forced to recall these engines. From a safety standpoint, our engine fails to start at times. The cylinder...
#11625776 |
My car overheated when I pulled over I noticed my engine coolant low. I had a mechanic add more fluids then a day later car shuts off why I was going 65 on a highway . I was pushing down on the gas peddle but my car would not go. It was barely moving no matter how far I pushed gas peddle. I finally found a somewhat area to pull over . I almost died or was seriously injuried in a few close call accidents this day. Had someone look at it from a garage in town he said it was a fuse and a cylinder misfire. No engine light no issues then my car over heated again no warning just shut down but the car still on Emmy lights didn’t work my turn signals didn’t work . Then my car stopped dead in a busy roadway over heated smoking...
#11620283 |
65,000 miles, coolant intrusion into #1 cylinder confirmed by Ford service center. First signs were Check Engine Light, rough idle. Replaced all spark plugs and coils. Check engine light returned the following day with loss of coolant in tank. Engine runs rough and overheats with coolant loss and continued intrusion into engine, endangering occupants
#11620225 |
Throttle body and motor was replaced twice due to engine keep stalling issues on the roads intermittently. Had faced life threatening occasions multiple times because the car engine stalled while car was driving on the roads. I brought the car to the local Ford service center several times and got the DTC P2112 code each visit. Ford service center approved the throttle body replacement on 2/10/2020 (car mileage 26688) but the same issue came back a few months later. P2112 was detected again on 4/30/2023 (mileage 40215) It was not very frequent but it happened once per month or every other month. I brought this car once again to the same local Focal service center and they diagnosed the throttle body and motor to be defect again (mileage 46476) and replaced it on 10/15/2024.
#11618608 |
Ford Escape is experiencing multiple symptoms: * Fuel smell in the cabin * Sluggish acceleration * Hard start (cranks several seconds without ignition) after refueling * (RARE) Engine stall when coming to a stop.

Other 2016 FORD ESCAPE Problem Areas

Power Train 296 complaints Unknown Or Other 124 complaints Electrical System 79 complaints Steering 66 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 58 complaints Back Over Prevention 57 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 49 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 30 complaints Wheels 28 complaints Air Bags 22 complaints Service Brakes 16 complaints Structurebody 14 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 12 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 12 complaints Visibilitywiper 11 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 9 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 8 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 7 complaints Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 7 complaints Suspension 6 complaints Exterior Lighting 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 4 complaints Structure 4 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 3 complaints Seat Belts 3 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 3 complaints Equipment 2 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 2 complaints Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 2 complaints Seats 2 complaints Tires 2 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosuperchargerhosesplumbing 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 1 complaint Exterior Lightingfog Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Steeringrack And Pinion 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate 1 complaint Structurebodytailgate 1 complaint Traction Control System 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint
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