2016 FORD ESCAPE Power Train Problems

Transmission failed at 83000 miles with no warning or prior issues. I was driving home from work and the vehicle completely stalled out in traffic. Had it towed to a shop and was quoted nearly the cost that the vehicle is worth to have the transmission replaced.

Transmission failed. This is the third transmission in this car, which only has 130,000 miles and has been well-maintained. This transmission failure happened in a busy downtown area with evening traffic (lower visibility, lots of cars, lots of people, lots of angry and impatient drivers as car stopped working in busy area). I am lucky that I was not rear ended during the sudden failure.

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.

My 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L AWD had a total transmission failure rendering my car unmovable in the road while driving, putting both mine and other drivers safety at risk. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by a local shop. The transmission oil has been changed and vehicle serviced without any issues for the whole of the vehicles lifespan. Slow gear shifts and acceleration started only days prior to the total loss of the ability to accelerate or shift into any any gear including reverse.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to reverse into the garage, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while in reverse(R). The contact stated that upon test-driving the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle felt like the transmission had shifted to neutral, and the vehicle started losing power. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times while driving to an independent mechanic. The contact pulled over as needed. The contact was able to drive to Gateway Automotive Experts, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, and the contact requested assistance in prorating the vehicle; however, the request was denied. The...

Complete loss of power and the transmission just going out, there was no warning or indication that something was wrong with the transmission prior to it going out on the highway. Car has 120K miles on it. It was diagnosed as needing a new transmission, and cooler. The pump may have needed to be replaced as well. But the transmission was pushing fluid out into the engine. If the car was fixed, I would likely need a new engine as well. This was a platinum edition 2016 Ford Escape.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. Additionally, while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, where a passerby assisted the contact in disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, and the vehicle was restarted but lost motive power while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the camera. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was purchased, the liftgate failed to function as intended. The liftgate occasionally opened and closed independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had the transmission fluid...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The message "Motor Work Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that three weeks after the vehicle was purchased, the transmission failed to operate as intended. The contact replaced the transmission. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle and resuming driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and shifted back to drive(D), but the vehicle failed to respond and started rolling backwards on leveled road surface. The contact activated the hazard lights and continuously depressed the brake pedal while steering the vehicle on the busy road. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle made two abnormal loud popping sounds and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the transmission, and that the transmission could not be serviced. The vehicle was then towed to Autohub,...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Fault" was displayed once. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated and jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced; however, the vehicle hesitated to shift into gears while driving. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000(Power Train), which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure...

With no warnings the automatic transmission went into like limp mode. Shifted hard then no acceleration when pressing on gas. Faulty transmission light came on. I bought extended warranty when I purchased this car in 2020 from dealer. The warranty expired in August 2024. The transmission tore up in Oct. 2024. Took it to transmission guy who put it on code reader. 3 codes came up and he said it was bad. I bought the car at 55,000 miles and it tore up at 104,000 miles. Don't know if dealer ever changed fluid before I bought it but they never said anything to me about changing the transmission fluid. Transmission guy told me the filter was internal and couldn't be changed. The dealer said fluid should be changed around 50 to 60,000 miles and I guess they didn't do it. I went to them for 4 years for servicing and...

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.

After 104,000 miles Experienced Transmission issues. Been told this happens to several Ford Escapes' after 100k miles.

The transmission failed at 88,000 miles with no warning. The transmission started whining, and suddenly started slipping, and ultimately gave out, leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. After contacting a transmission specialist, I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, and they had seen multiple of the same model for the same issue, saying it was a manufacturer defect. I had to spend 6,000 dollars to have the transmission rebuilt. The check engine light came on after the transmission had completely failed.

Transmission abruptly failed on train tracks no warning nothing

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 4 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and eventually the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the engine seized again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to a recall that was performed on the vehicle in 2022. The vehicle was towed to the residence. In addition, the vehicle had been parked and inoperable since. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that in 2022, a recall notification for the power train was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was...

We were driving on the expressway in our 2016 Ford Escape in the far left lane (4 lanes) and when my husband pushed on the gas, it revved up. Then it seemed like we started to lose power. A red exclamation point error came up on the dashboard, but I couldn't tell what it said. My husband was somehow able to get us across the highway (in busy traffic) to the right lane, where we wer able to get off the exit and pull into a parking lot. If the car has lost full power on the interstate, there's no telling what would have happened. Our car was towed to the shop and they're saying the transmission needs replacing ($7200). There is a known recall for 2013-2019 Ford Escapes concerning the power train / transmission. Our VIN is not listed, but I find it highly suspect because we had no...

The contact called on behalf of her father who owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon her father starting the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into drive, with the “Service Vehicle Soon” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

The vehicle experienced multiple critical system failures within one week of purchase: Transmission failure (slipping, delayed shifting, and stalling during acceleration) Braking system malfunction (brakes jump or pulse when pressed, inconsistent stopping) Fluid leakage inside the cabin near the gas and brake pedals (believed to be either brake fluid or transmission fluid) The vehicle is currently undrivable and can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became a severe safety hazard while I was operating it with my infant child in the car. The brakes were unresponsive and unpredictable, creating near-miss situations when trying to stop. The transmission failure caused stalling at intersections and hesitation when accelerating, putting me at risk of being rear-ended. The fluid leak near the pedals presents a possible fire hazard or the risk of further brake failure. I feared for my life and my child’s safety. The problem has not been confirmed by...

