2016 FORD ESCAPE Engine Problems

179 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Engine Complaints — Page 2

#11617275 |
The car was running fine, but check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer to have it checked out. They told me there is coolant intrusion into engine cylinder 2 (I think number 2) and the engine needs to be replaced. Apparently this is a known issue that can lead to overheating, “catastrophic” engine failures and potential engine fires. They quoted me roughly ten thousand dollars to have it replaced. I told them it was still running fine. They said I could maybe keep driving it but there is no way to know what will happen and when but it needs to be replaced. I am only now seeing page after page of consumer complaints regarding the same issue.
#11615701 |
Power reduced to lower engine temperature message appeared on the dashboard. Stopped and saw coolant seemed empty. I filled it up to the max line. The next day it was empty again. It’s been 2 days and I filled it again today.
#11614188 |
Catastrophic engine failure. "Engine skipped timing; timing codes coolant intrusion in cylinder#1 inside cylinder head". Car towed to Portland Oregon Ford dealership and remains there. When warning lights appeared saying "engine failure pull over safely", the driver pulled over; it was not a safe area to be parked indefinately. The Escape vehicle has needed towing twice for related engine /coolant problems including driver being on a road out of town alone and needing to take a bus back home from the rural area. Engine/vehicle is available at dealership for inspection. Problem has been recreated and the Ford mechanic has given the above description.
#11613372 |
Ive had my vehicle since February 27, 2024 and around May time the engine began to overheat. Itook it to Pepboys and they said it was possibly a head gasket issue, but didnt check the coolant levels. I tried to fill it up and it all dumped on the ground at my apartment. I filled it up again the next day and it held for about 2 months. 1 week ago, while driving to work I the engine had reduced power to precent overheating. Ever since sincr each time I go fill the overflow tank with coolant it dumps completely on the ground.
#11613633 |
After riding around with a friend one afternoon, we went to a drive-thru for a snack and my car began to notify me that it was overheating. The dashboard stated that I should pull over and immediately shut off the engine for it to cool down. Upon doing so, I checked the coolant level, and upon releasing pressure, I noticed the coolant was low. I drove to the nearest Autozone and appropriately filled the coolant levels as needed. After that, the engine never overheated again, but it began to have issues accelerating, as well as running rough upon starting the engine and while in idle. A couple days later, the check engine light came on so I took my vehicle to the nearest Ford Dealership to see what was going on. Ford concluded that coolant was leaking into the 2nd cylinder of my engine. Due to this, the entire engine...
#11612385 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine misfired and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #1, and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent for a year. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the previous dealer several times due to the failure; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline...
#11610729 |
The following all occurred in just the past year. The following is a report from this May 2024: Performed Cooling System Pressure Test, Discovered Coolant to Be Leaking From Behind Engine Next to Firewall, Continued Diagnosis and Performed Physical Inspection Removing Wiper Cowl to Get a Better View of Behind the Engine, Once Wiper Cowl Was Removed Discovered Rear Heater Hose to Be Leaking Coolant Causing Customers Concern. Recommend Replace Heater Hose and Perform Cooling System Service During the Courtesy Inspection Aaron Noted: ***Coolant Fluid Very Low Due to Coolant Leak, Recommend Perform Cooling System Service with Hose Replacement ***Vehicle is Equipped With Timing Belt, Check Customers Records For Previous Replacement - The inital issues was the purge valve stuck open, which lead to a misfire code, so they mechanic had a replacement of purge valve chassy and replace spark plugs. - 2 weeks following this event, we were told...
#11609970 |
At 116k miles the Turbo had to be replaced, immediately following by the transmission failed and needs to be fully replaced.
#11610049 |
The car has less than 100,000 miles and has been diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. This is a known issue and Ford has not recalled this particular model for the same issue it has done recalls for. It is discussed in TSB 19-2208. The only known repair according to Ford is to replace the engine which is unacceptable for a car of this age and mileage. We have brought it in to check on the engine light and have been replacing coolant and have just found that the issue is that the engine has to be replaced according to a service station and Ford dealership. There are numerous social media accounts and class action suits filed for this very issue, and even Ford said that there "could" be a recall but so far there is not.
#11608790 |
Vechile showing transmission not in park
#11604055 |
Uncontrollable acceleration increase; Difficult and rough starting; Engine overheating warning lights and message alerts; Coolant empty and no visible leak; Continued loss of coolant; Copious moisture smelling of anti freeze coming from exhaust; Check engine light codes: P1450, P1450 pd, PO302
#11603252 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was abnormally loud, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11597990 |
Coolant leaked into the cylinders causing us to replace the motor.
#11597785 |
I was driving down the highway doing 70 mph my car lost all power and a warning light came on said engine failure. This is dangerous. We could've gotten killed.
#11597264 |
The crankshaft came loose, making a big racket. The pins that hold the crankshaft came looks this could cause a crash and is a big safety risk.
#11596139 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that heavy white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test determined that coolant had leaked into an engine cylinder and that metal shavings were found in the oil and air intake tube. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
#11595574 |
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The engine block is cracked and leaking antifreeze into the combustion chamber. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -no Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Confirmed by dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -Just the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -None
#11592660 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering and chugging significantly. Additionally, the transmission was slipping between gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward. The contact also stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond while the engine was revving. The contact stated that he continuously depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer...
#11592089 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 60–65 MPH, coolant was leaking into the engine. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
#11588518 |
4/24/24 Vehicle began de accelerating quickly, going from 50mph to 28mph. The oil light came on, followed immediately by engine light, then seconds later, complete engine failure. Towed to dealership, where I was informed a week later that the engine needed to be replaced again. Ford replaced engine 1.5 years ago when another catastrophic failure occurred. That engine came with a 36 month warranty. Ford authorized the dealership to replace the engine again, however, was unwilling to provide a new 36 month warranty, indicating I would only have the remainder of the warranty period from the previous engine. This second incident could have resulted in serious injury to me, as it occurred on a busy road with no shoulder. I couldn’t open my driver door safely with speeding vehicles going by at 45-50mph to catch a ferry. My research indicates Ford was aware of potential problems with this model since...
#11582796 |
The coolant leaks into the engine. I have already had it fixed before. It did it again and ruined my engine. I am now on the hook to replace the engine and still paying the car off. Looking to Google shows this is a known issue that ford refuses to address and has cost thousands of people a lot of money.
#11582197 |
I was driving my 2016 Ford Escape and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I steeped on the gas and the car would not move. No check engine light came on and there was no indication that anything was wrong. The car had to be towed to two different repair shops. The first repair shop diagnosed that it was the transmission and they wanted to much to repair. I then had it towed to a transmission repair shop where they rebuilt my transmission. I picked up my car today and the shop told me that there was a recall on 2016 Ford Escapes. I called ford and they agreed there was a recall on 2016 Ford Escape transmissions but it did not include my car. This makes no sense as my car only has 63208 miles on it and the transmission went out with no warning....
#11578357 |
Check engine light came on, car was taken to mechanic. Coolant system cylinder 1, 2 were showing as codes and coolant was 1/2 gallon low. Coolant was found to be leaking into engine and engine replacement was the only fix. Mechanic also indicated there is a TSB for this issue, meaning it is a known problem that ford will not help with correcting.
#11565708 |
Check engine light is on at 63,000 miles. Ford dealer confirmed coolant in cylinder and immanent total engine failure, so vehicle is not safe to drive as it may stop at any time and loss of coolant. Only indication is the check engine light. Dealer quoted repairs for engine, turbo, and cat converter replacement at over $18,000. Research on the internet reveals that this is a common failure. Since the warranty is out of the time and 3k over the covered range they will do absolutely nothing to remedy the issue. The sticker price on the Escape Titanium is over $37,000.
#11563752 |
While driving home going about 40 mph my Ford Escape lost acceleration and then completely shut off IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD! I was able to "limp" it to the side of the street where it would not start at all. I then placed it in reverse (as I was on a hill) to roll it backwards into a neighborhood to get it out of the way of on coming traffic. It was 10 PM at night! I waited for a few minutes and was able to get it to start but not change gears. I was able to get it to my neighborhood with hazards on going barely 10mph. It literally rolled into my driveway where it has been since (November 2023).
#11558845 |
engine coolant leaking into cylinders 1&2, causing check engine light to come on, misfires (over a period of 6 months)and block to crack. Had to replace. Bought escape in April 2023, Have car loan plus personal loan to pay for repairs. This was caused by defective design. Caused finical hardship for us. Could have caused engine overheating and fire. I will download one document for engine replacement, I have to many to download.
#11556980 |
On November 14th, 2023, a red alert appeared on the dash that indicated an engine temperature warning indicating that there was a high temperature warning and that I should find a safe place to pull over and immediately stop the vehicle. The temperature indicator on the dash showed the needle move instantly into the red/high area and then drop down. This happened twice, back-to-back. I checked the coolant and it was below the minimum level indicator as shown on the reservoir. A day later, the service engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to Advanced Auto and asked to pull the service code and was told there were two, P0303 and P0304 which indicated a cylinder three misfire and cylinder four misfire. I noted that the coolant was also low once again despite seeing no fluid on the ground after allowing the vehicle to run. Bill Collins Ford inspected the...
#11555451 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission inadvertently downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter became inoperable. The check engine and electronic throttle control system warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor mounts and transmission bushing cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
#11555322 |
The escape has a defective EcoBoost engine that cause coolant to leak into the cylinders, increasing the risk of engine failure or car fires. The 2016 escape had coolant leak into the cylinder of the engine that caused the engine to fail needing a new engine due to this. The problem of the coolant leaking into the engine has been documented by a Ford dealership and some models of the escape have been recalled due to this except the year of 2016. There was no warning lights or messages showing that this issue has happened. I was driving this vehicle when the issue was occurring and mine and my child’s safety was put at risk.
#11551697 |
While driving the car shuddered and then shut off. The transmission light came on with a warning about 5 minutes after it shut off. So there was never a warning and we were unable to get it to go back into any gear.
#11549970 |
The Coolant is leaking out of the engine somewhere. The dealership said it was fixed with a new coolant bypass valve Yet when got home the coolant bottle was empty and there was overheating warning again.
#11545072 |
Stalling in the middle of highway twice
#11543836 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature sensor illuminated, and the vehicle overheated. The contact stated he was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as having coolant intrusion and a warped engine block. The contact was informed that the engine block 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. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
#11540116 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited until the vehicle cool down and added coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NTHSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
#11538688 |
Vehicle check engine light goes on usually during hot weather. Vehicle stalls and hesitates on acceleration causing unsafe conditions with traffic, intersections, etc.
#11537612 |
Vehicle over heated and had to pull over to cool it down. Got vehicle home safe and check engine light was on. 116867 T1.0 for diag verified customer's concern. Quick test P1299, P0217, P0219 for over temp condition. removed spark plugs and found coolant intrusion into all the cylinders, WSM direction is to replace the long black. This same issue is happening with other Escapes and are on the recall list. I am requesting my VIN/car be added to the recall for the same issue.
#11531189 |
The engine does not always turn off when you press the start engine button. Although my vehicle is a 2016 Ford Escape it was most likely manufactured in 2015 and was manufactured in Lexington KY Ford has been unable to diagnose the problem although a recall already exists for the very same problem RECALL# 15V436000. Tallahassee FL Ford dealership is charging me for diagnostics (again) I have taken car to dealership before for this problem in June 2022 and they were unable to fix it . This is as serious safety issue for myself and my 2 toddlers both under the age of 3.
#11526269 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming out the exhaust pipe and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.
#11525971 |
I have a 2016 Ford Escape. Left the grocery store and the service engine soon light came on. The car went into safe mode and would only go 10 miles a hour. I was able to get it to the dealership and they told me it was the engine. They are waiting on the part. I was reading all these statements and ford needs to do better. 2 years ago the transmission went. The dealership that put the transmission in did not put all the bolts on when I took it to the dealership they told me the transmission was about to fall out! I wish I could get rid of this vehicle!
#11524024 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH and accelerating to highway speeds, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stated that the high engine temperature warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that coolant was added, and the vehicle was able to be driven to the intended destination. The vehicle was turned off and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
#11523915 |
Engine control computer malfunction is causing the engine, SYNC, bluetooth, brake lights, and rearview camera to malfunction.
#11523368 |
Rear view camera stopped working almost a year ago, and out of no where the transmission stopped working. I recently just got an oil change and asked for the works to get my whole car checked out and that report as all the reports before it came back with no issues. So found it surprising that this happened.
#11522041 |
My engine suffered the coolant intrusion issue that many ford eco boost engines are experiencing. I reached out to ford because its a part of their ford TSB (which I have copies of and sent Ford). I was quoted 12,249$ By the ford dealership to fix my engine, when this is an on going issue with ford ecoboost engines. There were no warnings other than my car overheated once and kept losing coolant into the engine (white smoke from tailpipe) the check engine light finally came on 2 days before I took it into the dealership (my husband assumed it was head gasket). The dealership has diagnosed engine failure, it wasn’t until then we started doing research and realized there is even a lawsuit against ford for this issue. My car insurance will not pay for it because it is not an issue caused from collision. I am a mother...
#11517100 |
Defect in the coolant system which caused leaking into my cylinders
#11516670 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the warranty had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
#11502587 |
Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad with only approximately 50,000 miles. Ford would not talk to me and the dealership stated it is not covered under the extended warranty. Somehow I paid minimal repairs but during that time their best mechanic was fired. Next the Continental tires pealed. I had the tire warranty and the dealership would not cover. I called Continental they stated that they knew these tires were bad but yet they were still sold on vehicles! After much complaining and stress all but $400 was covered by Continental. The dealership did very little. At approximately 65,000 the...
#11502444 |
Vehicle engine started smoking. Coolant fluid and oil entered the engine compartment caused engine failure and blown rod and more damage to engine. Dealer estimated $12,000 to replace engine. Research determined that many of these vehicles have had similar issues. Very dangerous situation under any circumstance but more so when this occurred on a busy interstate highway. There is currently a class action lawsuit, [XXX]et al v. Ford Motor Company, case no. [XXX] that addresses the failure of Ford to properly address the engine defect. I am not a party to that lawsuit. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
#11501352 |
Car stared backfiring and engine light came on. Mechanic told me coolant is leaking into cylinder from head gasket. Told me probably need a new engine, told me Ford is aware of problems but aren't going to repair them. Ford has a tech bulletin- SSM 49821
#11496384 |
I was driving to work and my temperature gauge starting moving all over and car stated, "pull to safety." I pulled over and had car towed to Northside service center in brockport where they had it towed to West Herr dealership in spencerport. West Herr stated the recall doesn't match my VIN and is refusing to repair it.
#11495494 |
I checked this site and my car had 1 recall that I was never informed or made aware of by my manufacturer. I don’t know if it’s a minor recall or a major one, but it’s scary.

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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