The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her husband was accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle jolted and felt as if it was rear-ended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and rolled forward. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle, and resumed driving; however, the failure recurred after driving 100 ft. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was related to the transmission, and the driver was informed that it was a common failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced because the transmission was electric. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure recurred increasingly while driving. The...

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 transmission was slipping while shifting gear and the vehicle jerked abnormally. In addition, the contact noticed a grinding sound and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure began shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was provided an option to trade the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over camera system displayed a black screen and became disabled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic regarding the back over camera system failure and...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 67,839.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated after reversing at 5 MPH and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as intended and continued to reverse. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer attempted to convince the contact to trade-in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Transmission failure. Had to have the transmission repaired at 132,000 miles. Had idle issues and inconsistent speed while driving on the road, constant jerking causing me to lose speed while driving. Check engine light illumination was on but this is not always a tell-tell sign of the transmission failure in these vehicles.

On march 13th I was coming home and my transmission stopped working I had to have it towed and now it’s being replaced

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...

There is already an existing recall for the model vehicle I have (Recall/CSP Number:
Ford's number for this program is 22N12). My vehicle is sitting at the local Ford dealer with a cracked flex plate/broken flywheel, just as described in the recall. However my VIN does not show as part of this recall…I need to get it added.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the RPM increased, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and pushed out of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the third gear had an incorrect ratio. The fluid condition was filled with material, and an overhaul of the transmission was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The vehicle's transmission failed without warning while my wife was driving the vehicle. It died in the middle of a busy road.

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with her husband seated in the front passenger’s seat, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact proceeded to exit the highway on an off-ramp and was successful in bringing the vehicle to a stop when the vehicle regained normal function. The contact also stated that the failure recurred while driving onto the highway with the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to the coast at a slow speed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN) as the probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not...

I was driving down the road with my wife and friends when my vehicle started to lose forward power. It then started to jerk. i was able to make it off the road where I then turned the vehicle off and restarted it then began to drive again it did not make it much further before completely being unable to drive. There was no transmission light on. I was on the interstate just minutes before and if had happened while i was driving there I would have been stranded and in an unsafe situation. I had it towed to a shop and they told me a part of the transmission must have broke inside and ot would need to be replaced. I then took it to a transmission shop and they said the same thing. My car is available for inspection. I did not get it inspected by the manufacturer...

2016 escape. Was driving vehicle without incident. Stopped at traffic light. Upon light turning green, gas pedal depressed, engine operational RPM needle working but vehicle would not move. Would not engage. No fault lights illuminated. No check engine light came on. Was able to limp off main road. Had vehicle towed to Ford dealer. Upon diagnostic they said nothing at all was wrong. Until they checked transmission fluid and found metal in it. They stated the transmission fault sensor should have engaged long before this happened. It never did. Vehicle has 123k on it. Pristine condition otherwise. Quoted 8k by Ford to put it rebuilt transmission. Can't afford that as a single, public educator, mom. Had recalled bushing replaced in Dec 2022 after similar thing occurred and had to have it towed.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Transmission" was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted as the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to respond while in drive(D) and reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that in 2022, prior to the vehicle being purchased, the dealer had replaced the transmission bushing cable. The contact stated that the repair was performed under an undisclosed recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any unknown recall or special program. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

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 when the brake pedal was depressed the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to an independent mechanic who specialized in transmission replacement. The vehicle was towed to a second independent mechanic that specialized in transmission replacement. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the...

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started to roll backwards, with the transmission fault message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 198,465.

Transmission problem. Car slow down drastically. Cannot back up.

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...

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

The vehicle flashed to move it to park, which i did and then the vehicle proceeded to die in the middle of a busy intersection. My children were in the vehicle on an incredibly hot day, surrounded by lots of traffic, making it incredibly dangerous for us. I had my vehicle towed to my home, where my husband, who is a mechanic, was able to figure out that the 50 amp fuse in the fuse box had blown, but it never registered on the scanner, that the fuse was the issue. He changed the fuse, thus fixing the issue. I would just like other owners of this type of vehicle to know, that hopefully this could also be their issue, and a simple fix.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission shifted gear independently with the "Shift to Park" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that several icons on the instrument panel were blinking intermittently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,312.

Transmission suddenly loosing power without any signs on highway , car has only 93k miles , at highway speed I lost all power without warnings .

I was driving on a highway. All of a sudden the transmission fail light came on and my vehicle almost came to a complete stop. I NO warning. I was scared to death!!!! I see I am not the only one. I see several similar reports online.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle rolled backwards while in drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed and shifted to first gear after a while. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that an unknown transmission message was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the torque converter might have failed, causing the transmission filter to be clogged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact...